By Lamin Sanyang
Honourable Lamin J. Sanneh, National Assembly Member for Brikama South has raised concerns on the political awareness of most Gambian electorates at the National Assembly in Banjul.
The Brikama South Parliamentarian after commending the electorates at the adjournment debate made emphasis on advocacy for voter education across the country. He highlighted the lack of political awareness amongst the electorates across the country particularly on issues relating to tribal instincts. He called on people to disassociate from partisan and tribal politics.
“Some people will say they did not oppose a sitting government,” Hon. Lamin J. Sanneh said.
Honourable Sanneh further went on to talk about the removal of street lights in Brikama which he said is a cause for concern. He called on the authorities concern to resolve the problem as a matter of urgency. He also called on the government to create employment for the youth by creating juice factories at Marakissa and Darsilami villages because these settlements are endowed with many fruits.
Honourable Momodou LK Sanneh, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly also elaborated on the same point. He called on the government to empower the National Civic Education which he said was created to sensitize and educate Gambians. He quoted section 198 of the 1997 Constitution of The Gambia.
“They should go all around the country so that Gambians can be politically aware,” Hon. Momodou LK Sanneh, Deputy Speaker said.
The Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly said he concurred with the previous speakers on the appointments of Chiefs and Village heads which he said should be done by the people themselves.
Deputy Speaker Sanneh also talked about the prison reformation particularly the cell conditions of the State Central Prison Mile II. He talked about the food and health conditions as he served time in the prison. He called for respect on the rights of the inmates.
“The key to our salvation is knowledge,” Halifa Sallah, NAM for Serrekunda said.
Honourable Sallah said change has come at the very challenging period of The Gambia’s political history, saying an informed citizen is a sovereign and liberated citizenry. He called on the executive to come and address the national assembly on the issue of legislative agenda. He also talked about constitutional amendment and institutional reforms.
“The issue of accountability and transparency is paramount,” Honourable Sallah pointed out.
He added:”We are not toothless bulldog.”
According to Sallah, the National Assembly select committees have the same powers as the high court to summon anyone or institution but added that the members must be prepared.
“We must add values to the change that has happened,” he pointed out.
Sallah called on the government to investigate the billions spent in the agricultural sector. He also raised the issue of unemployment, saying most of the youths during the presidential campaign complained about joblessness. He said the minister will be invited to give feedback.
Honourable Alhagie S Darboe, NAM for Brikama North envisaged for the new Gambia which he has highlighted on issues of security, energy and democracy among other things.
“We will be the assembly of the people by the people and for the people,” Honourable Alhagie S Darboe said.
The Brikama North NAM said he was impressed with the level of deliberations of the honourable members which he said demonstrates that they will no longer be regarded as rubber stamps if they continued on the trend taken.
Meanwhile, several members made interventions before adjourning to sine die.
