The theory of separation of powers in a democracy is for there to be checks and balances. The three arms of government; the Executive, the Judiciary and the Legislature are supposed to hold each other to account. This is to ensure that no arm of government has unlimited power to abuse the power that they have. This is quite important and must be taken seriously. The National Assembly Members are supposed to ask questions which concern them, their constituencies and indeed the whole nation. This can only be done if the relevant ministers are available to answer questions and shed light on issues which have to do with their ministries.
It has become common that some ministers will not attend these debates but would rather assign colleague ministers to step in for them. Obviously, this can be acceptable only on special occasion when the concerned minister has something very urgent to attend to and will not be able to be in the House. This past adjournment sitting was attended by only the minister of Justice and that of Energy.
Hon. Sidia Jatta of Wuli East raised this concern and vowed never to speak about any issue if the minister responsible is not available. This is understandable as, if the minister is not present whatever is said is likely to be just repeating formulas and the purpose of the debate is defeated. Whichever minister is deputizing for an absent one has his own things to take care of and may not be able to answer all questions raised by the members at the time. This is why five questions were raised in a sitting and only one of them could be answered.
The adjournment debates happen three times in the year. Deputies have fifteen minutes each to ask questions, raise concerns and seek clarity from the line ministers. Naturally, having the schedule of the sittings should enable ministers plan their schedule in such a way that they will not necessarily miss the sittings. It is of extreme importance for them to submit themselves to the National Assembly Members so that they can give them the answers to their questions.
We voted for a change, not only of government, but of the system as well. Ministers must understand that they have a duty to the nation, a duty that they must hold sacred. The National Assembly Members are the representatives of the people and have been mandated by the Constitution, among other things, to hold the Executive to account. Thus, the Executive arm of government must cooperate with them so that we can rebuild our country. The disregard of procedure of the previous government which all but crippled our economy must not be repeated by this one. Let us fulfil our duties and responsibilities.
Have a Good Day Mr. President…
Tha Scribbler Bah
A Concerned Citizen
