By: Gibril Saine
I write with a deep sense of regret as to the attitude of the National Assembly in Banjul. For the record – The legislative branch is tasked with the sacred “Truth” of enacting laws on behalf of all Gambians, and of executive oversight by upholding the President and the Cabinet accountable for the decisions therein, amongst others. Simply, the Parliament historically came into being, purposeful, sanctified, with a remit to preserve democracy.
Indeed, if the occupants of that chamber are true representatives of “The Gambian People” as they have led us to believe and as prescribed in their portfolios, then why the wait? To put it plainly, how long are Gambian MPs prepared to sit and wait before condemning the tyrannical actions Yahya Jammeh embarked on? His actions are unconstitutional, and therefore, illegal under law. His behaviour is undemocratic, and damn right shameful. The tension in Banjul is palpable, as uncertainty exacerbates. The dictator’s 360 degrees U-turn is tantamount to treason, further embroiling the good-Gambia’s image into a tabloid media-circus.
Members of the National Assembly – as national and international concern over the situation in Banjul escalates, the Opposition-Coalition sprung to a well-deserved victory in an election described as “free and fair” and “rig-proof” by Jammeh himself. The turn of events thereafter, by reneging on concession, and not following through with the “Transition Process” to the President-elect and his team; has fallen foul of breaching the constitution and all civilized norms of the democratic process along the way.
I had expected the “National Assembly” to come out in no uncertain terms to condemn Jammeh’s behaviour. The Gambian people expect their representatives to lead such condemnation in forceful terms. Since that has not yet happened, I have no wonder why the “rubber-stamped” Parliament scores very low in the public confidence ratings year on year.
Elected (sic) members of Parliament – grow a fxxking moral backbone and disown Yahya Jammeh immediately. The APRC regime is but a ship with holes sailing across the high seas. As for Jammeh, his like is akin to a roaring lion with no teeth, resorting to scare tactics. But I would like to say, have no fear, and nor should you despair – those with sense are free to relate!
The wind of change blowing across the land is UNSTOPPABLE! And as Jammeh begins to pack bags to “Lonely-ville” in the dying days of APRC (mis)rule, Save yourselves and jump ship – to be on the RIGHT-SIDE of safety, and of HISTORY.
Many-a-night, I’d wondered the footsteps of gallant soldiers marching across Independence drive towards a national cause at the birth of a “Republic”. On that faithful day in 1970, Banjul became the shining city on an island that captivates, romanticized in folk songs from Dakar in Senegal, to Bamako in Mali. As a plea on behalf of Gambians worldwide, I sincerely call on Members of the National Assembly to disown Yahya Jammeh, and begin criminal proceedings on charges of high-crimes against the state – beginning TONIGHT!
By: Gibril Saine
London.
Gambia Voices 