Deputies
at the National Assembly on Monday adjourned the motion for the extension of
the State of Public Emergency in accordance with Section 34(2) of the 1997
Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia.
The
motion was earlier laid by Abubacarr Tambadou, the attorney general and
minister of Justice.
Moving
the motion pursuant to Section 53 (c) of the National Assembly Standing Order,
Halifa Sallah, member for Serrekunda, underscored the need for the motion to be
referred to the human rights and constitution committee of the parliament to
look into its technicality, so that the right procedure can be taken for the
well-being of Gambians.
It
could be recalled that on 18 March, 2020, in the wake of the global spread of
the covid-19 pandemic as declared by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and to
which The Gambia is vulnerable, the President of the Republic, Adama Barrow
pursuant to Section 34(1)(b) of the 1997 Constitution as declared by
proclamation, published in the Gazette that a situation exists in The Gambia, which
“if it is allowed to continue, may lead to a State of Public Emergency “.
Subsequently,
on 27 March after reported cases of covid-19 in the country, Adama Barrow
pursuant to Section 34(1) (a) of the 1997 Constitution of the Republic of The
Gambian declared a State of Public Emergency across the country, which he is
seeking to extend for a 90 day period.
Meanwhile,
lawmakers are expected to meet today for the final consideration and approval
of the said motion.
