Lawmakers
yesterday repealed the state of public emergency declared to commence from 17
January to 17 April 2017, by the former government, apparently to stop the
inauguration of President Adama Barrow.
The
motion to repeal the emergency was moved by the Majority Leader and National
Assembly Member for Serrekunda East Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta.
It
would be recalled that a state of public emergency was declared in The Gambia,
under the 1997 Constitution that empowers the President of the Republic to make
such declaration.
The
majority leader added that the National Assembly is empowered at any time to
revoke such declaration by a resolution supported by the majority of votes of
all members of the National Assembly, as per the Constitution.
He
said considering the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the
country, and noting with gratitude that the political impasse had been
peacefully resolved, it was essential to repeal the state of public emergency.
This
was also to ensure that there is no barrier whatsoever to the smooth
restoration of the incoming government.
The
motion was seconded by the Minority Leader and National Assembly Member for
Niamina West Hon. Samba Jallow.
Hon.
Jallow said he was never among the people who actually respected the state of
public emergency declared by the National Assembly Members, which was why on
the day it was passed he decided to boycott the sitting on that day.
The
minority leader added that now that The Gambia has a new president, people
should work together to develop the country and make it a better place for
Gambians, and all and sundry.
Hon.
Jallow further stated that the state of public emergency was declared, “simply
to stop the inauguration of President Adama Barrow” and to extend the period of
former President Jammeh for another 90 days.
Other
National Assembly Members equally said the motion to revoke the declaration was
non-controversial, and it was their mandate to revoke it because it was the
Assembly that made the declaration legal.
