Lawmakers repeal state of public emergency

Lawmakers yesterday repealed the state of public emergency declared to commence from 17 January to 17 April 2017, by the former government, apparently to stop the inauguration of President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.