Busumbala NAM responds to Speaker Jatta after altercation

Hon. Kanteh felt offended when Speaker Jatta allegedly belittled his intellectual credential by saying: “so-called legal background cannot understand parliament standing orders,” – referring to Hon. Kanteh.

Responding to Speaker Jatta, Hon. Kanteh also alleged that Hon. Jatta has no qualifications to be the Speaker, adding that the only qualification he (Jatta) obtained is Primary Teacher’s Certificate (PTC) and forming an alliance with the ruling party.

Upon making such comments, a Point of Order was raised by Nominated Member Kebba Lang Fofana for the Speaker to use his powers to stop the Busumbala legislator, claiming he was using offensive language. But the Speaker sustained his order and allowed the Hon. Kanteh to continue.

Responding to Hon. Kanteh, Speaker Jatta clarified: “So-called legal background is not an insult to your intelligence. It is to reflect or address a situation at a particular moment.” 

“We should govern ourselves with our standing orders and our constitution where needed as that’s what matters here,” he explained.

Hon. Kandeh also drew the Agriculture Minister’s attention to the challenges gardeners of Banjulinding garden face.

“Women around this settlement are predominantly engaged in gardening and this is where they derive their livelihoods. These people are faced with shortages such as; lack of storage facilities, water and markets among others. Thus, I indulge the minister to intervene and render solutions to these problems,” he said.

He also called for the justice minister to fast track the tabling of the Reparations Bill to compensate the victims that were named or listed in the TRRC report.

He said that passing the Torture Bill should ensure the protection and promotion of the rule of law.

“We have seen in the past administration where Gambians were subjected to torture, forceful obtaining of evidence and confessions and these same statements were used against them for conviction and torture till date. Others live with that pain and therefore this bill should serve its purpose to avoid situations like this.”