By Landing Colley
At least twenty-five National Assembly members including all UDP MPs have rejected the government motion seeking an extension of State of Public Emergency with another 45 days to contain the spread of coronavirus pandemic in the country.
Twenty-three lawmakers however voted to support the motion, while debate on motion of the 45 days extension continues today.
The Gambia has recorded 23 cases of coronavirus with 9 recoveries and has since observing stay at home as State of Public Emergency demands since the proclamation by the authorities in March and April respectively.
The Minister of Justice AbubacarTambedou who tabled the motion before the lawmakers with reference to “section 34 subsection (5) paragraph 1A of the 1997 constitution The Gambia extend for the period for 45 days effective on 18 May 2020.”
The resolution of the National Assembly which was passed on 3rd April 2020 for the extension of public emergency in whole of the Gambia declared by Excellence President Adama Barrow on 26th March 2020 according to section 34 sub section 1A of the 1997 constitution.
“I also move that the national assembly affirmed by resolution the following regulation according to section 5 by the emergency power act,” he added.
He disclosed that coronavirus restriction [s] emergency power regulation 2020 on open market and shopping areas including essential and non-essential commodities, and public transportation as well as closure of academic institution and worship places has all been amended.
According to him, in order to enable the government to continue to provide its leadership in this national preventive effort, the government must be given a merging of appreciation in deciding the measure it wishes to adopt the duration and the timing.
“These are key tools that should be put at the disposal of the government so that it fully and effectively runs its leadership responsibilities to prevent a looming catastrophe,” he said.