By Nyima Sillah
The National Assembly Members have differ opinion on further extension of the State of Public Emergency aimed at curbing the spread of the deadly coronavirus after the National Assembly failed to reach conclusion on whether to extend the State of Public Emergency or not.
The Minister of Justice was at the National Assembly over the weekend to seek for a 45 days extension to the State of Public Emergency and after a long debate over it, twenty-five lawmakers out of fifty-seven voted against the Minister of Justice’s motion.
Speaking to The Voice after the adjournment of sitting, Honorable Ousman Sillah, National Assembly Member for Banjul North, said “it is very unfortunate that the National Assembly rejected the extension and it necessary to extend the State of Emergency by looking at the proclamation.”
“We should have gone for 45 day and this is the mistake that we have done as far as am concern”, he said.
Hon Amadou Camara, National Assembly for Nianija as well described it unfortunate as the assembly rejected the motion of the 45 days extension.
However, Honorable Madi Ceesay NAM for Serrekunda West, said: “I am not in support of extension of the State of Public Emergency for another 45 days because that is not the only solution to fight covid-19.”
“Almost all the 23 cases are imported cases in other way restricting entering to the borders will be the most important thing to fight covid-19,” he added.
According to him, the government should spend more money on the health sectors and buy more testing machines as well as make the use of face masks compulsory and regular use of sanitizers.
If the State of Public Emergency should be added, it will just add more difficulties for the citizens, he said.