By Landing Colley
Lawmakers, Friday, amended Section 19 (g) of the Local Government Act that seeks to give independence to the council members.
“The bill seek to amend section 19 paragraph (G) which aim to provide independent to member of the area council and to further enhance the system of local governance, autonomy, freedom of speech and debate in accordance with Section 193 of the 1997 constitution, and also seek to ensure that council member sense of duty, function and action are influence by the supreme national and community interest.”
MP for Lower Baddibu Alhagie Jawara, sponsor of the Bill said “I move that the object and reason of the local government amendment Bill 2020 to be amended. I move that the Bill entitled local government amendment bill 2020 be read for the third time and pass.”
But United Democratic Party’s MPs however launched a huge fight back in a bid to stop the law being scrapped, insisting it was done in bad faith, and that it was targeted their party.
The sponsorship of the Bill came amid a bitter row between UDP and Brikama Area Council chairman Sheriffo Sonko.
However, the Bill was referred to the house committee on business for scrutiny and consideration. The committee, meanwhile, engaged the other committees of the house for consideration before the third reading.
