By Adama Makasuba
APRC embattled leader has claimed that the draft constitution would bring a constitutional crisis in the country if it had been passed in parliament because it contains lots of unfortunate provisions.
Honourable Fabakary Tombong Jatta who had once been a majority leader at the National Assembly during the regime of the exiled former President Yahya Jammeh, said it was a good move by the National Assembly to reject the draft constitution.
According to him, the draft constitution was intended to strip off the ruling government of its powers in a bid to distract it from executing its developmental needs.
“They [critics] said we amended the 1997 constitution wrongly for many times, fortunately or unfortunately, it is the same constitution in operation. But I can bet my life the draft constitution would bring constitutional crisis if it had been passed in parliament.
“There are lots of unfortunate provisions in it which are aimed to stifle the government. I like drafting a constitution for a ruling president and the constitution should not target Barrow. Why should you go and write a constitution for D116 million which doesn’t address the problems of the country?” he queried.
However, he urged Gambians to massively vote candidates of the ruling National People’s Party to help President Barrow register his developmental aspirations.
“Many of the oppositions do not intend good for the government because they think given peace to the ruling party will deter them from ruling. And Gambians voted for peace in the last presidential election. So, if you [oppositions] think with given peace to the ruling party will stop you from ruling, you are in for your selfish interest.
“Thus, the support we give to President Adama Barrow during the last presidential election, we should give the same support to the candidates of the National People’s Party who support Barrow in the parliament so that the suffering can end,” he appealed.
According to him, he believes National People’s Party’s alliance will sweep April Aational Assembly elections by 75 per cent, adding Gambians are in for peace and developments.
