By Binta Jaiteh
The office of the Speaker of the National Assembly has apologised for the statement made by Speaker Fabakary Tombong Jatta.
“The office of the Honourable Speaker is aware of the concerns raised on the social media regarding statements made by him on the 14th of April 2022 during an interview in the immediate aftermath of the Hon. Speaker’s investiture.
“These statements may have been taken out of context and as such the way they are portrayed do not reflect the virtues of the office of the Speaker of the National Assembly, especially given our unique context as a country in transition,” the statement said.
“The role of the Speaker is to preside over proceedings of the Assembly in a fair and unbiased manner. The Honourable Speaker is a neutral arbiter of proceedings and works in the interest of ensuring legislative and oversight efficiency with the goal of consolidating Democracy, Peace and Rule of Law. These are key pillars of our Democracy and virtues that the Hon. Speaker commits to live by during his term as Speaker of the National Assembly,” the statement added.
However, speaker Fabakary Tombong Jatta has asked Banjul south lawmaker, Honourable Fatoumatta Touma Njai to stop shouting during the National Assembly sitting in Banjul.
“Banjul south, Banjul south, please stop shouting. If you want to talk address the chair (and) I will give you the chance. What do you want to say honourable member?” National Assembly speaker Fabakary Tombong Jatta told honourable Touma Njai.
Honourable Touma Njai replied: “Thank you Mr Chair, what I am saying is that the motion is to adjourn sine dine and the secondment was to adjourn sine die without debate is a counter motion.”
“Honourable member, you were talking, you were not listening to me. I said the motion to adjourn sine die. The motion to adjourn sine die has been moved by the majority leader and seconded. You said is not sure honourable member?
“…tell us? The honourable member saying no, please address the chair,” Speaker Fabakary Tombong Jatta responded.