By Binta Jaiteh
Vice President Muhammed S Jallow has emphasized to the National Assembly President Adama Barrow’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law.
Responding to a question raised by Latrikunda Sabiji National Assembly Member (NAM), Hon Yaya Menteng Sanyang, who authorized Musa Badjie Tallinding Kunjang NAM to read the question on his behalf, on considering the recent actions of President Barrow saying it may undermine the rule of law, freedom of expression, association, and separation of powers, and asking if the government, particularly the President of The Gambia, is committed to democratic rule and respect for rule of law.
In an answer to the questions, Vice President Jallow said “Yes, President Barrow is committed to democracy and the rule of law.”
Hon. Badjie asked a supplementary question before the VP could complete his answer, and nominated member FatoumattaK Jawara raised a point of order (38G) which stated that a question shall not be asked for obtaining an expression or opinion.
“Something that has been said at a rally, why are you bringing it in the parliament, the records are available for everyone to see. We all know that President Barrow is a democratic President” she proclaimed.
She opined that the question should not be admissible at all.
Meanwhile, Hon Seedy Njie, the Deputy Speaker representing the Speaker told Hon Musa Badjie not to direct him on what to do, instead he wanted Hon Badjie to repeat the question that warranted the nominated member to raise a point of order.
Hon Lamin Ceesay, a Kiang West lawmaker restated that VP admitted that President Barrow is committed to the rule of law but why did he launch an attack on Mbeng Bekering Radio Station and Kerr Fatou TV if he is committed to democracy? heasked
But Hon Kebba Lang Fofana, a nominated member immediately interjected and raised a point of order on (43, 4) saying a supplementary question shall not be in order if it introduced matters not included in the original question and the answers provided.
“The original question did not specify any, the member is cherry-picking from open source, I, therefore, submit that the question be ruled out of order,” Fofana said.
However, the Deputy Speaker sustained the point of order adding that the question was not only open-ended but was cap in a pregnancy form without knowing if it was a boy or a girl.
