By Fatou Sillah
Omar Saibo Camara, spokesperson for Gambians Against Looted Assets, has raised concerns regarding the handling of a petition reportedly submitted to the National Assembly against Deputy Speaker Seedy S.K. Njie. The petition alleges ethical misconduct and discriminatory abuse of power linked to an audio recording.
Camara emphasized that the matter transcends partisan politics, framing it as an issue of national importance that warrants accountability.
“This is beyond partisan politics; this is about national unity, and I hope and pray that petition is admitted and accountability mechanisms are taken,” he stated.
He further stressed the significance of addressing such concerns in an election year, cautioning against overlooking accountability. “This is an election year; we cannot afford to ignore these issues,” he added.
In response, the chairperson of the National Assembly’s Petitions Committee, Hon. Suwaibou Touray, outlined the procedural requirements governing the submission and consideration of petitions in Parliament.
He noted that petitions must meet strict admissibility criteria before they can be reviewed by the Committee.
“All those who want to come up with petitions must also understand the criteria for making petitions; otherwise, a petition will not be admissible,” he explained.
Touray clarified that petitions must be formally addressed to the Clerk of the National Assembly, rather than to the Speaker or the Committee Chair.
“When a petition comes, it should be addressed to the Clerk, not to the Speaker, not to the Committee Chair. It should be addressed to the Clerk of the House,” he said.
He further explained that all petitions undergo an initial review by the clerk and the assembly’s legal team to determine their admissibility before any committee action is taken.
If a petition is deemed inadmissible, the petitioner is informed and guided on how to revise and resubmit it. Once properly submitted, the petition proceeds to the committee for consideration and potential investigation.
Touray also noted that members of the National Assembly can assist citizens in drafting petitions to ensure compliance with procedural requirements.
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