By Fatou Sillah
Tensions flared in The Gambia’s National Assembly on Tuesday after the presiding officer, Seedy S.K. Njie, blocked discussion of unrest in Brufut linked to the case of Ousainou Bojang.
The confrontation began when Fatou Cham, a lawmaker representing Sanimentereng, raised concerns about escalating tensions in her constituency. She said the situation had deteriorated following Mr. Bojang’s rearrest, which came after a court had ordered his release—a development she described as fueling public anger and disorder.
Her remarks were quickly challenged by Kebba Lang Fofana, a nominated member, who invoked parliamentary rules barring debate on matters under judicial consideration. Citing standing orders, he argued that the case remained active, noting that the state had signaled its intention to appeal.
Presiding over the session, Mr. Njie sided with that interpretation, ruling that lawmakers could not deliberate on the issue.
“Honorable members, it is our knowledge that the state has appealed through an ex parte motion, so if that is the case, then the matter is before the court, and I rule that if the state has appealed, then the matter is before the court,” he said.
The decision prompted an immediate response from opposition members, who questioned whether the case was, in fact, still before the courts. Ms. Cham insisted that Mr. Bojang had already been released and argued that the matter no longer fell under judicial restriction.
Sulayman Saho, representing Badibou Central, also challenged the ruling, urging the chair to verify the case’s legal status before limiting debate.
Despite the objections, Mr. Njie upheld his decision, directing members to comply with parliamentary procedure.
“So I rule, and members must abide by these standing orders,” he said, bringing the exchange to a close.
Comments are closed.