Why is Parliament silent on the Political Crisis gripping the nation?

I write with a deep sense of regret as to the attitude of the National Assembly in Banjul. For the record – The legislative branch is tasked with the sacred “Truth” of enacting laws on behalf of all Gambians, and of executive oversight by upholding the President and his Cabinet accountable for the decisions therein, amongst others. Simply put, that body, the Parliament, historically came into being, purposeful, sanctified, with a remit to preserve democracy. 

Indeed, if the occupants of that chamber are true representatives of “The Gambian People” as they have led us to believe; and as prescribed in their portfolios, then why the wait. To put it plain, how long are Gambian MP’s prepared to sit there before condemning the tyrannical actions embarked on by Yahya Jammeh? His actions are unconstitutional, and therefore, illegal under law. His behaviour is undemocratic, and damn right shameful. The tension in Banjul is palpable, as uncertainty exacerbates. The dictator’s 360 degrees U-turn is tantamount to treason, further embroiling the good-Gambia image into a tabloid media-circus. 

Members of the National Assembly – as international concern over the situation in Banjul escalate, the Opposition-Coalition sprung to a well-deserved victory in an election described as “free and fair” and “rig-proof” by Jammeh himself. The turn of events thereafter, by reneging on concession, and not following through with the “Transition Process” to the President-elect and his team; has fallen foul of the constitution breaching all civilized norms of the democratic process along the way.

I had expected the “National Assembly” to come out in no uncertain terms and to condemn his behaviour. The Gambian people expect their representatives to lead such condemnation in forceful terms. No wonder then the “rubber-stamped” Parliament scores very low in public confidence ratings year on year. 

Elected (sic) members of Parliament – grow a moral backbone and disown Yahya Jammeh immediately. The APRC regime is, but a ship with holes sailing across the high seas. As for Jammeh, his like is akin to a roaring lion with no teeth, resorting to scare tactics. Have no fear, and nor should you despair – those with sense are free to relate! 

The wind of change blowing across the land is UNSTOPPABLE! And as Jammeh begins to pack bags to “Lonely-ville” in the dying days of APRC (mis)rule, Save yourselves and jump ship –  to be on the RIGHT-SIDE of safety, and of HISTORY. 

Many-a-night, I’d wondered the footsteps of gallant soldiers marching across Independence drive towards a national cause at the birth of a “Republic”. On that faithful day in 1970, Banjul became the shining city on an island that captivates, romanticized in folk songs from Dakar, to Bamako, in Mali. As a plea on behalf of Gambians worldwide, i sincerely call on Member of the National Assembly to disown Yahya Jammeh, and begin criminal proceedings on charges of high-crimes against the state – beginning TONIGHT!

By Gibril Saine
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