“The attitude of Hon. Almameh Gibba at the National Assembly during the State of the Nation address by His Excellency, President Adama Barrow, left many citizens reflecting on the state of our political culture. While our democracy has grown significantly, the “attitude” and interruptions displayed by Almameh Gibba toward the Head of State were a disappointing departure from the decorum expected in our highest legislative body.
In our society, the way an individual conducts themselves in the presence of elders and national leaders is often seen as a reflection of their upbringing and character.
To use “decorum” as a technical shield to justify what many perceived as a level of rudeness is a disservice to the institution of Parliament.
It is particularly ironic that those who most loudly challenge the President are the ones enjoying the very freedom and tolerance he has fostered. We must not forget during his “demigod’ Yahya Jammeh’s era of the past, where such interruptions would never have been dared.
Today, we live in a climate where the principles of democracy are practiced so deeply that even those with visible “pain in their hearts” regarding the current leadership are free to speak.
However, freedom must not be confused with a license for disrespect. Bringing raw politics and personal sentiments into the proceedings of the National Assembly undermines the honor of the office.
If President Barrow’s previous statements reminding that he is the current President and Yahya Jammeh is a former President and will not come back unless and until President permits him that is what’s paining in his heart, was a necessary statement of fact for those who seem unable to accept the current democratic reality.
Any disrespect directed to the President is a credit for him believing and holding the principles of democracy in the international community and increments of love for him by the people to massively vote for him in the December election.
