By: Dawda Baldeh
Madi Jobarteh, a well known human rights advocate and social commentator, has taken aim at National Assembly Members for what he describes as a pattern of skipping sittings and bringing parliamentary business to a standstill.
The latest incident involved a session that could not proceed because too few lawmakers were present to meet the minimum number required for official proceedings. “The failure of the National Assembly to sit on Tuesday December 2 due to lack of quorum is not just disappointing, it is a direct violation of the Constitution and an insult to the Gambian people,” he said. He explained that parliamentary work cannot legally continue unless a set number of members are physically seated in the chamber.
Jobarteh said the situation has reached a point where even the Speaker has openly complained about repeated absences and persistent lateness, which he believes shows that some NAMs simply do not take their responsibilities seriously. “The Speaker was so frustrated that he emphasized that Members must renew their sense of discipline and responsibility in the conduct of parliamentary affairs,” he said.
During the December 2nd sitting, Speaker Fabakary Tombong Jatta reminded members that the same issue had occurred the previous day even though the Vice President and ministers were already in their seats waiting to proceed. “How many times have I come up here and we never had a quorum? We tried that so many times but it could not continue,” the Speaker said.
Jobarteh said the behaviour is difficult to justify given the level of benefits lawmakers enjoy. “NAMs are among the most pampered public officials in this country, second only to the President. They receive high salaries, sitting allowances, constituency allowances, dress allowances, committee allowances, travel allowances, medical benefits, vehicle benefits, and more,” he said.
He added that despite these privileges, many NAMs still fail to carry out the most basic part of their work, which is to show up on time and participate fully. “NAMs must serve diligently, responsibly, and consistently. Attending sittings fully and on time is not a favour, it is a legal obligation and a moral imperative,” he said.
Jobarteh argued that when lawmakers skip sittings, they do more than break parliamentary rules. They also fail the voters who put them in office. He noted that every sitting has consequences for ordinary people. “Every sitting of the National Assembly carries real consequences for citizens,” he said. He explained that delays in passing laws or taking decisions can slow access to justice, hold back essential services, prolong hardship, and in some cases even put lives at risk.
He warned that continued absenteeism could push the country into a wider governance problem. “Gambians deserve a legislature that shows up physically, morally, and professionally,” he said.
Jobarteh also called for firmer handling of members who miss sittings without a valid reason, saying the rules of the Assembly, the Constitution, and the Code of Conduct should be applied in full. “Chronic absenteeism and habitual lateness must carry consequences. This is non negotiable,” he said.
He closed by reminding lawmakers that the National Assembly belongs to the people and not to their personal schedules. “The public must demand better and the leadership of the Assembly must act decisively to restore discipline, integrity, and respect for the institution,” he said.
By: Dawda Baldeh Madi Jobarteh, a well known human rights advocate and social commentator, has taken aim at National Assembly Members for what he describes as a pattern of skipping sittings and bringing parliamentary business to a standstill. The latest incident involved a session that could not proceed because too few lawmakers were present to The Fatu Network
