Africa-Press – Gambia. Almameh Gibba, Member of the National Assembly (NAM) for the Foni Kansala constituency, has raised questions regarding the constitutionality of arresting former President Yahya Jammeh upon his return to The Gambia.
In a recent interview with Hilltop Radio, NAM Gibba contended that the Gambian Constitution grants former presidents immunity, effectively restricting any government action against Jammeh.
“Secondly, the TRRC that the government is talking about, the TRRC is not binding; it is not a law that will enable the arrest of someone,” he explained.
He stated that the government’s press release did not include any grounds that could justify the arrest of former President Jammeh. Gibba stressed that the government’s statements were limited to the allegations made against Jammeh during proceedings at the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC).
He further noted that President Barrow himself had remarked that Essa Faal politicized the TRRC, questioning, “If the President says the TRRC was used for political purposes, who will take it seriously?”
Additionally, Hon. Gibba pointed out that the government is collaborating with individuals who were previously implicated in misconduct, for whom the TRRC had recommended disqualification from holding public office: “Those are the people the government is working with,” he asserted.
Regarding claims that former President Yahya Jammeh is returning home solely to maintain his support base, Hon. Almameh Gibba dismissed such assertions as mere speculation.
“This is the first time Jammeh announced that he will be coming back in a specific month. In 9 years, he has never said he will be coming in a particular month,” Hon. Gibba stated.
He further stated, “Those saying he is doing politics, it is their opinion, but he has said what he has to say, and people believe him.”
Gibba also emphasized that former President Jammeh has never claimed the presidency nor indicated any intention to challenge President Barrow by force.
“Nobody can stop Jammeh from coming to this country. Jammeh is a citizen just like Barrow. We are all citizens, and Jammeh has the right to come,” Hon. Gibba added.
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