Africa-Press – Gambia. The National Assembly on Thursday sharply criticized Bakary K. Badjie, the representative for Foni Bintang, after he opposed the National Assembly Salaries and Pensions (Amendment) Bill, 2025, during a debate on its merits.
The bill, introduced by nominated member Kebba Lang Fofana, seeks to expand gratuity entitlements for lawmakers and to ensure that their families or designated successors receive proportional benefits in cases of death, resignation, or recall after at least one year in office.
Hon. Badjie, who has previously voted against the Judicial Officers Remuneration Bill, said his position on this bill was consistent.
“We cannot continue to use the National Assembly as a cover-up. It is a cover up for politicians and their attitude,” he said.
Honorable Mr. Fofana rebuked him, accusing the Foni Bintang lawmaker of misleading the public by drawing incorrect parallels with the judicial bill.
“Honorable Speaker, the member for Foni Bintang said if opposition MPs accept what NPP NAMs bring, then we are all the same. That is misleading. This bill does not increase salaries or pensions; it only ensures proportionate pay for members families or successors if a member dies, resigns, or is recalled after serving at least one year,” he said.
Tumana NAM Nfally Kira argued that Mr. Badjie had not fully reviewed the proposal and urged colleagues to support the legislation. “I think our friend made a mistake or did not go through the document,” he said. “If he had understood it, he would support it. It is important that we give the bill our green light.”
Jarra West representative Alieu Baldeh cautioned against attempts to shape public opinion for personal gain. “You cannot sell your image or yourself in this gallery; only truth will last. You try to make yourself white and make the others black; it cannot work,” he said.
Niani NAM Omar Jobe reminded members to focus on the legislation rather than seeking media attention.
“If you want to be media caption, let us do something that calls for it. If we are looking for anything tomorrow, this is not the best time for us to look for that thing,” he said.
Hon. Gibbi Mballow added that political ambitions should not come at the expense of honesty, reiterating that the bill does not increase lawmakers’ compensation. “Whoever is hungry for power, however you want to seek reelection or any position, you must do it in justifiable truth. The bill is not here to increase salaries or allowances,” he said.
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