Africa-Press – Gambia. Four Independent National Assembly Members representing constituencies in the Foni region have publicly opposed the 2024 Draft Constitution, rejecting its progression through the second reading in the legislature. The lawmakers, representing Foni Kansala, Foni Bintang, Foni Bondali, and Foni Jarrol, argued that the draft fails to reflect the will and aspirations of the Gambian people, particularly their constituents in Foni.
Hon. Pa Dembo Bojang, Member for Foni Bondali, cited feedback from his constituents as the basis of his stance. “My people during our consultation told us to throw out the 2024 draft constitution,” he said. “I will also stand to reject it (the 2024 draft constitution).”
Hon. Almameh Gibba, an Independent Member representing Foni Kansala, also voiced strong opposition, emphasizing that the draft does not represent the wishes of the people he serves.
“Honorable Speaker, we believe in the principle that there is no perfection in terms of the constitution, but we also believe in the principle that nobody will come and crucify us or bring something that is not the wishes and aspirations of the people, more so the people of Foni. They have put in my head that Kansala disapproves of this; Kansala doesn’t want this to be seen. They say to me again, “Honorable Gibba, you are representing Kansala; this draft must be buried 40 ft deep in this chamber,” he said.
He also criticized the expenditure on the previous constitutional process, noting that over D100 million was spent on the 2020 draft, which was ultimately rejected by the National Assembly. According to Gibba, such resources could have been better invested in developing healthcare and education infrastructure, such as the Ndemban Clinic and local schools.
Hon. Bakary K. Badjie, Independent National Assembly Member from Foni Bintang, echoed similar sentiments, warning that the current draft is likely to face the same fate as its predecessor. “It is not our duty to please the NPP,” he declared. “What we are about to witness is the burial of the 2024 draft constitution. We are not allowing it to pass the second reading because most of the time in the consideration stage we are overpowered by the majority. What is the certainty that we are going to have them? Never, we are ready to bury it.”
He added that their opposition would be remembered as a historic stand for their people. Hon. Kebba Toumanding Sanneh of Foni Jarrol also rejected the draft. “If I should go by what people say in Foni, we reject it (2024 Draft Constitution) totally, and it should be buried.”
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