The Director of Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice (EFSCRJ), Madi Jobarteh, has said the failure of the National Assembly to sit on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, due to lack of quorum is not just disappointing, it is a direct violation of the Constitution and an insult to the Gambian people.
“When the Speaker lamented the chronic problem of poor attendance and punctuality among NAMs, it only confirmed what citizens have long witnessed: some lawmakers are willfully neglecting their duty,” he posited in a social media posting.
Madi described the behavior as utterly unacceptable, adding that NAMs are among the most pampered public officials in this country, second only to the President.
Enumerating their remuneration and immoderate allowances, he said they receive high salaries, sitting allowances, constituency allowances, dress allowances, committee allowances, travel allowances, medical benefits, vehicle benefits, and more.
All these privileges are given on the assumption that they will serve diligently, responsibly, and consistently. Therefore, attending sittings fully and on time is not a favour; it is a legal obligation and a moral imperative.
“When NAMs fail to attend sittings, they are not only breaching the Constitution, the Standing Orders, and their Code of Conduct, but they are also disrespecting their electorates and undermining national interest. Every sitting of the National Assembly carries real consequences for citizens,” said Jobarteh.
He emphasized that people’s lives, rights, opportunities, and services depend on timely legislative action. A delayed sitting can mean delayed justice, delayed services, prolonged suffering, or even preventable loss of life for some of our most vulnerable citizens.
“Gambians in every corner of this country are living through harsh social and economic conditions. They deserve a legislature that shows up physically, morally, and professionally. Suppose NAMs insist on demanding high salaries and benefits. In that case, they must match that with honesty, commitment, and respect for public interest,” he stressed.
