Tensions escalated in the National Assembly yesterday when opposition lawmakers attempted to introduce a motion seeking to prevent Deputy Speaker Seedy Njie from presiding over sittings. Deputy Speaker Njie did not permit Alhagie S Darboe to read the motion completely, asserting that it was not admissible under the Standing Orders. Njie stated, "By logic and natural justice, I should not preside over an issue that affects me. We should set aside this motion and address it when the Speaker [Fabakary Tombong Jatta] returns." It was subsequently agreed that the sitting would proceed, allowing the petition process to continue while leadership discusses modalities for a substantive motion.
Opposition Motion Against Deputy Speaker
Minority leader Alhagie S Darboe attempted to introduce the motion, arguing that Deputy Speaker Seedy Njie should not preside over proceedings. Darboe contended the motion was necessary due to a petition calling for investigations into Njie's alleged "tribal and politically discriminatory remarks" from a leaked audio. Deputy Speaker Njie stated, "By logic and natural justice, I should not preside over an issue that affects me. We should set aside this motion and address it when the Speaker [Fabakary Tombong Jatta] returns." He further explained, "It is for the Speaker to address matters affecting the deputy Speaker and vice versa." Njie added that he had been informed the matter was already before a National Assembly committee, urging members not to "preempt the committee’s work."
Session Suspension and In-House Talks
Niamina Dankunku National Assembly Member (NAM) Samba Jallow called for calm during the heated exchange, urging Deputy Speaker Seedy Njie to suspend the session for an in-house discussion among members. The session subsequently stood down, with proceedings resuming over an hour later following the pause. An in-house meeting, which included members from all political parties represented in the Assembly, was held during the suspension. Following these discussions, minority leader Alhagie S Darboe stated that the participants concluded the proposed motion against the Deputy Speaker was not applicable because no formal investigation into the allegations was currently in progress.
Assembly Resumes Proceedings
Following the in-house discussions, the National Assembly session resumed its proceedings. Members then moved forward with the legislative agenda, focusing on the Immigration Bill. The decision by the participants in the meeting determined that the proposed motion against Deputy Speaker Seedy Njie was not applicable at that time. This conclusion was based on the absence of a formal investigation into the allegations against Njie. Consequently, the Assembly transitioned from the contentious debate surrounding the Deputy Speaker to address other parliamentary business. The resumption allowed the legislative process to continue despite the earlier disruption caused by the attempt to introduce the motion.
Background to the Petition
The petition against Deputy Speaker Seedy Njie stems from allegations regarding "tribal and politically discriminatory remarks" attributed to him. These remarks were reportedly contained in a leaked audio recording. Minority leader Alhagie S Darboe referenced the petition when attempting to introduce a motion seeking to prevent Deputy Speaker Njie from presiding over sittings. Darboe contended the motion was necessary due to the call for investigations into the alleged comments. Deputy Speaker Njie, however, stated that the matter was already before a National Assembly committee.
