The Gambia’s gov’t endorses Supreme Court’s ruling on expelled MP
Banjul, Gambia (PANA) - The government of The Gambia, through the attorney general’s chambers and ministry of justice, said here Wednesday it had taken note of the decision of the Supreme Court in the case of expelled Member of Parliament Ya Kumba Jaiteh versus Clerk of the Nationl Assembly and others delivered Tuesday.
The Gambia’s Supreme Court overruled an executive decision by President Adama Barrow which led to the sacking of Jaiteh from parliament.
President Barrow in February 2019 purportedly revoked the nomination of Jaiteh as a National Assembly Member, replacing her with one Foday Gassama.
In a statement made available to PANA here Wednesday, the government further assured the general public that notwithstanding its disappointment, it would fully comply with the Supreme Court’s decision with immediate effect.
“This is the position expected of a government that is committed to respect for the rule of law and democracy. It demonstrates that no matter our individual opinions or divergent views, especially on matters of national interest, we are all subject to the law and that no person or groups of persons are above the law,” the statement said.
The statement added: “Decisions like these were unthinkable only three years ago and it goes to reinforce the extent to which the independence of our judiciary has come in this short period of time under this administration.”
“The Government therefore calls upon everyone in this country to be law-abiding and to make use of democratic processes, including the courts, to address their grievances.”
-0- PANA MSS/RA 29Jan2020
