The failure of the National Assembly to sit on Tuesday December 2 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.
The Speaker was so frustrated that “he emphasized that Members must renew their sense of discipline and responsibility in the conduct of parliamentary affairs.” He noted that the parliament in fact struggled to have a quorum the day before when the Vice President and Ministers were already present in the chamber. “How many times have I come up here and we never had quorum? We tried that so many times but it could not continue,” he lamented.
This behaviour is utterly unacceptable. NAMs are among the most pampered public officials in this country, second only to the President. 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.
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. If NAMs insist on demanding high salaries and benefits, then they must match that with honesty, commitment, and respect for public interest.
I therefore urge the Speaker to fully enforce the Constitution, the Standing Orders and the National Assembly Code of Conduct without fear or favour. Chronic absenteeism and habitual lateness must carry consequences. This is non-negotiable. A National Assembly that cannot meet is a colossal waste of public resources and a setback to national development. There must be accountability.
The National Assembly belongs to the people, not to the comfort or convenience of NAMs. The public must demand better and the leadership of the Assembly must act decisively to restore discipline, integrity, and respect for the institution.
For The Gambia, Our Homeland
