By: Binta Jaiteh
Alagie Babou Ceesay, the lawmaker from Sabach Sanjal Wednesday condemned the recent protest staged by Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) describing it as illegal.
NAM Ceesay raised his condemnation during the extraordinary session of the National Assembly while advising the youth to get a police permit before staging a protest march.
Hon. Ceesay’s statement sparked a wave of arguments among lawmakers as some members felt disappointed. During the debate, Ceesay went on to say that some people wrapped themselves in flags and blow the tiny trumpet of patriotism in the country.
“We do not consider patriotism desirable if it contradicts civilized behaviour. I commend the member who moved this motion. I don’t want anyone to clap for me because I am speaking the truth. I cannot stand and pretend to the gallery,” he said. “I encourage the youth to go and follow what is right. Get the permission to go and protest. If you think the IGP has violated your rights go to the court not to forcefully protest.”
“We are happy that there is democracy that is why cockroaches and ….are going to the street to protest illegally.”
At that point, Sulayman Saho, Central Badibou lawmaker raised a point of order condemning the Ceesay’s claim demanding him to withdraw his statement. However, Speaker Fabakary Tombong Jatta overruled that the statement was not offensive.
Kemo Gassama Lower Badibou NAM queried that Gambians have lost confidence in the parliament. “They don’t respect us because of our stand. We should give chance to the honest people. I know we have honest people but we know each other.”
