By Buba Gagigo
Hon. Seedy Njie, Deputy Spokesperson of the National People’s Party (NPP) and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, has strongly defended the 2024 draft constitution against allegations that it includes provisions to entrench President Adama Barrow in power.
Addressing critics, Seedy Njie dismissed claims that the draft constitution seeks to perpetuate dictatorial tendencies or self-serving rule.
“They are arguing saying that the draft is to entrench President Barrow, it’s false. It’s fallacious, it is a deceit. There is no clause in the draft that will or have an intention of seemingly entrenching a president or perpetuating a dictatorial or self aggrandizement rule is not there. And in fact, the 1997 constitutions was here since 1997, and we all believe that some of the clauses in that and laws present as we speak, perpetuated dictatorship under Jammeh and perpetuated all the heinous crimes under Jammeh and perpetuated all the human rights violations. That’s what we saw,” Seedy Njie said.
However, economist and political commentator Nyang Njie challenged Hon. Njie’s position during a discussion on West Coast Radio, questioning his credibility and suitability for public office in a reformed Gambia.
“Some philosophers say politics is the second-oldest profession apart from prostitution, but that notwithstanding, politics should be noble. Hearing Seedy Njie not only lambasted but really not put to test, but at least agreed with the overwhelming majority of Gambians then, pre-2016 that everything we were saying was true, yet still he defended it then. Now he is telling us that the 1997 constitution brought dictatorial tendencies and not only under Jammeh, not only dictatorial tendencies, but being practiced, so he lacked moral legitimacy. In my opinion, in my view, to occupy, not only the political space, but such an office in a transformative Gambia that we yearn for. He has no business in the business of building a new Gambia,” Nyang Njie remarked.
He further emphasized the need for leaders who embody integrity and accountability in the nation’s journey toward democratic reforms.
The 2024 draft constitution has been a contentious subject, with proponents advocating for its adoption as a framework for institutional reform, while critics voice concerns over specific provisions and potential implications for governance in The Gambia.