By Ramatoulie Jawo
Hon. Yahya Sanyang, the National Assembly Member for Latrikunda Sabiji, has officially resigned as Chairperson of the National Assembly Subsidiary Legislation Committee, effective March 6, 2025.
In his resignation, Hon. Sanyang cited the committee’s inability to fulfill its core mandate of holding ministers and the executive accountable to the Gambian people regarding policies and regulations delegated to them for implementing primary legislation.
“It is with deep regret that I tender my resignation. I have served as Chairperson with dedication and commitment to upholding the integrity of the committee. However, I have become increasingly concerned by the apparent lack of consistent commitment to the roles and functions of this committee as per section 119 (2) of our Standing orders “It shall be the duty of the subsidiary legislation committee to scrutinise, advice and report on all subsidiary legislations laid before the National Assembly in accordance with Standing Order 80 (2).
He emphasized that following the National Assembly’s adoption of a report, which concluded that ministers and the executive should continue formulating all subsidiary legislations, while the National Assembly would not be involved in scrutinizing regulations made by them, the subsidiary committee has become ineffective, irrelevant, and unnecessary.
He pointed out that, after careful consideration, he had decided to resign as chairperson of a committee that effectively no longer exists, and that he could no longer justify receiving sitting allowances as chairperson while not contributing meaningfully to the welfare of the Gambian people.
“I believe my continued presence as chairperson, under these circumstances, would be counterproductive and would not serve the interest of the people of Latrikunda Sabiji and by extension, The Gambian people. I remain committed to the principles of good governance and the rule of law and I hope that the National Assembly will take the necessary steps to address the challenges facing the subsidiary legislation,” he emphasized.
Earlier today (Thursday, February 6, 2025), the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Human Rights and Constitutional Matters presented a report on the Interpretation (Amendment) Bill 2023 for the Assembly’s consideration and adoption.
The bill seeks to amend the Interpretation Act to strengthen the National Assembly’s oversight role in reviewing subsidiary legislation. By granting the legislature explicit authority to scrutinise delegated law-making powers, the amendment aims to enhance accountability in the executive’s exercise of such powers.
However, the committee recommended maintaining the existing structure, where subsidiary legislation remains under executive regulation with judicial review as needed. They argued that the proposed amendments could introduce procedural obstacles, potentially hindering government efficiency and responsiveness, thereby undermining effective governance and the intent of primary legislation.