Hon. Omar Jammeh, The National Assembly For Janjanbureh
By Ramatoulie Jawo
The National Assembly Member (NAM) for Janjanbureh Constituency, Hon. Omar Jammeh, sharply criticized the Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta, during the adjournment debate of the second ordinary session of the National Assembly in the 2024 legislative year. Jammeh accused Speaker Jatta of misusing the Staff Bus for personal family errands.
In his remarks, Hon. Jammeh emphasized the importance of accountability within the National Assembly itself, asserting that scrutiny should begin with their own institution.
“Before we can address the issues outside, it has to start with us. And for him as a representative of the people of Janjanbureh, all I have seen is favoritism, and I will give evidence.”
He alleged that two or three Fridays ago, National Assembly staff were denied transportation because the bus was commandeered by the Speaker’s office for family errands.
“I think some of these things have to stop henceforth. Before we address other problems, let us address our own problems. Our staff also deserve good, and if they are denied or deprived of their own staff bus, it means they have to dig their hands deep into their pockets to pay for transport in order to reach home,” Hon. Jammeh said.
Continuing his address, Hon. Jammeh revealed that Speaker Tombong Jatta is also using the former Speaker’s vehicle for personal errands.
“The same Office of the Speaker high jacked the car of the former Speaker -Mariam Jack Denton, using it as a utility car—not only a utility car, but also his very own car. We understand that the number plate is changed to run family errands. We want to appeal to the Office of the Speaker to return this car,” he stressed.
He highlighted that the privileges accorded to the Office of the Speaker are enough. Because they have gone to an extent in their own budget to give the speaker a robbing allowance.
“Is that not enough? So as such, I want to advise that we address that particular issue,” Hon. Jammeh said
In response to Hon. Jammeh, the Speaker dismissed his statements as inaccurate, asserting that the allegations made by Hon. Jammeh are unfounded
“If it is a facility that is offered, for instance, to me, it is the same facility offered to you when you are in need and to all the Honourable Members and Staff when the need arises. As the head of the Institution, if the rob I wear had an allowance, it never started with me. This has been going on,” Hon.Tombong Jatta said
The Speaker advised Hon. Jammeh to choose his words carefully and respect others if he wants to be respected.