Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta, has confirmed that the legislature has received and is actively processing formal petitions accusing Deputy Speaker Seedy S.K. Njie of alleged ethnic and political discrimination, abuse of office, and improper interference in public administration.
Speaking during a question-and-answer session at the National Assembly’s press briefing on Thursday, linked to the second ordinary session of the 2026 legislative year, Speaker Jatta acknowledged the receipt of one or two petitions against the Deputy Speaker. He stressed that all petitions undergo a standard review by the Clerk’s office to ensure compliance with the Assembly’s standing orders and procedures.
“The assembly is in receipt of one or two petitions against our Deputy Speaker, Hon. Seedy S.K. Njie,” Jatta stated. He added that the technical review process is nearly complete, with formal communication to the petitioners expected imminently. “I am hopeful that by tomorrow or so they should be able to receive it,” he noted, indicating that any required amendments or resubmissions would be communicated directly.
The petitions, submitted on May 13, 2026, by Gambian Activists including Omar Saibo Camara, Madi Jorbateh, and Baboucarr Nyang, stem from publicly circulated audio recordings and transcripts. Petitioners allege that remarks by Deputy Speaker Njie suggested political affiliation or criticism of President Adama Barrow could influence appointments or removals from public office, raising concerns over constitutional governance, equality, and neutrality.
In response to the latest developments, Omar Saibo Camara, a key figure associated with the petitioners, stated in a follow-up letter sent this week. “Following the submission of our petition against Seedy Njie to the National Assembly of The Gambia, and after sending a follow-up letter this week regarding the status and progress of the petition, we have received communication from the National Assembly requesting that we collect an official letter from them,” Camara said.
He reaffirmed their resolve: “We remain committed to ensuring that our petition is duly admitted and considered. Accountability cannot be postponed, and we will continue to pursue every lawful avenue to ensure that justice and accountability prevail.”
The development has sparked public debate, with activists pressing for transparency and a full investigation by the Public Petitions Committee.
