A pressure society group, Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA), has launched a public petition urging the National Assembly to investigate serious allegations of ethnic and political discrimination, abuse of office, and improper interference in public administration against Seedy SK Njie, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly.
The petition, made public on Thursday, centers on audio recordings and transcripts circulating on social media that are attributed to Njie. In the alleged statements, the Deputy Speaker is said to have influenced appointments and dismissals in the public service based on political affiliation, perceived criticism of the President, or ethnic background. GALA argues that such actions, if proven, violate key constitutional principles, including equality before the law, non-discrimination, impartial public administration, and the promotion of national unity.
“This petition concerns allegations of gross misconduct that strike at the heart of constitutional governance,” the group stated. “We cannot build a democratic Gambia while ethnicity and political loyalty are treated as qualifications for public office.”
The petition highlights broader concerns about public trust in the civil service’s neutrality and warns that politicization and ethnic favoritism threaten national cohesion. It calls on the National Assembly to formally receive and admit the petition; refer it to the Public Petitions Committee; conduct a thorough and impartial parliamentary investigation; and, as well.
Determine whether Hon. Njie’s conduct aligns with the Constitution and the obligations of public office, and impose appropriate sanctions if misconduct is established.
GALA emphasized that the petition is filed in the public interest to defend constitutional governance, equal protection under the law, and national unity.
As of now, neither Hon. Seedy SK Njie nor the National Assembly has issued an official response to the allegations. The petition comes amid ongoing public discourse on governance, transparency, and institutional integrity in post-Jammeh Gambia.
GALA, known for its advocacy on accountability and anti-corruption issues, says the matter goes beyond one individual and touches on the foundational values of fairness and merit in public service.
