Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Three Gambian citizens have formally petitioned the National Assembly, calling for an inquiry into allegations of ethnic and political discrimination, abuse of public office, and improper interference in public administration involving Deputy Speaker Seedy SK Njie.
The petition, submitted on Tuesday through the Clerk of the National Assembly, was filed by Omar Camara, rights activist Madi Jobarteh, and journalist Baboucarr Nyang.
In the petition dated May 13, 2026, the petitioners urged lawmakers to urgently refer the matter to the Public Petitions Committee and launch what they described as “an impartial parliamentary inquiry into statements and conduct allegedly attributed to the Deputy Speaker” in publicly circulated recordings and transcripts.
According to the petition, the alleged remarks suggest that certain individuals could be denied public appointments or removed from office because of their perceived political affiliations or criticism of President Adama Barrow.
The petition further claims that some of the remarks referenced ethnicity, particularly identifying certain individuals as “Mandinka,” in circumstances the petitioners argue raise concerns about ethnic profiling and discriminatory practices within public administration.
The petitioners also accused the Deputy Speaker of allegedly implying that he had personal influence over decisions relating to appointments and dismissals in public institutions. They further alleged that he expressed intentions to pursue the removal of certain officials based on perceived political sympathies or associations.
Describing the issue as one of “public interest and constitutional governance,” the petition cites Sections 17, 25, 26, 33, and 212 of the 1997 Constitution, which relate to fundamental rights and freedoms, freedom of association and expression, equal opportunity to participate in public affairs, protection against discrimination, and the promotion of national unity.
“The matters raised in this petition may implicate constitutional protections against discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, language, political opinion, or social origin,” the petition stated.
The petitioners argued that the allegations raise broader concerns about the political neutrality of state institutions, constitutional governance, equal protection under the law, and public confidence in democratic institutions.
They further informed the National Assembly that previous public calls for accountability and commentary on the matter had not produced what they described as a satisfactory institutional response.
Among the reliefs sought, the petitioners urged the National Assembly to formally admit the petition, refer it to the Public Petitions Committee for investigation, and determine whether the alleged conduct is consistent with the Constitution and the ethical obligations attached to public office.
They also called for appropriate administrative, disciplinary, ethical, or constitutional measures should the allegations be substantiated.
The petition concludes by urging lawmakers to reaffirm the National Assembly’s commitment to constitutionalism, democratic accountability, national unity, and equal protection for all citizens without discrimination.
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