Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The National Assembly on Tuesday became the scene of heated exchanges as lawmakers debated whether members of the Special Select Committee investigating the assets of former President Yahya Jammeh should receive additional allowances for their extended work.
The motion, tabled by Abdoulie Ceesay, Chairman of the Committee, sought approval to extend the inquiry period to complete its findings. However, discussion on the floor quickly shifted from the timeline to money, with several members questioning whether extra remuneration was justified.
Committee members in support of allowances argued that the extended mandate placed additional demands on their time and resources, warranting compensation.
Others countered that serving on a Special Committee was part of parliamentary responsibility and should not become an avenue for financial gain.
The debate over remuneration revealed visible divisions among lawmakers, prompting the Speaker to remind Members to focus on the core purpose of the probe—ensuring accountability and transparency in the management and disposal of Jammeh’s forfeited assets.
While the motion to extend the Committee’s work was eventually adopted, the discussion underscored growing public sensitivity to how parliamentary duties are compensated amid pressing national economic challenges.
The motion was moved pursuant to Section 109(2) of the 1997 Constitution and Order 95(5) of the Standing Orders of the National Assembly, granting the Committee an additional ninety (90) days starting Wednesday, 18 September 2025.
The Special Select Committee was established during the First Extra-Ordinary Session of the Assembly on 14 May 2025, with an initial 120-day mandate to inquire into the sale and disposal of assets forfeited to the State by the Commission of Inquiry into the financial activities of public bodies under former President Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh.
