The state opening of the National Assembly was postponed at the last minute with distinguished diplomats, dignitaries, traditional leaders and members of Civil Society seated and waiting for the President’s arrival. During a live broadcast on Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS) the postponement of this event was read out to attendees at the event and those seated at home watching the live broadcast.
The postponement, announced by the speaker of the National Assembly, Honorable Abdoulie Bojang read. “The state opening of the National Assembly was scheduled today 17th of March 2016, but has been postponed until further notice due to circumstances beyond our control. All attendees will be informed of the postponed date and are urged to keep their invitation cards to attend the postponed opening.”
According to Gainako’s reporter who attended the opening, the announcement was read out at around 18:00 hrs local time with everyone seated. Some attendees who had arrived as early as 15:00 hrs left bitterly disappointed. It was also noted that some attendees had traveled far to attend the event only to be told in the 11th hour that the event will not take place. After the announcement, attendees dispersed immediately. Like most people who couldn’t understand the reason for the late no show, our reporter caught up with the Majority Leader to find out if any reason was communicated to him as to the President’s failure to turn up. He answered in the negative. Stating that “we were just told that the president cannot come” he disclosed.
Similarly other National Assembly Members including the Clerk also responded in the negative. While engaging the Minority Leader Samba Jallow, he disclosed that Jammeh’s no show is a big blow to the country. According to him, this was a waste of Tax payers time and money. “The president should have told us that he cannot come earlier, but to wait until the eleventh hour to tell us that he cannot make it. This is really a disgrace, how can other diplomats or country representatives take us seriously if the President can do a no show to such an important event” he asked. Similar remarks were echoed by the National Assembly member for Lower Saloum.
It is not yet clear why the President suddenly cancelled his visit to this important national events. Speculations are ripe and the rumors are flying like wild fire. Media pundits analysed that the President’s cancellation may be related to security concerns. President Jammeh has increasingly been paranoid of his security around the country as tension between Gambia and Senegal mounts due to the border closure. It is also elections season in Gambian as 2016 elections are fast approaching. Security check points have been seen all around the country.
Unconfirmed reports reaching Gainako from an anonymous source alleged that the commander of the Navy is wanted and security forces are looking for him. It is not unusual for President Jammeh to allege attempted coup on his government to go after people added a political pundit. So far there has been over ten alleged attempts to overthrow the embattled President who has ruled this tiny West African country with an iron fist. Another unconfirmed source indicated that Jammeh may be sick and an anonymous message sent to Gainako’s in box suggested an unmarked airplane was seen bringing medical doctors to the country. Gainako team are closely investigating these reports and will update our reader as more information becomes available. This is a developing story… stay tuned!