Gambia News : Opposition NAM Takes Interior Minister to Task Finds fault with

An opposition parliamentarian has demanded an explanation from the ministry of interior as to why his party – United Democratic Party is being denied permit to hold political rallies.

Making this request Tuesday at the National Assembly Honorable Momodou Sanneh, the member for Kiang West and minority leader said he is very much disappointed with the Inspector General of Police Essa Badjie.

“I am not sure if the ruling party applies for a permit to hold rallies, but they do hold rallies and why are we being denied permit by the IGP even if we apply,” he cried out. 

Though the interior minister, Mr. Ousman Sonko was not present in parliament, the opposition member told the Speaker that he was demanding an explanation from him on this issue. 

“We applied but there has never been a reply on our letter”. I made an application myself and I went to the office of the IGP to have an audience with him, but he (IGP) refused to see me. Even if I wanted to see the president he would honor my request to have an audience with him why not the IGP”. Hon Sanneh said.

The minority leader went on to protest against the Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS) for also declining to air their announcements.

“We take our announcements to GRTS and they turn them down”, he said.

“Madam Speaker these issues need to be looked into because we all own this country. It belongs to all of us,” a clause he repeat more than three times with emphasis.

“The ruling party is given the mandate to rule through the consent of the people, but we have a multi-party political system here”. He concluded.