An ex-advisor to President Adama Barrow has bashed the 23 lawmakers who voted against the Draft Constitution, describing their actions as pandering to Barrow’s political ambitions.

Mai Ahmed Fatty made the remarks at a press conference at GMC political bureau,  Kairaba Avenue.

Mr Fatty began his lashing at the National Reconciliation Party’s lawmakers who all voted against the Draft Constitution Bill, saying “five from NRP (voted against it). It is clear to all that NRP had declared total allegiance to the personal political ambition of the President. 

“They would not have had the audacity to vote against the bill if it did not serve the personal political ambition of the President, particularly that the bill in question originated from the government headed by their candidate for 2021, President Barrow. This including the one he made at Sare Bojo, URR.”

The leader of the opposition GMC party slammed ten dismissed United Democratic Party’s lawmakers who also voted against the Draft Constitution Bill. 

“Ten independent MPs previously dismissed by UDP for anti-party activities, and for advancing the personal political agenda of President Barrow contrary to party principle. 

“They are identified and known by the entire country as the NAMs notionally representing the NPP and President Barrow in parliament. This group include two NAMs previously on the ticket of GDC.”

He also lashed at the APRC lawmakers for rejecting the draft constitution and said “their vote was one of the strategic conveniences to archive a common purpose.”

The former Interior minister laid into a PPP lawmaker who also voted against the Draft Constitution – and described the PPP party who “regard themselves as part of the government, particularly then their representative in Cabinet is also the minister responsible for the National Assembly, he dared not vote against a major government bill without validation from the party leadership.”

A list of the parliamentarians that voted against the Draft Constitution

1. Hon. Sunkary Badjie Foni Brefet  APRC 

2. Hon. Musa Amul Nyassi Foni Kansala APRC

3. Hon. Kaddy Camara Foni Bondali APRC 

4. Hon. Momodou Camara Foni Bintang APRC 

5. 10. Hon. Sankung Jammeh Foni Jarrol APRC

6. Hon. Amadou Camara Nianija NRP 

7. Hon. Samba Jallow Dankunku NRP 

8. Ousman Touray Sabach Sanjal NRP 

9. Hon. Sainey Jawara Lower Saloum NRP 

10. 21. Hon. Alhagie Mbowe NRP 

11. Hon. Baba Galleh Jallow  Sanimentereng 

12. Hon. Jarju Saikouba Busumbala 

13. Hon. Fatou. K Jawara Tallingding 

14. Hon. Jawara Alagie Lower Baddibu

15. Hon. Abdoulie Ceesay Old Yundum

16. Hon. Muhamed Magassy Basse Independent 

17. Hon. Saikou Marong Latrikunda Sabijie 

18. Hon. Majanko Samusa nominated 

19. Hon. Omar Darboe Upper Niumi 

20. Billay G. Tunkara Kantora 

21. Salifu Jawo  GDC 

22. Hon. Kebba Jallow Jarra Central GDC 

23. Hon. Muhammed Ndow Banjul Central PPP 

Reporting by Adama Makasuba