Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan is in Banjul to help end the deadlock over the Draft Constitution Bill. 

Mr Jonathan, who arrived in the country last night, will today meet President Adama Barrow in his hometown of Mankamand Kunda.

His visit was at the request of President Barrow who asked the former head of state to help end the deadlock over the country’s draft constitution. 

“ I am pleased to have been invited to play a role in the confidence-building process,” Mr Jonathan told reporters shortly after arriving in the country. 

“I thank the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dawda A. Jallow, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mamadu Tangara and other key officials of the Government of The Gambia, for their goodwill and warm reception.”

Mr Jonathan will meet with the 16 political leaders of the country and members of the National Assembly. 

But the mediation of Goodluck Jonathan has however sparked debate among Gambians. 

Those who opposed the mediation process said there is no need for the country to seek international support to broker practical solution on the constitutional process. 

Others in support of the mediation described it as a step in the right direction.

In September this year, the National Assembly rejected the draft constitution, as some lawmakers were unhappy with certain provisions. 

More than 116 million dalasis was spent on the drafting process of the constitution.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba