The selection of chairperson for the National Assembly select committee on defence and security sparked heated debate among the newly elected lawmakers.

Monday marks the first ordinary session of the sixth legislatiure, but attracted a heated debate on the nomination of the house deputy speaker who is also a top official of the ruling National People’s Party.

Seedy SK Njie’s nomination to lead the house defense and security committee was quickly rejected by member for Latrikunda Sabiji, Yaya Sanyang, who described the latter as a “security threat” to the country.

But a member for Old Yundum who got re-elected to the National Assembly under the ruling National People’s Party, Abdoulie Ceesay, interjected and told the house that the past committee was led by a deputy speaker who has no security background. 

He advised colleagues to put aside their interests and make the nation’s interest a priority.

However, Kebba Barrow, National Assembly member for Kombo East and a member for United Democratic Party, dismissed the nomination 

“Defence and security should be headed by someone who has a background in security and will not be a threat to The Gambian people,” he said.

“So, I am going with the suggestion we have somebody to head that committee, who will enable us with the work. So many people died in the fifth legislature and nothing is done,” he added.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba