Deputy speaker of the National Assembly Seedy Njie and US trained Gambian Professor Abdoulie Saine asked Seedy Njie got into a feisty exchange at a panel discussion yesterday (21 July). 

The duo were panellists at an interface meeting between the military and journalists held at Officer’s Mess in Kotu. 

The bad tempered exchange occurred while they were discussing ways to restore confidence between civilians and the military after Jammeh’s brutal 22 year dictatorship. 

Njie, a former strong ally and aide of the dictator, was asked by Professor Saine to explain the psychological transformation he had gone through from working for the Jammeh regime to Barrow’s government.

“I am being very nice about this, now you work for a democratically elected government. Really, I know I critique you. But let me say this, I would like you to help us understand the psychological shift that you went through from working for The Gambia government under Yahya Jammeh and the current dispensation. 

“What changes have you gone through to enable you respectfully, Sir, to assume this position of the vice speaker of the National Assembly,” Professor Saine said. 

In a rebuttal, Mr Njie said the professor should also explain the psychological transformation he is undergoing after spending more than 30 years in exile.

 “I have not gone under any psychological transformation. Maybe, probably some of you who have not been in this country for over 30 years maybe you should tell us what psychological transformation you are undergoing after spending your entire life in the West and now coming to help us, those of us here building this country to continue move this country from where we are to another level.”

Njie added: “And that’s what we’ve initiated and that’s what we are doing. For us, we believe in The Gambia and we believe in Africa and we believe it is only African who can develop our country, and we have served this country with distinction and we will continue to serve this country. 

“We will not run away; we will not side away from responsibilities and that we believe as Gambians we are all equal.”

Reporting by Adama Makasuba