Members of the National Assembly have been labelled “selfish and embarrassing” for increasing their salaries amid an economic crisis. 

Pa Njie Grigara, a business mogul and stalwart of the ruling National People’s Party, urged the MPs to ditch their proposed pay rise and focus instead on addressing the challenges of the country. 

Speaking exclusively to Gambiana, Mr Njie said “we don’t elect you to the House to go and enjoy, we elect you to serve us especially during this trying times for the world. 

“There is no need for you to increase your salaries and allowances at the expense of the poor Gambian taxpayers.”

Mr Njie continued: “I am very disappointed with the parliamentarians about the pricing on groundnut. The government is selling fertilizer to farmers for 40 dalasis and buying their groundnut for 30 dalasis. 

“And you the members of parliament should have been championing for the farmers and poor Gambians to get a better living than increasing your salaries.

“You [the MPs] have failed and embarrassed Gambians. Why didn’t you increase the buying price of groundnut for Gambians? Your increment of your salaries and allowances is shameful,”he added.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba