Mama Kandeh, the leader of the opposition Gambia Democratic Congress, has warned President Adama Barrow that the passing of the Judicial Officers Remuneration Bill will end his presidency.

The contentious bill was first tabled in September 2023, seeking to make provisions for the enhancement of the salaries, allowances, and pension entitlements of judicial officers. 

It also seeks to regulate the conditions of service of judges of the superior court and judicial staff. It was, however, thrown out by members of the National Assembly, who voted 21 against 18 to ditch it.

Reacting to the bill, Mr. Kandeh said: “This is our government; this country belongs to all of us. You must not underestimate the people who elected you into office. The unbecoming behaviour of this government is getting out of hand now. Enough is enough. Mr. President, if you are not careful, this bill will cost you your presidency, and it will be a blunder for you.

 “People cannot sit there and unabatedly continue milking our resources. You are only thinking of how to improve your living standards, to the detriment of our young people. This was not the reason you were elected. The Gambian people are tired of this nonsense.”

 “I want to tell all the National Assembly Members that this bill is not in the interest of the Gambian people. If you allow it to pass, it may result in unforeseen consequences. I am very serious about this. We are tired of your ill-advised actions. You cannot continue to only care about how to fatten salaries to the detriment of a country’s future. That cannot happen,” he added.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba