Mai Ahmed Fatty, leader of the opposition Gambia Moral Congress, has defended the ‘unpopular’ Judicial and Remuneration Bill amid a backlash against the bill among Gambians.

Taking stand on the bill, Mr Fatty said: “Let me clearly state my personal position and I admit it may be against the grain. The fact that a strong segment of society may oppose a bill does not ipso facto render that bill improper, and also the fact that it may be potentially politically unwise to support a bill that may be highly resisted by the public does not ipso facto justify its opposition,” Fatty told The Standard.

 “What is expected of any sane person is to stand for your conviction and not pander to public sentiment out of selfish political considerations for cheap popularity. I speak based on my conviction, and I accept that it may be equally unpopular. Unfortunately, by its unique nature as an institution, the Judiciary cannot publicly advocate for itself on such matters, although I believe this one should be an exception.”

 “It is the alfa and the omega in the battle for propriety for all, weak or strong, poor or rich. It can majestically strike down a law passed by parliament and subject the Executive meek on its knees. It can bring down the high and mighty and cut them to size in the exercise of powers in the extraordinary command and solemn authority of the Republic, in favour of the poor and powerless. Such an onerous responsibility demands character and fortitude. It requires freedom from need and influence or potential influence that may compromise the invocation of such enormous powers,” he added.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba