Tensions flared in the Gambian National Assembly after Speaker Fabakary Tombong Jatta clashed with Bakary Badjie, the MP for Foni Bintang, during a heated exchange on the chamber floor.

The incident occurred during deliberations when Mr Badjie interjected with a loud “No!” while another lawmaker was speaking. The interruption prompted a sharp response from Speaker Jatta.

“Who is making that noise at the back? Please stop this nonsense,” the Speaker said, visibly irritated.

The remark drew an immediate reaction from Mr Badjie, who later stood on a point of order, demanding that the Speaker withdraw his comment.

“Honourable Speaker, I humbly ask you to withdraw your statement. You cannot call me nonsense,” Mr Badjie asserted.

In a fiery rebuttal, Speaker Jatta refused to retract his words, insisting that parliamentary procedure does not allow for a point of order to be raised against the Speaker.

“You cannot put a Speaker on a point of order. If you disagree with the Speaker, there is a process. That’s not me. Don’t look at me as Fabakary Jatta,” he responded.

By Adama Makasuba