The Speaker of the National Assembly, Fabakary Tombong Jatta, has warned the Member for Kiang West, Lamin Ceesay, to comply with proceedings or risk being ordered out of the chamber during President Adama Barrow’s 2026 State of the Nation Address.

The exchange followed complaints by the Kiang West lawmaker over alleged clapping in the chamber, which he said violated parliamentary rules.

However, Speaker Jatta dismissed the concern, stating he did not hear any clapping.

“Honourable member, you must begin to respect the Speaker’s ruling. If you want to challenge my ruling, you have to do so on a substantive motion. I am saying that I have not heard clapping,” he said.

The Speaker then cautioned the MP against arguing with him, describing his conduct as disorderly.

“Honourable member for Kiang West, you are talking about order and you are out of order yourself by arguing with the Speaker,” Jatta said.

He issued a firm warning, making it clear that failure to comply would lead to removal from the chamber.

“Honourable member, sit down otherwise you will go outside. If you don’t want to listen, we will politely ask you to go,” he warned.

Speaker Jatta also extended the caution to all members, urging them to maintain order and allow proceedings to continue without disruption.

“Honourable members, if you don’t want to listen, you can go outside and allow others to listen,” he added.

By Adama Makasuba