“We will protest if…” COPG Secretary General

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COPG SG

Team Outpost 


Celestine Kujabi, the Secretary General of Coalition of Progressive Gambians (COPG) has said that they will protest if the 2020 Draft Constitution is not presented at the National Assembly before November. 


Following the recent pronouncement by the President Adama Barrow during the State of the Nation address on Thursday for a referendum in December, the CoPG said it is not yet convinced that there is going to be a referendum in December. 


“It must be noted that this is not the first time the President is making such a pronouncement. Our concern is not only a delay for a referendum but the amendment or changes that may be made in some of the provisions that are not in favor of the ruling party and also the commitment by the ruling party to support the original form of the constitution which all stakeholders are calling for.” he said.


He continued: “It's evidently clear that if certain provisions or clauses are tampered most of the stakeholders will reject it. So it's important to note that the passing of the 2020 Draft Constitution is entirely dependent on the ruling party and government. We have notably seen the presentation and passing of Bills backed by certificates of urgency for the sole purpose of financial gains and advantages of a few within short notice. An urgency certificate backed the retirement benefits of the President, now the benefits for the Judicial Officers and National Assembly Salaries and Pensions Bill which have no relevance to the expectations of Gambians. When Gambians are calling for a total system change for credible democratic dispensations and good governance, those entrusted to execute our expectations are busy with self perpetuating interests which have extremely adverse economic or financial repercussions on the lives of the taxpayers.” he added.


He further reminded the government through the Ministry of Justice and the National Assembly Members to uphold their responsibilities of serving the interest of those who are responsible for paying their privileges and livelihood.


“The realities are, people are aware and awakened. We therefore call on the government through the Ministry of Justice to present the 2020 Draft Constitution with a Certificate of Urgency as with other Bills to the National Assembly for reading and also urge the National Assembly Members to do their utmost to support and ensure a date for a referendum is proposed soon.” he concluded.

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