By Kumba Leigh
Goodluck Jonathan Foundation in collaboration with ECOWAS Parliament has recently embarked on a two-day training for 58 National Assembly Members on identifying and developing strategies on main gaps of the National Assembly Standing Orders, guidelines or parliamentary oversights, handling of sensitive communication and information at committees, techniques for effective oversight amongst others.
The training that took place at a local hotel in Senegambia brought together stakeholders across different parliamentary.
At the opening of the event, Dr Alieu Badara Joof, Vice President of The Gambia, assured that the leadership of H.E President Adama Barrow is committed to enriching and sustaining good governance through a strong, effective and efficient NA that consistently keeps gauging and presenting the views and needs of the people.
“The Assembly is an institution that helps the government to identify problems and policy challenges that require the needed attention and assistance,’’ he noted.
Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Ex President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and former Chairman of the Good Luck Jonathan Foundation said: “I believe our gathering here today is a testament to our commitment and faith in democracy and our resolve to be part of the development trajectory of our sub-region and or continent at large.’’
He cautioned parliamentarians to focus on the views of people they represent and stay away from partisan politics. He referenced few countries that are lagging in development due to partisanship.
Mr Jonathan further underscored the need for collaborative efforts and enhancement of democracy, saying democracy has proven overtime to be the best form of good governance and attainment of basic human aspirations of peace, unity, economic sufficiency and freedom “because it establishes a nexus between leadership and development”.
For his part, Fabakary Tombong Jatta, Speaker of the Sixth Legislature of the NA asserted that his members have been effectively and freely participating in their debates to ensure constructive contribution on issues without fear or favour. All of this he said is geared towards the enhancement of good governance, democracy and the rule of law.