By Adama Makasuba
Hamat Bah, the Minister of Lands, Local Government, and Religious Affairs, has sparked outrage in parliament after referring to opposition critics as “big mouths.”
His comments were swiftly condemned by lawmakers, particularly those from opposition parties and independent groups, who demanded that the minister retract his statement and apologize.
During a parliamentary question-and-answer session, MP Musa Cham from Serrekunda challenged Mr. Bah about the government’s response to using roadsides as marketplaces despite local governments collecting daily revenue.
In response, Mr. Bah accused the opposition of launching a barrage of criticism against the Barrow government for clearing businesses from the roads. “When the government started clearing the roads, you, the opposition, were the big mouths opposing this government, saying we were destroying businesses,” he stated. His remarks immediately led to an uproar in the chamber, with members protesting his statement, which they deemed unparliamentary.
Yaya Menteng Sanyang, the Member for Latrikunda, protested and demanded that the minister withdraw his statement, arguing that he had insulted the entire opposition. “He has insulted the whole country because my parents and I are all in opposition,” he said.
Despite the protests, Mr. Bah stood by his statement, clarifying that he was referring to opposition critics of the Barrow government. “I am talking about the opposition out there who are disparaging our government for clearing the roads,” he asserted.
In response, Sulayman Saho, the Member for Central Baddibu, raised a point of order, citing Provision 29 of the National Assembly Standing Orders, which prohibits using offensive and insulting language against assembly members. “It is inappropriate for the Honorable Minister of Lands and Local Government to call the opposition’s big mouths.’ It is disrespectful for him to address us in that manner,” he stated.
Deputy Speaker Seedy Njie, who presided in the speaker’s absence, ruled that the matter had reached a stalemate after Yaya Menteng Sanyang questioned whether Mr. Bah would appreciate being called a “big mouth” himself. Mr. Njie cautioned that it is unacceptable for ministers and members to use offensive language against one another during parliamentary sessions.
