Speaker Rules Finance Minister Apologises for Delayed 2025 Budget

Finance Minister delivers speech on laying of 2025 Budget © Askanwi Media

This is the ruling of the Speaker of the Sixth Legislature Hon Fabakary Tombong Jatta delivered on 15th November 2024 at the National Assembly on the laying of the 2025 Budget.

Honourable Members!

On a closer look at Section 152 (1) of the Constitution as amended, it directs the President, through the Ministry of Finance, and Economic Affairs (MoFEA), to lay the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure of The Gambia. It does not direct the National Assembly or specify any legal consequence for the failure of the executive in meeting the deadline. In other words, it does not mandate us to reject the tabling of estimates if it is brought out of time. In fact, the National Assembly’s duty is embedded in Section 152(1A) which is to give consideration to the estimates once tabled within the time frame provided for by the constitution, i.e. 30 days (as amended).

Hon. Members, under these circumstances, we cannot rewind the hands of time to consider the estimates at the required time. Seeing that the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure is a critical instrument in the operation of the affairs of the State for the next fiscal year, I would indulge the understanding of this august Assembly to allow the Hon. Minister proceed with the tabling of the estimates. However, before doing so I would instruct the Hon. Minister tender his sincere apologies without any explanation to this august Assembly on the failure on his part to meet the required deadline.

Hon. Members, under these extraordinary circumstances and for public interest reasons, the tabling of this motion is necessary to avoid any possible shut down of the operations of the state, including this Legislature and the Judiciary.

After consultations with the leadership of both sides of the Assembly, it is therefore my ruling in accordance with Order 8 of the Standing Orders of the National Assembly, that, after the apology of the minister, we proceed with the formal tabling of the estimates.

This ruling is final.

Minority Leader speaking to Speaker © Askanwi Media