Has President Jammeh Rescinded The Firing Of Marie Saine???

Justice Minister’s Sacking Not Official Yet—Freedom Newspaper Reporter

The Gambian state is yet to officially announce the alleged sacking of Justice Minister Marie Saine, leaving the nation in a sea of speculations, and counter speculations, the Freedom Newspaper weekend edition can report. It appears that the President has rescinded his move to let the former Justice Minister go, as there is no formal announcement on Radio Gambia to confirm international press reports that Madam Saine has been fired.  This paper was reliably informed by a trusted source about the removal of Marie Saine, but our reporter on the ground is calling for a caution on the whole issue—pending an official statement issued by the State House.

“Pa, the news of the Justice Minister’s sacking has not been aired by GRTS,  and I also contacted an intelligence officer, who confirmed that it is unfounded. But I will continue to monitor the situation. This story reminds me about the sacking of  the former Secretary General SG Sallah.  It  was  rumored earlier before his sacking. Let wait, and see what will happen now towards Monday,” said our Banjul political reporter Bakary Gibba.

Many here are questioning the legality of the appointment of Pa Harry Jammeh—given the fact that he served less than five years in the Bar. The constitution stipulates that for one to become a Justice Minister, he, or she must be an admitted member of the Bar for five years. Pa Harry does not fulfilled the said constitutional stipulation, said our sources.

The source said even if the President went ahead to name his half brother as Marie Saine’s successor, there is bound to be an outcry over the constitutionality of his decision. The source said the President has no alternative but to rescind his decision, and scout for a lawyer who met the qualifications, or requirements.

The President's office usually announces all appointments, and firings of state ministers on GRTS, but in the case of Marie Saine is the reverse. There have been no official statement from the President's office confirming the removal of Marie Saine.