The newly elected members of the National Assembly constituting the fourth batch Assembly in the Second Republic were Thursday sworn-in at a grand ceremony held at the National Assembly Chambers in Banjul.

The ceremony was attended by the vice president and minister of Women’s Affairs, Aja Dr Isatou Njie-Saidy; the chief justice of The Gambia, Emmanuel Agim, who administered the oaths; Cabinet ministers; members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps; service chiefs; mayors of Banjul and KMC; and regional governors, among others.

At the occasion, all members swore to be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Republic of The Gambia and to execute the functions of an honourable member of the National Assembly without fear or favour, affection or ill-will according to the constitution of The Gambia and other laws of the land.

Shortly after taking their oaths, after his unanimous re-election as speaker, Hon. Abdoulie Bojang returned thanks to Allah and prayed for His continued guidance as they set to discharge their duties in the service of the country. He equally thanked President Jammeh for the trust and confidence bestowed upon him in re-nominating him to serve as speaker of the National Assembly.

He said: “Let me use this opportunity to renew my allegiance and loyalty to His Excellency Sheikh Professor Dr. Alhaji Yahya Jammeh, President of the Republic and I say thank you. Thank you also my colleagues in the house for the renewed confidence and I wish to assure you of my sincerity to uphold, protect and promote the constitution and the other laws of The Gambia as well as the standing orders of the National Assembly.”

Bojang used the opportunity to speak of his resolve to continue to work with both sides of the National Assembly and to further protect the democratic ideals and values, including their pluralism, multi-party parliament democracy and the maintenance of the rule of law. While challenging his colleagues to serve the best interest of their electorates, the speaker Bojang also tasked them to be dedicated and committed to the work of the National Assembly and by extension to the service of the nation.

“It is not an easy task but with God in sight, coupled with hard work, sincerity, dedication and commitment, we shall no doubt succeed together,” he said, while underscoring the need for unity of purpose and resolve stressing that “unity lies in strength’, thus, urging them to be united in purpose and resolve to make The Gambia a better place for all. “Let us put aside party politics and work together to move The Gambia forward,” he further urged members.

He continued: “Yes, we do have different views as politicians, so do we also have party interests to safeguard but the supreme national interest of The Gambia and all those people thou has committed to our charge, is our statutory, legal, moral, and social responsibility to protect.

The Gambian people have decided and as elective representatives, you must endeavour to live up to expectations and the aspirations of your people. We can only have the moral authority to scrutinise and perform oversight over public life, public service and public officers if we ourselves live by example.”

He further stated that it is very essential that as servants of the people, they conform both in deeds and in words to uphold and defend the principles and tenets of the rule of law as well as national security and also be prepared together to promote and protect the supreme national interest of the country at all times.

Speaker Bojang acknowledged the total support given to the National Assembly by the president and his government, which he said, enables them to carry out their work effectively without hindrance. “We are particularly appreciative of His Excellency's unparalleled resolve and support which enhances the work of the Assembly as evident by the enormous capital infrastructural and budget support to the National Assembly over the years. We thank him through you the Vice President for all the support he has continued to render to us,” he concluded.

Words to former NAMs

The speaker used the opportunity to thank the outgoing National Assembly members for the relentless sacrifice and contributions they have made to the work of the National Assembly over the years.“I pray that Allah the Almighty in his bless open new doors for you,” he said.

Election of majority & minority leaders

Meanwhile, the National Assembly members also made an in-house nomination to elect the majority and minority leaders of the house.

Hon Fabakary Tombong Jatta was re-elected as majority leader for the fourth time while Hon. Samba Jallow, NAM for Niamina Dankunk was elected minority leader.

The two were elected shortly after the whole house was sworn-in at a colourful swearing-in ceremony at the Assembly Chambers. Hon. Sulayman Joof, National Assembly member for Serrekunda West led the nomination for election of the majority leader. He was seconded by Hon. Abdoulie Kanagi Jawla NAM for Sandu while Hon. Sainey Mbye of Upper Saloum led the nomination of Hon. Samba Jallow NAM for Niamina Dankunku who was unanimously elected without any opponent.  

Shortly after their election as majority and minority leaders respectively, speaker Bojang announced the names of the newly elected members, Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta and Hon. Samba Jallow respectively. The ceremony was also among other dignitaries witnessed by the vice president, Her Excellency Aja Dr. Isatou Njie-Saidy, Cabinet ministers, and deputy speaker of the Islamic Republic of Mauritanian.