Lawmakers confirm Barrow’s Ombudsman appointment

By Arfang M.S. Camara

Deputies at the National Assembly on Tuesday unanimously endorsed the appointment of Bakary Sanyang, former governor of West Coast Region as new ombudsman.

In accordance with sector 164 (1) of the 1997 Constitution, the president is mandated to appoint an Ombudsman in consultation with the Public Service Commission, subject to confirmation by the National Assembly.

Laying the motion for consideration and approval Kebba K. Barrow, National Assembly Member for Kombo South and the majority leader said: “It is a fact that Bakary Sanyang is the second nominee by the president for the position of ombudsman after the rejection of the earlier nominee Ababucarr A. Suwareh in December, 2019 by the National Assembly.”

He added that the provision under sector 164 (1) of the 1997 Constitution limits the Assembly from rejecting the second nominee for ombudsman, subject to full compliance to provision of the constitution.

Hon. Barrow reminded the lawmakers that the motion that was tabled by the vice president confirmed that Mr. Sanyang was still (at the time) serving in a public office as governor of West Coast Region. This, he added was not in line with the provisions of the constitution resulting to the referral of the motion to the relevant committee for scrutiny and advice.

He said the Standing Order 114(2) mandates the Public Appointments Standing Committee to consider and advise the report upon all appointments to a public office to be made by the executive, subject to confirmation of the National Assembly and other matter connected therewith.

According to the majority leader, the committee met on 14 May 2020 to consider and scrutinize the motion as was referred to the plenary, adding that the committee further reviewed Sanyang’s credentials as per to the statutory requirements as provided under 164 (1) of the 1997 Constitution.

After Sanyang’s confirmation by lawmakers, Vice President Dr. Isatou Touray thanked deputies for their consideration, saying that Bakery Sanyang’s appointment is in the interest of the country.