By Ramatoulie Jawo
Honorable Fabakary Tombong Jatta, the Speaker of the National Assembly has described the late Vice-President Badara Alieu Joof as a true patriot who dedicated his life to the moral development of the country.
“Badara Alieu Joof was a true patriot who has dedicated his entire life to the moral development of the Gambia. A kind and humble personality, his influence and interaction transcend, ethnic, ideological and other sectarian boundaries as he has always sought to bring about harmony, understanding and deep sense of community among those he crosses paths with,” he said.
Hon Jatta went on to describe the philosophy that undergirded the late Vice-president’s contributions as “unique urgency” and futuristic in outlook.
“His (Late VP Joof) contributions were underpinned by a unique urgency and always focused on the future as he always looked to what his generation would bequeath to their next generation. In expressing his views, he was unapologetically fearless, courageous, ready to take risks, revolutionary, and visionary. As we mourn his untimely death, we take solace in the purposeful and exemplary life that he led. We weep because we love the kind person that he was, we weep for the people who love him and the country that he loved,” Speaker Jatta stated.
Hon. Jatta said the late VP Joof had enormous respect for the National Assembly and was always magnanimous in responding to their calls.
He further stated that under the leadership of the late VP Joof, Cabinet Ministers were always present and punctual in their dealings with the National Assembly.
“To his family, I say we know that the passage of time never really heals the wounds that have been occasioned by such a tragic loss. We pray that Allah grants them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. We must carry on with the work that he was involved in with all of us. Because we must, because our people would want us to, and because the memory of his life will be the light to guide us as we go forward,” the Speaker of the country’s Parliament concluded.
Speaker Jatta made these remarks at the State funeral for the late VP who passed away on Wednesday in India after a brief illness.