By Landing Ceesay
President Adama Barrow presided over the swearing-in of 2 judges and a new commissioner of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).
The two sworn-in judges are Na Ceesay Salla- Wadda, the President of the Court of Appeal of the Gambia and Omar M.M. Njie, a Justice of the Supreme Court of the Gambia. While the sworn-in IEC commissioner is Haddy Sedat Jobe-Geoge.
Speaking shortly after the swearing-in, President Barrow said his government is aware of the key role the judiciary plays in the quest for a stable and progressive nation wherein it upholds the rule of law, and all are equal before the law.
Barrow said the elevation of Justice Omar Njie now raises the number to six Gambian Supreme Court Justices appointed by his government, since 2017.
The head of state added that there is no doubt that his government has delivered on its promise to Gambianise the Judiciary, which is the only way to minimise the country’s dependence on external judges for the operations of our Judiciary.
The Gambian leader expects Madam Haddy Jobe’s appointment as Commissioner of the Independent Electoral Commission to add value to the work of the Commission.
“This is critical for the achievement of our goal to promote access to justice, economic prosperity, increased foreign direct investments, and enjoyment of peace and harmony. It is undisputed that the law places a heavy burden on judges whose role it is to dispense justice. This is a difficult role to play, and it requires Judges to be neutral and fair in their approach to cases brought before them.
“As Judges, distinguished scholars, the matters you preside over, your treatment of litigants and the ruling and judgments you deliver contribute significantly to peaceful co-existence and order. Furthermore, you play a crucial role in boosting public trust in our judicial institutions as the right forum to settle differences. Your work can strengthen our growing democracy considerably and guarantee peace and stability,” President Barrow said.
President Barrow expressed optimism that with the quality of judges in the Gambia’s superior courts, the Judiciary would continue to uphold the doctrines of the noble profession, by acting with honesty, independence, impartiality, and integrity in the discharge of their duties.
Barrow trusts that the incoming Justice of The Supreme Court and the new President of the Court of Appeal would contribute extensively to the effective and speedy dispensation of justice in The Gambia.
Meanwhile, Justice Omar M.M. Njie, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, thanked President Barrow for accepting and acting on the recommendation of the Chairman and members of the Judicial Service Commission to appoint them as Justice of the Supreme Court of the Gambia and the President of the Court of Appeal of the Gambia.
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