Parliament retains Speaker, Deputy Speaker

The house of parliament (National Assembly) yesterday held its first meeting of the fourth legislature in the second republic of The Gambia, which saw the former speaker and the deputy speaker unanimously elected to serve another term.

Speaker Abdoulaye Bojang and deputy speaker Fatou Mbaye were nominated and elected unopposed by the national assembly members.

The occasion was graced by the Speaker of the federal republic of Nigeria, the deputy speaker of Mauritania, Vice president and minister of women’s affairs of the country, Chief Justice, cabinet ministers, and well wishers among other dignitaries.

In accordance with the provision of section 97 (1) of the 1997 constitution of The Gambia, the duo sworn-in to renew their allegiance to serve national interest without fear, favor, affection or ill-will.

In his inaugural speech, Hon. Abdoulaye Bojang registered his allegiance and loyalty to the Gambian leader, president Jammeh , and thanked him for what he called, ‘the trust and confidence’ bestowed on him to serve the national assembly.

He also commended the members of the house for the unanimous election and for renewing their trust in him.

The speaker further assured the parliamentarians his continuous support and in welcoming their democratic ideas.

As representatives of the society, he urged the members to be dedicated to serve and promote supreme national interest, while underscoring the need for unity.

He also challenged them to put aside partisan politics and move the country forward, saying: “national interest should supersede individual and party interest.” He called on the members of the house to lead by example.

Hon. Bojang went on to thank those members who lost in their various constituencies and could not make it to the house for the hard work and support rendered to the parliament during their tenure.

Meanwhile, the Majority leader of the house, Honorable Fabakary Tombong Jatta was also unanimously re-elected to maintain his position, whilst the member for Niamina Dankunku, Honorable Samba Jallow was elected as the minority leader.

All the elected members and the nominated members of the house took their oath in office.

The nominated members included Honorable captain (rtd) Lamin K. Saine, Honorable Sainey Chatty, Honourable Seedy S.K. Njie, Honorable Aji Fatou Jeng and Honorable Babou Gaye Sonko.

At the end of the swearing-ceremony, a special dinner was hosted in honor of the visiting delegation of the Nigerian speaker and the deputy speaker of Mauritania at the Ocean Bay Hotel.

Author- Mariam Saine (TODAY Newspaper)