The newly elected Speaker of the Gambia’s National Assembly, Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta, has vowed to successfully travel the path to make the legislature more vibrant and democratic legislature, which would be responsive to the needs and aspirations of the Gambian people.
The veteran lawmaker made the commitment in her inaugural speech on Thursday, 14th April 2022 shortly after his election by the lawmakers, to serve as Speaker of the Sixth Legislature, and his subsequent taking of oath administered by the Chief Justice of The Gambia, Hon. Justice Hassan B. Jallow, at the National Assembly in Banjul.
Jatta, alongside Hon. Seedy Njie (the new Deputy Speaker), Hon. Fatoumatta Jawara, Hon. Maimuna Ceesay and Hon. Kebba Lang Fofana, were nominated by President Adama Barrow to serve as Nominated Members of the National Assembly following the April 9 legislative elections.
“I shall successfully travel the path pursued by various Speakers before me and my immediate predecessor, the legal luminary Rt. Hon. Mariam Jack-Denton to make the National Assembly a more vibrant and democratic legislature responsive to the needs and aspirations of the Gambian people”, Hon. Jatta avowed. He also expressed thanks to the President and Hon. Members, for the trust and confidence reposed in him by electing him as Speaker of the National Assembly.
“I wish to congratulate all of you Hon. Members for winning your seats. It is a unique opportunity to serve our dear nation. I therefore look forward to maximizing the opportunities for every member to contribute”, Jatta of the former ruling APRC party, told his audience, including members of the cabinet; the immediate past Speaker and Deputy Speaker, Hon. Jack-Denton and Hon. Momodou L.K. Sanneh, respectively; members of the diplomatic community; and supporters of the various lawmakers.
While acknowledging that the legislature is composed of both the elected and nominated members from various political parties, and come from various constituencies, the new speaker urged the NAMs to be guided by the supreme interest of the country, at all times.
His words: “I trust the experienced members will mentor the new ones. I implore all of us to endeavor and ensure that the rules of debate as enshrined in the Standing Orders of this Assembly are respected and obeyed to the letter. As Presiding Officer, I intend to be fair to all and therefore seek your understanding in advance.” He also encouraged the new entrants to prepare and present statements on matters of the day and apply the ‘Question Time’ well, adding that their brilliant visibility will affect their re-election.
“I will meet with leadership on this and seek the support of the Office of the Clerk to help you deliver. A comprehensive induction process is vital for collective improved performance”, Jatta told the assembly. He also reminded the new members that the highly procedural nature of the National Assembly calls for an equally high level of commitment to the rules and procedures of the institution, which hinges on serious learning. In this respect, he suggested that the new members should undertake to sharpen their competencies, in order to enable them function effectively and efficiently.
He stressed that both the majority and the minority sides of the Assembly must be guided by the mandate given to the government to build a vibrant society anchored on the principles of fairness and equality of opportunities.
Intimating that the promotion of good governance requires a parliament that could effectively perform the three core functions, namely legislation, oversight, and representation, Jatta underlined, “let each one of us, therefore, represent our people with dignity, purpose, and honour”. Hon. Jatta also wants the lawmakers to ensure parliament continues to be a living embodiment of nation building, solidarity, and unity, and that they endeavour to be seen as “a moral powerhouse” and a beacon of hope for all Gambians. He pointedly told them that Gambians everywhere are looking up to Parliament and government for the solutions to the problems that confront them on daily basis.
“Our people expect us to help fix the economy, provide jobs for the unemployed, improve access and quality of our education, health care and above all give them hope. This is our mandate as a Government and as a Parliament,”, remarked the new Speaker.
“This sixth legislature is for the people of The Gambia and they want us to be honest, accountable and responsive to their needs. I ask for cooperation from all and sundry to make our stewardship a success. Thank you,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, all the 58 members of the House had taken their oaths, to serve for the next five years.
