(PC: State House)
By Landing Ceesay
The President of the Republic of the Gambia, His Excellency Adama Barrow, earlier today has sworn-in three (3) new High Court of the Gambia Judges.
Following the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission, President Barrow, acting on the powers vested in him under section 138 of the constitution of the Republic of the Gambia appointed Justice Sheriff B. Tabally, Justice Sidi K. Jobarteh, and Justice Isatou Janneh-Njie, as High Court Judges.
Shortly after their swearing-in, the new judges, President Barrow said the appointment of the trio is in fulfillment of the pledge his government made five years ago.
“Five years ago, we pledged that my government will engage in institutional and legal system reforms for more effective and efficient service delivery in the country that solemn pledge still holds roots. As we continue the historic transition of our nation into a modern democracy where respect for rights and dignity for every person is the norm. This implies in a nation where peace and equal justice exist for all citizens to exercise freedom of expression and association within the confines of the law. In line with these principles, we have just witnessed the swearing-in of 3 more Gambian judges…,” President Barrow said.
The President stated that the appointments are part of the his government continuous search for the right personnel to strengthen the building blocks for improved and sustained engagement in the crucial task of nation building.
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“So far, we have successfully built capacity with our legal system and other structures through the appointment of qualified and committed staff as well as provision of relevant resources. I am optimistic that the appointment of these judges, Sheriff Tabally, Sidi K. Jobarteh, and Isatou Janneh-Njie, will usefully increase the prominent Gambian personalities committed to establishing and maintaining a legal system in which respect for the rule of law is guaranteed,” Barrow informed the gathering.
Hassan B. Jallow, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Gambia, thanked the Gambian President for the appointment of the High Court Judges and his ‘continuous support to the judiciary to promote its independence and also its efficiency’.
The Chief Justice also welcomed and congratulated the judges for their elevation from the subordinate courts to the superior courts.
“The appointments are very well deserved and the appointments came after many years of service as judicial officers on the part of all 3 of them in the subordinate courts and also come after a very rigorous process and various evaluations of many candidates. Because we are concerned not only about Gambianization (of the judiciary), but also to ensure that it is done at the expense of quality that we get the best from the Gambians and we promote them to the bench. We are confident that these 3 represent the highest quality within the judiciary. So we congratulate and welcome them, and we have no doubt that they will perform their duties in accordance with their hoods,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sidi K. Jobarteh, speaking on behalf of the appointed judges said they are grateful beyond measure to President Barrow, for according them the opportunity to continue to serve their country in the administration of justice, as justices of the High Court.
“It has indeed been a long journey for us all. In the course of our tour of duty at the Subordinate Courts and administrative levels, we have come to realize how supportive the justices of the Superior Courts and members of the bar have been. To them we owe a depth of gratitude for the guidance and support throughout our journey. We look forward to working with them in our common enterprise to ensure that a quality justice delivery system is sustained,” she said.
She assured that the oath taken today is not just a formal procedure, saying it is the public witnessing solemn promises for the performance of duty which they will not only be accountable to the nation and her citizens, but also to the Almighty Allah.
The 3 new judges took their oaths earlier today (Wednesday) at the Statehouse in Banjul.