By Binta Jaiteh
Fabakary Tombong Jatta, new Speaker of the National Assembly, has vowed to be fair as the house chief and urged the elected National Assembly members to be guided by the supreme interests of the country.
“It is a great honour to be nominated and elected as Speaker of this Assembly. I see my presence here as a homecoming albeit with a greater responsibility. I am grateful to all who reposed resounding trust in me to make this possible. I pray to Allah (SWT) that 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,” he promised.
“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 maximising the opportunities for every member to contribute. While I acknowledge that we are all elected or nominated from various political parties and come from various constituencies. I implore all of us at all times to be guided by the supreme interest of our beloved motherland in dealing with matters tabled before us. I trust the experienced members will mentor the new ones.
Therefore, “I implore all of us to endeavour 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 added.
More so, “I encourage new entrants to prepare and present statements on matters of the day and apply the Question Time well. Your brilliant visibility will affect your 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,” he added.
