State
House, Banjul, February 13, 2020 – His Excellency, President Adama Barrow has
called on newly-sworn public officers to be righteous, honest and trustworthy
in the execution of their duties as public officers.
He made this call while presiding over the
swearing-in ceremony of a high court judge and two members of the Public
Service Commission at the State House on Thursday, 13th February 2020.
Justice
Zainab Nguie Mboob took oaths as Justice of the High Court of The Gambia, while
Baboucarr Alieu Suwareh and Musa O. Sanneh took theirs as members of the Public
Service Commission of The Gambia. The trio took oaths of allegiance, office and
secrecy in the execution of functions of their offices at the Cabinet Room of
the Presidency.
President Barrow reminded them that in taking
up their appointments, they should remember their decisions and actions in the
course of executing duties will impact the lives of Gambians, who do not have
the privilege to be where they are.
“In The Gambia, there is an obvious need for
deeper commitment and passion for public officials to serve professionally,
without fear or favour. In this way, the national interest will be served
best,” he said.
He further noted that the new appointments are
a part of continuous search for Gambian citizens who will contribute towards
the strengthening of governance structures, improve performance in delivering
service to the citizenry in the best interest of the nation.
The Chief Justice of The Gambia, Hassan Bubacarr
Jallow thanked the President for acting on the recommendation of the Judicial
Service Commission to appoint Justice Zainab Nguie Mboob as a judge.
Chief
Justice Jallow described her as someone with great experience in both the bench
and the bar, in The Gambia and abroad. Hence her choice of returning home to
serve comes with a great sense of sacrifice on her part.
Justice Zainab Nguie Mboob in her vote of
thanks said she has seen some “great deal of change” in the judiciary under the
leadership of Chief Justice Jallow upon her return to The Gambia. She noted the
non-interference by the executive in the work of the judiciary as something
remarkable.
“A well respected and functional judicial
system is the backbone to a well-functioning democracy,” she maintained.
On assuming office, the Barrow Government
pledged to undertake relevant institutional and legal reforms in accordance
with global standards and best practice.
“This calls for setting new targets for
institutions, reviewing laws and procedures, and continually improving output
through positive attitude to work and devoted service to nation,” President
Barrow explained.
