Hamat Bah’s revelation came on the heels of a question asked by lawmaker for Brikama North, Alagie Darboe, who put to him that Section 131B, 1 and 2 of the Local Government Act 2002, provides that there shall be a Paramount Sefo in The Gambia who shall be appointed by the President.
According to the Act, there shall be a Paramount Sefo in The Gambia for a period of two years on a rotational basis. However, Hon. Darboe said since the advent of the present regime and after the then Paramount Sefo, the late Alhaji Demba Sanyang, none has been appointed.
He therefore urged the minister explain what holding the appointment of the Paramount Sefo is and how soon shall the President appoint one?
Further responding to this, the minister agreed it is his responsibility to advise the president on the appointment and this is a law that should be implemented: "I want to assure members that we will look into the matter and if members have anyone in mind that can fit the position they are welcome to recommend," he said.
Hon. Darboe also tasked the minister to consult the governor to see within a region which of them can be chosen because the chiefs are directly under the governor.
He stressed that the minister should liaise with local authorities for this appointment instead of asking deputies to recommend for the government.
"It is not provided for in the law for Members to recommend to the minister, but it is provided for in the law for the minister to have the responsibility in consultation to appoint the Paramount Sefo."
Hon. Yahya Sanyang, Member for Latrikunda Sabiji, asked if the minister was prepared to engage the governor to work on fulfilling these legislative provisions.
Hamat Bah said he would endeavour to do as the member requested.
Hon. Sanyang stressed that the country, everything and everybody is a subject of the law. He explained that "in legislation, when we say shall, it's a mandatory provision not optional. When the court interprets shall, it's a directive for somebody to perform. Therefore, failing to do this, you should be removed as a minister because you have violated the Local Government Act," he underscored.
The minister admitted: "I have accepted the responsibility and I will ensure my ministry works on this."
