Posted by President Adama Barrow has urged Gambians to demonstrate commitment to national interest in making sure that they put the country first in carrying out their duties.
“Together, we should rededicate ourselves to serving the national interest in all our engagements, and avoid all negative and selfish attitudes and actions,” the Gambian leader said during the swearing-in ceremony of a new Vice President, Cabinet Ministers, Government Spokesperson, and a Permanent Secretary held Monday at State House, Banjul.
Last week, President Barrow made a major cabinet reshuffle, leading to the sacking of former VP Aja Fatoumata Tambajang and Agriculture Minister Omar Amadou Jallow, both members of Coalition 2016 that uprooted Yahya Jammeh’s two-decade long dictatorship. The move raised eyebrows in some quarters but was seen by some observers as a reaffirmation of his leadership at a time the country is facing mounting challenges.
President Barrow further stated that the pledge made by his gov’t to engage in institutional and legal reforms provides them with the mandate to work hard in order to achieve the goal set out by the new regime.
“We have to ensure that we leave behind a legacy of strong and sustainable institutions, effective laws and the right procedures that will transform our country into a fully-fledged democracy and facilitate social, economic and political development for our people,” he remarked.
Barrow’s government inherited massive problems caused by Yahya Jammeh’s anti-West diatribe that plunged the tiny West African nation into an era of anxiety.
He expressed hope that Cabinet ministers will re-new their commitment to hard work, and focus on having a unified purpose for the realization of the country’s National Development Plan (2018-2021).
“As a government, we have the singular responsibility to make this country a shining example of development, democracy, rule of law and peaceful co-existence that would make us a model in the sub-region and beyond,” Barrow reiterated.
Speaking earlier, Gambia’s newly appointed VP, Ousainou Darboe, thanked President Barrow for giving him the opportunity to serve the country at the top of the chain of command.
“As your Vice-President, I pledge to stand by every weaken moment to help you,” VP Darboe said with emphasis.
Over these past twenty years, United Democratic Party (UDP)) leader has been among the emblematic figure who led Gambians in their fight against tyranny. His appointment is expected to l0ⁿbring synergy as gov’t is going through some turbulences.
VP Darboe made it very clear that he will always be by Adama Barrow as he pushes ahead with an agenda that promotes diversity, rule of law and democracy.
“We are determined to surmount each and every challenge however difficult it may be,” he said while stating that for the entire Cabinet members today’s event is far from being a mere ritual.
Other gov’t officials who have been sworn into office include Minister of Information and Communication Infrastructure Ebrima Sillah; Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Mambury Njai; Minister of Health and Social Welfare Dr. Isatou Touray; Minister of Agriculture Lamin N.Dibba; Minister of Youth and Sports Hadrammeh Sidibeh; Minister of Trade, Regional Integration and Employment Amadou Sanneh as well as Musa Drammeh who is holding the portfolio of Ministry of Lands and Local Gov’t. Ebrima M.G.Sankareh and Ada Gaye have also taken their oath of office as Gov’t Spokesman and PS at the Ministry of Agriculture respectively.
Culled from JollofNews.