As the eleven-member consitutional review panel is set to draft a blueprint for the future, Chief Justice Hassan Aboubacarr Jallow has expressed the need for the country to move towards a more perfect constitution that would not would not trample upon Gambians’ newly won freedom.
“We need a constitution to ensure that power can be exercised in order for the State to be administered. But also we need to have a system that will prevent abuses of power and provide remedies for the victims,” C.J Jallow told this reporter in an exclusive interview.
Last Monday, members of the Constitutional Review Commission were sworn in during a ceremony held at State House, Banjul. The said commission is comprised of devoted citizens who are among the most respected. Six men and five women are teaming up to adapt to new developments by framing a constitution that would propel the tiny West African nation into modernity.
He emphasized the protection of rights as a major pillar in building a nation shielded from dictatorial threats.
CJ Jallow said they have to strike a balance in order to contain the Executive from undermining the Legislature and the Judiciary.
When asked whether the era of presidentialist regime is over, he made it clear that President Adama Barrow has sent a strong signal by putting a limitation to the number of term a Head of State could serve.
He then added that the decision is meant to curb the authority of heads of state.
“We need a strong Executive, a strong Legislature, and a strong Judiciary.”
Written by Abdoulie JOHN
“… commission is comprised of devoted citizens who are among the most respected. Six men and five women are teaming up to adapt to new developments by framing a constitution…”
# I’m sure, I have read somewhere else, the numbers were “6 female & 5 male” reportedly before; Probably the Mr Gaye Sowe, therein, could’ve been construed as female initially…?
Nonetheless, for engendered progression of the community, the 45% female composition of the Commission, is a good step towards gender emancipation in overview; whilst the ‘legal minds’ in the domain, can argue for & against, the merits of selection…
But Mr Chief Justice; aren’t you people (government) ‘having a laugh’ currently; while preaching one thing on one hand but doing the opposite at the very same time….?
Where’s the “justice” being preached for the victim-Gunjur community too, in the Golden Lead illegalities…
Everybody, can be entitled to our (their) own individualistic opinions differently; but it’s difficult to stay ‘diplomatically speaking’ at ALL times; especially, in faces of injustice, at the hands of those) who are) supposed to (know) do better as required mandatorily….?
I’m sure, nobody will ever trust Bajaw, about, ‘preaching for the safety of humanity, whilst seen with a child’s leg, in his mouth, saying it’s a chewing stick insistently’…¿
God bless Gambia…
Gunjur may have to take their case to the international level, to seek for justice if it feels not satisfy the our come of supreme court ruling.