Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia said on Monday that two terms for the Office of the President should be entrenched in the Constitution.
“A two term for all Heads of State should be entrenched in the Constitution,” President Barrow said.
Barrow, made these statements during the swearing-in ceremony of members of the Constitutional Review Commission at State House in Banjul.
The Constitutional Review Commission has 11 members headed by Chairman Cherno Sulayman Jallow. The members are Hawa Sisay Sabally, Janet Ramatoulie Sallah Njie, Fatoumatta Jallow, Amie Joof Cole, Salimatou Touray, Gaye Sowe, Lamin S Camara, Yankuba Dibba, Dr Melville O George and Yankuba Manjang.
President Barrow in his keynote address emphasized the importance of having a well prepared Constitution that protects the fundamental rights and freedom of all Gambians regardless of ethnic, religious and political affiliation. He added that the former regime has consolidated power to an individual which he said should not be the case in new Gambia.
“This is an important task,” Barrow said.
“The Constitution should be build on nationalism” he added.
The Gambian leader expressed trust and respect for the newly sworn members of the Constitutional Review Commission.
The Gambia’s Chief Justice, Hassan B Jallow explained that the 1997 Constitution needs serious amendments.
“It is important to have a consultation with Gambians,” Chief Justice Jallow said.
“Its a difficult and challenging task,” he added.
Abubacarr Tambadou, Attorney General and Minister of Justice commended the members, saying the time has come to do more work than talking.
“The Constitution should reflect the true aspirations of The Gambian people,” Justice Minister Tambadou said.
“It should be an immortal Constitution,” he stated.
The Constitutional Review Commission Chair, Cherno Sulayman Jallow reaffirmed his commitment to work for the interest of the Gambian people.
“The team and I will perform our duties with consent in accordance to the law,” Chairman Jallow pointed out.
Jallow went further to justify the establishment of the Committee, saying the 1997 Constitution was tampered several times by the former regime.
