By Lamin Kujabi
His Excellency President Adama Barrow on Wednesday, 13th April 2022 presided over the swearing-in of the new appointed High Court judges, a member of National Human Rights Commission and Permanent Secretary, Office of the President.
Sheriff Tabali, Isatou Janneh and Seedy K. Jobarteh took oath of office, allegiance and secrecy as High Court judges; Halimatou Dibba, as member of National Human Rights Commission; and Mariama Njie, Permanent Secretary, Office of the President.
The appointment of these three judges came after a recommendation made on them by Judiciary Service Commission.
President Barrow thanked and congratulated the new appointees for accepting the position. He also underscored his government’s commitment to numerating and motivating all civil servants better by introducing a new pay grading and pension scheme. He therefore challenged all the permanent secretaries and their staff to redouble their efforts, to have high regard for civil service work ethics and fight against corruption. He further advised all public staff to restore confidence in the institution and respect for civil servants.
He further explained that all the legal reform processes taken by the government are in progress. “We must engage professionals with the right technical competence and commitment to lead our ministries and departments, and such persons have to focus on the national interest as a priority over all other interests’’.
He noted that it is essential for all sectors to comply with the government policy directions for further procedures and processes and duly made themselves accountable to the public.
Assan B Jallow, Attorney General and Chief Justice said that the people that have been sworn in are well-deserved of the positions because their appointment came after many years of serving as judiciary officers.
Justice Seedy Jobarteh spoke on behalf of her colleagues. She expressed appreciation and gratitude to the President for the confidence and trust he has in them and promised that they will perform their duty to the very best of their ability in accordance with the oath of their office.
The swearing ceremony was attended by the Vice President, Dr. Isatou Touray, ministers, senior government officials and members of the judiciary.