Bakary S. Jarju, newly elected Councilor Massembeh Ward
By Fatou Sillah
Bakary S. Jarju, the newly elected councillor for Massembeh Ward, was officially sworn into office on Monday in a ceremony attended by regional and local government officials. Among those present were the Governor of the Lower River Region, the Chairman of Mansakonko Area Council, and the National Assembly Member for Kiang West, along with other dignitaries.
Mr. Jarju, a candidate of the United Democratic Party, secured victory in the recently concluded by-election, defeating his opponent from the National People’s Party.
During the ceremony, Landing B. Sanneh, Chairman of the Mansakonko Area Council, congratulated Mr. Jarju and urged him to fulfill the promises he made to his constituents.
“As your colleague and Chairman, I remind you that you have taken an oath to serve,” Mr. Sanneh said. “It is now your responsibility to uphold the Local Government Act and the laws of The Gambia. Serve your people with diligence and respect, as you pledged during your campaign.”
Seedy Lamin Bah, Governor of the Lower River Region, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that Mr. Jarju must represent all residents of Massembeh, regardless of political affiliation.“You are elected by a party but irrespective of that, whoever is within that constituent or within that particular council or ward, you are the one representing them,” Bah said. “So represent gracefully and work towards the benefit of the people that have elected you in your ward,”
Mr. Jarju’s victory in the February by-election came after he garnered 700 votes, surpassing his opponent, Lamin Jarju of the National People’s Party, who secured 513 votes. The election was held following the passing of the previous councillor, Bakary Chereng Korta.