By Ramatoulie Jawo
The Gambia National Assembly has confirmed the appointment of Justice Omar MM Njie as a member of the Judiciary Service Commission on Tuesday, March 19, 2024.
The motion for Justice Njie’s confirmation was presented by Hon. Dawda A. Jallow, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice. He informed the assembly that the president had appointed Justice Njie under Section 145(2) of the constitution, following the recommendation of the Chief Justice.
“This esteemed assembly is duly informed that the president appointed Justice Njie under Section 145(2) of the constitution following the recommendation of his lordship Chief Justice; therefore, in accordance with Section 145(2)(b), I beg to move for the confirmation by the August assembly,” he told the lawmakers.
He emphasized Justice Njie’s extensive experience, spanning both legal practice and judicial service. Justice Njie has served in various capacities, including as a Justice of the Court of Appeal and later as President of the Gambia Court of Appeal before his appointment to the Supreme Court.
“Subsequently, he assumed the presidency of The Gambia Court of Appeal from August 2020 to May 2022. Followed by his appointment as Justice of the Supreme Court of The Gambia from May 2022 to the present,” he said.
Jallow stated that prior to these positions, Justice Njie served as a state council at the Ministry of Justice and has been a lecturer on civil procedure at The Gambia Law School since 2014.
The responsibilities of a member of the Judiciary Service Commission, as outlined in Section 147 of the Constitution, were underscored by Hon. Jallow. These responsibilities include advising the President on judicial appointments and enhancing the efficiency of the courts.
“The responsibilities of a member of the judicial service commission includes advising the president on judicial appointments, making recommendations on the terms of service for judges, other judicial officers and court staff, as well as enhancing the administration and efficiency of the courts as stipulated in Section 147 of the Constitution,” he said.
The motion was seconded by the majority leader, Hon. Billay G. Tunkara who gave his blessing to the motion while urging his fellow members to bless the confirmation of Justice MM. Njie.
The motion was seconded by the majority leader, Hon. Billay G. Tunkara, who praised Justice Njie for his long service in the judiciary system since 1990 and his numerous awards. He urged his fellow members to confirm Justice Njie without hesitation.
“The commission looking at the composition of it Nature sometimes having a quorum is a bit difficult and right now without his confirmation it might render so many businesses at hold, so I want to call everyone to bless his confirmation without hesitation,” he urged.
Bakary B. Kora, the National Assembly Member for Upper Fuladu West Constituency, spoke highly of Justice Njie, stating that his research revealed that Justice Njie is a man of integrity, honesty, and trustworthiness, making him fit for the appointment.
“My research revealed that he is well level-headed and a man with integrity, honest and trustworthiness therefore, he deserves the position.” he said.
The motion for Justice Njie’s confirmation was unanimously agreed upon by all the members who participated in the debate.