By MUHAMMED Sailu BAH
President Jammeh yesterday Thursday 31 March addressed the National Assembly in Banjul.
Section 77 subsection (1) of the Constitution requires the president at least once every year to attend a sitting of the National Assembly and address a session on the condition of The Gambia, the policies of the Government and the administration of the State.
Addressing deputies in the presence of a crowded chamber that included diplomats, senior government officials and members of civil society, President Jammeh dwelt on his government’s programmes and policies in the 2016 legislative year.
President Jammeh took note of bills expected to be tabled before the National Assembly for enactment this year. This will include a Bill to give effect to his declaration of The Gambia as an Islamic State. He indicated that members of the Anti-Corruption Commission will be sworn in this year. A bill to establish a human rights commission will also be introduced as well as a Judicial Service Commission Bill. He said the Anti Corruption commission will work closely with members of the PAC/PEC in ensuring transparency and accountability in public institutions.
The President in conclusion thanked the members of the PAC/PEC for doing well in ensuring proper accountability and transparency with Public institutions. He commended the deputies for scrutinising expenditures to ensure that they are done in accordance with laid down financial and procurement procedures. “This institutionalisation of transparency and accountability by the PAC/PEC mechanism has strengthened and improved financial and economic governance in this country,” he said.
The full statement of the President will be serialized in subsequent editions.
