By Kebba AF Touray
In what was a tearful and emotional event, the body of the late former Speaker, Hon. Abdoulie Bojang, was yesterday, Monday, 2 December 2024, laid in state at the legislative house in Banjul.
The event was to avail his family members, friends, members of the legislature, and government officials the opportunity to pay their last respects to the former Speaker.
It was also held in honor of the former Speaker, as he served the Gambia from various ranks to Speaker of the Assembly from 2010-2017.
He first joined the National Assembly in 2007 as a nominated Member and was elected Deputy Speaker. In 2010, he earned the confidence and trust of both sides of the Assembly to be elected Speaker. He would later go on to serve as the Gambia’s Ambassador to South Africa.
Delivering his eulogy remarks, the Speaker Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta, described his predecessor as a man who loved his country and people, a selfless servant leader, of our people, a soldier who died with his boots on and a spear in his hand.
He said that the late Abdoulie Bojang was a man of wisdom and a believer who hails from a rich cultural heritage and tradition, cares for family and indeed human beings, and does not hesitate to mediate and bring peace between family members, friends, married couples and society in general.
He added: “Abdoulie Bojang was a loyal, dedicated, hard-working, and disciplined Member of the National Assembly and the society. His diligence, passion, and hard work earned him the respect and trust of both sides of the Assembly”.
He added that late Bojang’s contributions to the Parliamentary Committees stand out among the best, something we will always remember as his legacy.
“We are indebted for his life of service and his family should find solace and relief that they have such a husband, father, brother, and uncle who dedicated his life to the service of humanity,” Hon Jatta.
Majority Leader, Hon. Billay G Tunkara, said “It was truly devastating when we heard about the demise of late Hon. Abdoulie Bojang. It is one that shocked the entire nation”.
He said former Speaker Bojang, through dedication and integrity, has earned the trust of President Barrow, who having served as Speaker for seven years, was later appointed as Ambassador.
“He has unequivocally demonstrated love for country and served the country to the best of his ability as an Ambassador
“His selfless contribution in service shall remain in our hearts and minds until we meet again. He was born Muslim, lived Muslim, and died Muslim. Indeed his demise is a great loss to the nation,” said Majority Leader Tunkara.
Minority Leader, Hon. Alhagie S Darboe, described late former Speaker Bojang as a God-fearing, noting that “his humbleness, righteousness, kindness, and respect for mankind are indeed exemplary. He has served this institution fairly to the best of his ability”.
Due to his true leadership charisma and righteousness, he said the former Speaker will be remembered by all especially those who worked with him at the National Assembly, saying: “His demise is not a loss to his family, friends, and relatives, but the nation at large”.
He said: “I pray that the Almighty Allah have mercy on his soul and grant him the highest place in Jannatul Firdaws”.
Member for Niamina Dankunku explained that the late Abdoulie Bojang served the country in various portfolios starting from being a teacher to the legislature, where he served as both Deputy Speaker and Speaker and as Ambassador.
He said that the knowledge the late Bojang imparted to his students, will serve as “Sadaqatul Jaria”, (a reward for inculcating knowledge in mankind), and is a reward that will remain with late Bojang for eternity”.
Baboucarr Sanyang, a friend, described the late Bojang as a good man, who had respect for mankind regardless of status, and said “He is gone but am sure he will never be forgotten”.
Hon. Alimameh Gibba and Sheriffo Nyassi, family members, said that the late Abdoulie Bojang was an extraordinary person, whose life was a beacon of hope for the younger generation, and was more than a father, describing him as a pillar of strength, guide, source of inspiration and his unwavering commitment to service.
Vice President, Muhammed BS Jallow, remarked “It is with heavy heart that we say goodbye to someone who devoted his entire life to the service of our beloved country, both as an educator, lawmaker and a diplomat”.
He described former Speaker Bojang as a devoted servant of the people, who was also a devoted Muslim, educator, and exemplary public servant, who rose to become a Speaker of the National Assembly.
He said the life of the late Bojang was a testament to selfless service to the nation, and as a former teacher, the late Bojang nurtured young minds to become responsible citizens and concluded: “Rest in peace”.
After his body was laid in state, it was subsequently transported to his native village of Foni Sangajor, Foni Kansala District, West Coast Region for final burial.
