By Kebba AF Touray
The National Assembly on Thursday, 19 December 2024 paid tribute to the Outgoing Clerk, Hon. Momodou A Sise, as he retires from active service.
December 19th marks 48 months which dates back to 1996, since the outgoing Clerk Sise took the mantle of Clerk of the Assembly after rising through the ranks.
Majority Leader, Hon. Billay G Tunkara, said that the career of Sise has been synonymous with dedication, diligence, and unwavering commitment to the service of the parliament.
He said: “Through perseverance, hard work, and indomitable spirits, he rose through the ranks to become a Clerk of the National Assembly in 2018.
He added: “His deep understanding of the parliamentary practices, commitment to the rule of law, and unflinching support dedicated to the ideals of democracy”.
Minority Leader, Hon. Alhagie S Darboe, said that the successes attained by Sise, include but not limited to the revision of the Standing Orders, which has actually enriched the code of conduct of the Members of the Assembly.
“Tremendous successes have been registered in the IT sector of the parliament, as the proceedings of the parliament are live-streamed, and Momodou A Sise has also contributed to building the capacities of the parliamentary staff,” he said.
The Member for Foni Kansala, Hon. Alimameh Gibba, said, “With dedication, hard work and commitment, he had earned the position of a clerk of this National Assembly. We salute you for that.”
He remarked: “We thank him and his family for the tremendous job that he has accord for his period of serving in this august assembly. Mr. Momodou A Sise is a servant of the people, by the people, and for the people.”
Outgoing Clerk Sise, he added, has contributed to the National Assembly Television, which is a great achievement.
Member for Jeshwang, Hon. Sheriff Sarr, described the retirement of the Outgoing Clerk Sise as a sweet sorrow moment.
He expressed: “We pray for you outgoing Clerk Sise, and May Allah guide and protect you. May Allah grant you what your heart desires”.
Member for Niamina Dankunku, Hon. Samba Jallow, highlighted that the achievements registered by the outgoing Clerk Sise, include but are not limited to the enrollment of young University graduates into the parliament.
He said, “We have seen how the outgoing Clerk Sise has transformed this institution to the level it is required and has earned the autonomy of the parliament to ensure that the parliament is independent in the execution of its mandates and core functions”.
He added that other successes registered by Mr. Momodou A SIse include but are not limited to the creation of a Deputy Clerk for Procedural Matter, Legal Department at the legislature and the research unit, which all play and provide critical, essential and critical services to the parliament.
He commended Outgoing Clerk Sise “We thank Momodou A Sise for the services he rendered for the Gambian people for thirty years at the most important entity on the land for thirty years”.
Member for Illiasa, Hon. Sankung Jammeh, said: “To be very honest, Mr. Sise is a true gentleman. This man was humbled and down to earth. Mr. Sise receives you with open arms when you visit him in his office and is ever ready and keen to discuss issues relating to the assembly”.
He remarked, “I definitely wish him all the best and may Almighty Allah give him good health, longevity and prosperity”.
Member for Wuli East, Hon. Suwaibou Touray, expressed that the outgoing Clerk Sise is a passionate civil servant, he is inclusive and ensures that no one is left out, and such a person who has done that for thirty years, needs to be commended when the person is retiring.
Outgoing Clerk Sise, he said, has bequeathed the legislature its autonomy, explaining that in the past, the parliament was under a Ministry, where it had to negotiate with the Ministry on its activities, “but thanks to Momodou A Sise, the parliament is now autonomous”.
Earlier, Speaker Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta described Sise as an extraordinary individual, whose career has been nothing sort of exemplary.
“We are gathered here to recognize and celebrate the remarkable contributions of the outgoing clerk of the National Assembly, Mr. Momodou A Sise, as he retires after decades of devoted and selfless service. Momodou A Sise, has been a cornerstone of this institution, serving with unwavering dedication, profound professionalism, and unparalleled commitment to strengthening parliament in the Gambia,” said Speaker Jatta.
Members also advised the incoming Clerk, Khalipha MM Mbaye, to brace up for the daunting task that lies ahead of him, and to ensure that he serves both sides of the parliament with equity, equality, and a just manner.
