By Mama A Touray
Lawyer Ousainou Darboe, leader of United Democratic Party, has condemned some supporters for making derogatory and reprehensible comments about the judges of the Supreme Court.
In a statement, lawyer Darboe said: “It has been brought to the attention of the UDP’s National Executive Committee that certain individual claiming to be members of the UDP are making derogatory and reprehensible comments about the judges of the Supreme Court. No genuine member of the UDP will engage in such impertinent behaviour directed at the leaders of the highest court of our nation.
“The UDP condemns in the strongest possible terms any person casting aspersions on the character and integrity of the judges of the Courts of The Gambia. Even where the UDP disagrees with a decision of the Supreme Court, the Party has always respectfully pointed out the error of the Court in its interpretation of the law.”
“All genuine members of the Party must know that the UDP’s commitment to the rule of law and its respect for the courts is unequivocal and holds the Supreme Court in the highest esteem. Therefore, on behalf of the National Executive Committee and indeed the entire membership of the UDP, I wish to again express our full confidence in the impartiality, independence and competence of the Judiciary of The Gambia. UDP will continue to seek justice according law from the hallowed halls of the Supreme Court of the Gambia.
“Again, I call on all UDP members to be civil in their discussions and desist from making disparaging comments or personal attacks on the character of any of our compatriots, more so make any attempt to impugn the character and reputation of a universally respected and eminent jurist of Africa, His Lordship, the Hon. Chief Justice of the Gambia,” he added.
“Finally, I urge all Gambians to respect the judges and the decisions they make; and to be courteous to lawfully constituted authorities and engage them with decorum and the respect they deserve,” he stated.