By Adama Makasuba
President Adama Barrow has said sworn-in cabinet is transitional as he urged them to perform their functions in accordance with the Oaths they took.
“While this is a transitional Cabinet, until I appoint a permanent one in the near future, you are expected to perform your functions in accordance with the Oaths you took today and within the law and the rules and regulations that govern public office,” he told the sworn-in Ministers.
“As you are already aware, less than two months ago, the Gambian citizens bestowed on me the responsibility of managing the affairs of our beloved nation. The Constitution of the Republic dictates how this responsibility should be carried out, hence my recent inauguration and swearing-in as President and Head of State on 19th January, 2022. Again, guided by the Constitution, it is mandatory for me to swear-in a Cabinet in the beginning of my new term in office, which is the reason for this gathering,” he stated.
He however thanked the vice-president and ministers on their new appointments, adding “I sincerely thank you for accepting your new appointments and for taking the Oaths of Office to begin a new era in the governance process of The Gambia.”
“I will not do justice to you, if I do not publicly declare my appreciation and gratitude for your laudable efforts and the commendable commitment you demonstrated during my first term in Office. You executed your duties responsibly and with devotion to ensure that we succeed together in delivering on our development aspirations.
“Honourable ladies and gentlemen, we swore to deliver on our promise as a government and, working individually and in solidarity in the last five years, we have managed to create a legacy that will visibly go down in the history of The Gambia. I believe that, no matter how long one serves in public office, it is more important, than anything else, to sincerely make the best out of the opportunity put at our disposal to serve the nation. Longevity does not matter as much as the quality and significance of the service we provide to our people and nation while in office,” he expressed.