By: Arret Jatta
The Gambia’s legislature on Tuesday confirmed the appointment of Justice Omar M.M Njie as a member of the Judicial Service Commission.
The motion for the confirmation of Justice Njie’s appointment was moved by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice Dawda Jallow, who said, the motion was premised on provisions and sections of the Constitution.
“This esteemed Assembly is duly informed that the President appointed Justice Njie under Section 145 (2) of the Constitution following the recommendation of his lordship Chief Justice. Therefore, in accordance with section 145 (2) (b), I beg to move [this motion] for the confirmation [of Njie’s appointment] by the August Assembly,” he stated.
The justice minister explained that the responsibilities of a member of the Judicial Service Commission includes advising the President on judicial appointments, making recommendations on the terms of service for judges and other judicial offices and court staff as well as enhancing the administration and efficiency of the courts.
Minister Jallow highlighted that Justice Njiebrings to the commission a wealth of experience gathered from both the Bar and the Bench,having served as a Justice of the Court of Appeal of The Gambia from May 2017 to July 2020 before assuming the presidency of The Gambia Court of Appeal from August 2020 to May 2022 followed by his appointment as Justice of the Supreme Court of The Gambia from May 2022 to present.
“Prior to these positions, Justice Njie served as a state counsel and has been a lecturer on civil procedure at The Gambia Law School since 2014,” he added.
Majority Leader and Member for Kantora, BilayTunkara, seconded the motion, saying the research he conducted about Justice Njie proved that he “is fit for this appointment”.
Tunkara described Justice Njie as an honest, trustworthy, and level-headed man, deserving of the appointment.
NAM for Busumbala Muhammed Kanteh said the appointment of Justice Njie to the Judicial Service Commission will enhance the judiciary given his great knowledge.