President Jammeh, Sir Dawda grace judicial ceremony

The President of the Republic, Dr Alhaji Yahya Jammeh and the former President Sir Dauda Kairaba Jawara, the Vice President Aja Isatou Njie-Saidy and other luminaries graced the Gambian Judiciary’s opening of the 2007/2008 legal year at the High Court in Banjul, yesterday.

Also at the gathering were the Speaker of the National Assembly, "ordinarily known as FJC" as the president humorously remarked, secretaries of state, governors from all the regions of the country, chiefs, service chiefs, members of the diplomatic corp, and distinguished Gambians from all walks of life.

President Jammeh opened with a gracious welcome to his predecessor, Sir Dawda Jawara sitting on the podium with other dignitaries, after which he launched into an exposition of the government’s efforts and actions to improve the lot of the judiciary in the country.

"This is a country of law and order", emphasised the president, adding "this is also a country of traditional law".

In a 30-minute speech that was as sharp as it was short, the president humorously admonished the gathering of lawyers over the linguistic pomposity of their profession, which may alienate the ordinary man and woman on the street.

He emphasised that the law should be relevant to the ordinary people in both areas of their language and culture. This was a harsh message gently delivered with a sense of humour that had the normally stuffy gathering of lawyers in wails of laughter. The President’s recollection of his own experiences infront of lawyers many moons ago, peppered with jocular "objections my Lord" and "you are here to answer questions, not make statements" brought much laughter from the gathering, not least from the Gambian Bar Association members themselves.

In a note of seriousness, the president assured the Bar Association that no-one should obstruct the process of justice. "No one is above the law", emphasised the President, adding that "neither the NIA, the police, security services, or anyone else should interfere with the administration of justice". "Not even I as the president of the country", remarked the president. "Accuse me if I do so," he said, then bringing much laughter when he added "though if you accuse me falsely, I will take you to court"!The president ended his speech by thanking well-wishers for the congratulations received for the new born boy-child Muhammad Yahya Jammeh, adding "it is the will of Allah".