By Abdoulie JohnThe Gambia’s Chief Justice has expressed the need for the country to move towards a more perfect constitution that would not would not trample upon Gambians’ newly won freedom.
Justice Hassan Aboubacarr Jallow made the statement as the eleven-member consitutional review panel is set to draft a blueprint for the future of a country whose citizens have been struggling to recover from decades of a brutal dictatorship.
“We need a constitution to ensure that power can be exercised in order for the State to be administered. But also we need to have a system that will prevent abuses of power and provide remedies for the victims,” Justice Jallow told this reporter.
Last Monday, members of the Constitutional Review Commission were sworn in during a ceremony held at State House in Banjul. The said commission comprised of the most devoted and respected citizens. Six men and five women are teaming up to adapt to new developments by framing a constitution that would propel the West African nation into modernity.
Chief Justice Jallow emphasized the protection of rights as a major pillar in building a nation shielded from dictatorial threats. He said one of the goals of the new constitution is to contain the Executive from undermining the Legislature and the Judiciary.
Justice Jallow hailed President Adama Barrow for sending a strong signal by putting a limitation to the number of term a President could serve, which according to him, will curb the authority of the President.
“We need a strong Executive, a strong Legislature, and a strong Judiciary,” Justice Jallow said.
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