The Daily Observer (Banjul)

February 1, 2002
Posted to the web February 1, 2002

By Pa Malick Faye

Barely minutes after assuming office, the new Speaker of the National Assembly, honourable Sheriff Mustapha Dibba has told deputies that although they may wish to reflect the polices and programmes of their parties in the Assembly, they must know that: "of overriding importance is the national interest.

I therefore think we will all be guided by this basic principle". Mr Dibba said that though he was not a member of the Assembly for the past five years, he was keenly following its proceedings. "From that, I will like to express my personal thanks and I am sure I am doing this on your own behalf, to my predecessor, Mr Mustapha Wadda who has been presiding over the affairs of this Assembly for the past five years". He assured the honourable members that he would do as his predeccessor did and appealed to them for their cooperation.

Dibba said the Assembly was going to be an interesting one for the fact that never were there so many women members in the Assembly than this time.

The honourable Speaker thanked the ruling party for such a laudable move in nominating him and for giving opportunity to women to serve in the National Assembly.

Honourable Dibba assured the deputies that he would try to live up to expectation in guiding the Assembly to wards the achievement of its objectives.