Five newly appointed Superior Court Judges and a member of the Judicial Service Commission - Justice Ester A Oata, Monday took the oaths of allegiance, office, and secrecy. The High Court Judges are: Emmanuel A. Amadi, Awa Bah, Joseph Enwa Ikpalla, and Lamin AMS Jobarteh, and Joseph Wowo - a judge of the Appeal Court.

Speaking on the occasion President Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahya Jammeh stated that an effective and reliable justice delivery system is crucial in his Government's drive to attain rapid and sustainable socio-economic development. He acknowledged progresses at the Judiciary to address the backlog of cases but raised concern over undue delays in trials.

President Jammeh advised the Ministry of Interior to work closely with the Attorney General's Chambers and the Director of Public Prosecutions to address the problem. He assured the Judiciary of Government's support to address its constraints for the attainment of the desired objectives.

The Gambian leader also said that there would be zero tolerance for saboteurs and criminals, particularly drug dealers. He spoke at length on the negative impact of drug trafficking to peace, stability, and national development and said he will not allow The Gambia to be transformed to a narcotics state. President Jammeh said criminals in whatever forms are not welcomed in the country.

The Chief Justice Emmanuel A. Agim thanked the President for the appointments, noting they will help reduce the workload on High Court Judges. He urged the appointees to measure up to expectations.

Ministers Fatou Lamin Faye and Ousman Sonko advised the Judges to uphold the oaths they swore to and discharge of their duties effectively.

In their vote of thanks, Justice Lamin AMS Jobarteh and Justice Ester A Oata thanked the President for the trust and confidence bestowed on them and their colleagues, and pledged to live up to expectations.

By Amadou Bah