By Abdoulie John
President Adama Barrow on Friday urged Gambians to exercise increased caution when dealing with cases of transgression and reiterated the need for the general public to stick strictly to the law of the land.
“I used the opportunity to encourage the public to follow due procedures and processes as spelt out according to law. No one should take the law into their own hands,” Barrow said in a speech he delivered during his meeting with the Police top brass.
The meeting came on the heels of a security sector reform, which is expected to establish an effective and accountable security sector linked to the country’s democratic governance. The Faraba Banta bloody demo and recent incidents of mob justice seem to have compelled Gambian authorities to convene such a meeting at a time of rising challenges.
The Gambian leader expressed surprise about the fact the Inspector General of Police and the Senior Management of the Gambia Police Force have been waiting for 37 good years to have the opportunity to hold talks with the President.
“The Police Force is an integral part of my reform agenda and I recognize the prominent and noble role that they play to provide and maintain national security,” he said.
The Presidency announced Wednesday that the Deputy IGP Mamour Jobe has been confirmed as Inspector General of Police and Abdoulie Sanyang is now the Deputy IGP.
IGP Mamour Jobe is succeeding to former Gambia’s top cop, Landing Kinteh, who resigned in the wake of Faraba Banta shootings.
President Barrow further stated that his administration’s top priorities is to ensure that the “Police regain respect and play their rightful role as law enforcement officers.”
Also speaking at the ceremony, Vice-President Ousainou Darboe seized the opportunity to remind the Police that their ultimate loyalty is to the State.
He urged the Police to resist the temptations to descend into tribalism, politics and do their level best to ensure neutrality in carrying out their duty.
Ends