Alhaji MB Njie, a former speaker of the Gambian parliament, yesterday, March 3, 2009, passed away in his residence in Pipeline.

The late Alhaji MB Njie was a two-term speaker in the First Republic. Before this, he had served as a nominated member of Parliament. He was also a founding member of the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and its first president. He was a member of the Public Service Commission and of the Banjul Committee of Muslim Elders.

In addition to these, he served as managing director of British Petroleum (BP) in The Gambia and chairman of TotalFinaElf. Family members of the late speaker, while  expressing their sadness, hailed him as an upright and outstanding citizen. His strong belief in family values was particularly highlighted. He was described as a man who did his best to bring his entire family together under one umbrella.

Speaking to this paper, the current president of the GCCI, Bai Matarr Drammeh, said the late Alhaji Njie was a role model for him. “I have always admired him for his attitude towards his family. He was a kind and exemplary leader,” he said. He also described the deceased as a person who had concern for people and their welfare. Alhaji Njie was 80 years old at the time of his death. He is survived by two wives and eight children.