The Abuja-based Ecowas parliament have recently appointed four members of the National Assembly of The Gambia in recognition of the significant roles the parliamentarians can play in the running of the affairs of the sub-regional body.

 At its recent sitting in Abuja, the Ecowas parliament entrusted Hon. Sulayman Joof with the task of chairing the parliament’s budgeting committee whilst Hon. Momodou Sanneh has been selected to serve as a member of the finance committee. Hon. Sellou Bah has been selected to serve as a member and rappoteur of the political committee whilst Hon. Alhaji Ablie Suku Singhateh was appointed into the committee responsible for customs, trade and free movement of people in the West African region. The Lower Baddibu parliamentarian was also appointed to serve in a special committee, the adult suffrage committee, set to oversee the parliament’s transition. Every country had to nominate a representative to this committee and Hon. Singhateh was nominated to represent The Gambia. In another development, the member for Old Jeshwang constituency, Hon. Haddy Nyang-Jagne, was also appointed to serve as a member and rappoteur in the communications committee.

“I think this is a big achievement for The Gambia in that it serves as a clear manifestation of the sub-regional body’s confidence and trust in us. I believe this will go a long way in enabling us to fully participate in the running of the affairs of the Ecowas parliament,” Hon. Suku Singhateh told The Point in an exclusive interview shortly after their return from Abuja.

To Hon. Singhateh, the Abuja meeting had served as a vital platform for highlighting issues such as elections and that The Gambia and Ghana were seen as models when it comes to free and fair election.

Meanwhile the delegation, led by Hon. Sulayman Joof, was expected to deliver their report to the National Assembly yesterday.