Samba Faal, the newly-elect mayor for Banjul in the just concluded local government elections, was yesterday, sworn into office at a colourful ceremony held at the Council’s Chambers in Banjul.

The two-time occupant of the city’s mayoral seat promised to execute the functions of a mayor without fear or favour, affection or ill-will, while taking an oath of office, administered by Ismaila Sambou, secretary of state for Local Government and Lands.

Hon Fatoumatta Jahumpa-Ceesay, speaker of the National Assembly, Mass Axie Gye, secretary of state for Youth and Sports, Bala Garba Jahumpa, The Gambia’s ambassador to Venezuela, were among several dignitaries who attended the ceremony, which also saw the nine elected councillors sworn into office.

Speaking at the ceremony, SoS Sambou commended the new mayor and his elected councillors for the trust and confidence reposed in them by the people of Banjul.

According to SoS Sambou, local governments play a significant role in the development process of a country and expressed optimism that the new council will endeavour to further steer the development of Banjul, which should serve as a bright example for other councils to follow.

Banjul is the capital city and therefore should always be in the forefront in the quest to put The Gambia at its rightful place in a free and democratic world, the SoS noted, adding “I wish to stress to the councillors that, whether you are elected or nominated, you need to see yourselves as [servants] working for the same people who elected you. Therefore, maintaining a strong spirit of collaboration is the only way you can achieve that higher goal of public service.”

For Banjulians to realise an effective functioning of the council, he further advised, there shoud always be more action and less rhetorics.

SoS Sambou reaffirmed that the government, under the dynamic leadership of President Jammeh, attaches a great importance to local governments and as such his department of state responsible for local governments will continue to give courage and support to the local representatives.

Speaking earlier, Mayor Samba Faal, expressed gratitude to President Jammeh for endorsing his candidature, and also thanked the people of Banjul for the confidence and trust bestowed on him.

He urged his people to put aside politics at this point in time and unite to push the development agenda of the country’s capital forward.

“Now that you have already chosen us to serve you, I am appealing to the people of Banjul to cooperate with the municipality in a bid to achieve the development goals that you have been yearning for,” he said, adding that his municipality would not compromise with standards already set by the former interim committee.

While commending the interim committee under the leadership of Alieu Mboge for the achievements registered within three months in office, Mayor Faal said he has already signed a contract with the people of Banjul and assured that he would live up to expectations.

Other speakers at the ceremony included Alieu Mboge, the outgoing interim chairman of BCC, and Mustapha Bachilly, the CEO.