Foday Gassama, the replacement of Ya Kumba Jaiteh at the National Assembly, has been sworn in on Monday amidst heavy police presence.

The Nominated Member of the National Assembly was given the all clear on Friday when the Supreme Court rejected his predecessor’s injunction barring the speaker and the clerk of the National Assembly from swearing him.   

Speaking after the ceremony, Gassama urged Gambians to put aside their differences and work for the common good.

“We should put our individual interest aside if we want to promote peace and tranquillity in our quest to develop The Gambia. We should stop castigating one another and focus on institutional and legal reforms.”  

Gassama said he was still a member of the United Democratic Party despite the ongoing war between his party and President Barrow.  The UDP had vehemently opposed the president’s decision to revoke Ya Kumba Jaiteh’s nomination and had protested at the Supreme Court where the substantive case was yet to be determined.  

On Friday three senior UDP members including the party leader, Ousainou Darboe, were sacked from the cabinet by President Barrow. No reason was given by the president for the sacking but UDP supporters had branded it a betrayal by President  Barrow.