Lawyer Ousainou Darboe, leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP), joined National Assembly Members (NAMs) on Monday at the national assembly chambers in Banjul to pay their last tribute to the late Kiang West lawmaker and member of the United Democratic Party (UDP), Fakebba NL Colley.  

 Colley was laid to rest at Nema Kunku (where he was residing) after the laying-in-state at the assembly for members to pay him a special homage.

 The Gambian politician and father of nine passed away on Saturday at his house in Nema Kunku. He is the second lawmaker to have died after the death of Demba Sowe last year under the administration of President Adama Barrow.

 Colley is a native of Dumboto Village in Kiang, Lower River Region, Colley was a founding member of the UDP. He was amongst the UDP Executive Committee Members, who were arrested and imprisoned in 2016 for their peaceful protest demanding for the release of Solo Sandeng dead or Alive.

 Speaking at the National Assembly chambers, Lawyer Ousainou Darboe describes the untimely demise of late Fakebba Colley as a great loss to the entire nation and UDP in particular. He said Colley was dedicated to serving the best interest of the nation. “UDP has lost a hero and we will never forget your sacrifices for the party and the nation,” he said.

 Darboe added that the fallen hero was a strong pillar in UDP. “Your legacy will always remain in our hearts and minds and we will continue to pray for Allah to forgive you and grant you Jannah with the rest of the departed souls,” he prayed. He said the disease has served the best interest of the country and he was part of the people who fight for the democracy that Gambians are enjoying today.

 Representing the minority group, Honorable Halifa Sallah, Serrekunda lawmaker, said Colley has shown that a national assembly member is bound by the dictates of conscience and national interest. 

 Sallah said they had witnessed how Colley spoke about the shortcomings of his own constituency and his eyes flash whenever any development is promised for that constituency. He further said Colley consistently made inquiries and participated during all debates at the assembly in order to speak his mind.

 “He had conviction and did not bother too much about differences in opinions. All colleagues are quite aware that Honourable Colley would rush to pick your hand before you even go to do the same for him, and that’s for everybody.

 It means that he saw this national assembly as a body of honourable gentle persons who are here for the same purpose and so we should show respect for each other and therefore get the respect that one deserves,” he explained.

 The veteran politician also said Colley had served the purpose for which he was elected into the national assembly, saying he had shown his sense of humility, openness and conviction that no one doubts.  

 Bakery Camara, national assembly member for Kiang Central and a friend of the deceased, said he had shared his inner secrets, wishes and aspirations to his fallen friend cum family relative- as an uncle.

 Camara said many of his colleagues will attest to the fact that Colley’s personal opinions and ideas have oftentimes culminated into a lot of important and critical decisions taken especially at committee level. “Honourable Colley had always emphasized on giving back and spending on family, relatives and people that he represents” he said.

 

By Dawda Baldeh