by PK Jarju
Gambian politicians have paid tribute to Sheriff Mustapha Dibba, former speaker of the National Assembly and founder of the National Convention Party (NCP), who died of suspected heart-attack this Monday at the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital, Banjul.
Omar Jallow alias OJ, a former Agriculture minister in the erstwhile PPP regime, described Mr Dibba, 71, as one of the greatest sons of the Gambia, who have contributed immensely to the country's political evolution and strengthening of democracy in the First Republic, while Netty Baldeh, APRC National Assembly Member for Tumana, described him as a perfect and cautious gentleman, who was a mentor to many Gambian politicians.
In an interview with AllGambian, OJ said: "Sheriff Dibba was one of the most experienced Gambian politician of our generation and his death is a big lost not only to his family but the Gambia as a whole. All Gambians irrespective of their political affiliation should mourn the death of this great man, who was among the founding fathers of our country," he said.
Shinning light
Mr Jallow added that although Sheriff Dibba was the youngest among the group of politicians after independence, he later became the shinning light. "He was the first Gambian to run the Office of Vice President and Ministry of Finance at the same time. He has headed several ministerial positions in the country such as the Ministry of Works and Communication, Ministry of Local Government and Lands, Ministry of Finance and Trade as well as the Ministry of Economic Planning and Industrial Development, which he established. Sheriff also established the Gambian Embassy in Brussels, Belgium, which was overseeing all countries in the European Union," Mr Jallow said.
Representative
While praying for Almighty Allah to grant eternal peace to Mr Dibba, OJ noted the significant role he played in the country's democratisation. He stated that until the July 22nd military coup, Mr Dibba was minority leader and Member of Parliament for Badibou Central, a constituency he represented the PPP and later NCP.
Meanwhile in a phone interview last night, Netty Baldeh, said: Sheriff was a very decent politician. While serving as speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Dibba had operated an open door policy and has always consulted National Assembly Members on many issues. All National Assembly Members had a cordial relationship with him and his demise is a big loss to the country. May his soul rest in perfect peace."