By JarranewsTV Staff Reporter Outgoing Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow has called on Gambians to remain steadfast in defending the rule of law, judicial independence and constitutional governance as he prepares to retire after nearly ten years as the country’s highest judicial officer. Speaking during an emotional farewell ceremony attended by senior judges, lawyers, government officials, diplomats and members of the legal fraternity, Justice Jallow reflected on his distinguished career spanning almost five decades in public service, both in The Gambia and on the international stage. Describing his judicial journey as a shared national effort, Justice Jallow expressed profound appreciation to the many individuals and institutions that supported him throughout his tenure. “It has been a long journey for justice, but I was not alone on the way. We have all walked it together,” he said, paying tribute to judicial officers, members of the Bar, the Government, civil society organisations, development partners and his family for their unwavering support. Justice Jallow, who previously served as Attorney General, Minister of Justice, Member of the National Assembly and later Chief Justice, said it had been a privilege to help rebuild and strengthen The Gambia’s justice system following the country’s democratic transition in 2017. He highlighted notable achievements made under his leadership, including reinforcing judicial independence, expanding access to justice, modernising court infrastructure and introducing technological innovations to improve the administration of justice. However, he acknowledged that further reforms remain necessary to consolidate these gains. In his farewell message to the nation and his successor, Justice Jallow urged all Gambians to place the law above personal and political interests. “Let us all renew and strengthen our commitment to the law and to legality,” he appealed. The outgoing Chief Justice underscored the vital role of justice in national development, stressing that sustainable peace and economic progress cannot be achieved without a strong and independent justice system. “Without justice there is no peace, and without peace there can be no progress,” he declared. Justice Jallow also commended President Adama Barrow’s administration for respecting the independence of the judiciary, noting that the Government had consistently complied with court rulings, including judgments delivered against the State, without interfering in judicial proceedings. The farewell ceremony drew an impressive gathering of Supreme Court Justices, High Court judges, magistrates, Cadi judges, senior legal practitioners and members of the diplomatic corps. The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, together with the presidents of the Gambia Bar Association, the Gambia Judges Association and the Gambia Law Society, paid glowing tributes to Justice Jallow, describing him as an exceptional jurist whose leadership has significantly strengthened The Gambia’s justice sector and left an enduring legacy for future generations. Post navigation Government Achieves Significant International Legal Milestone, Protects The Gambia from Over US$33 Million Liability Sidia Jatta: “The Nkrumah Boy,” the Gambian revolutionary and keeper of truth!