By Staff Reporter James Jammeh, Banjul  

Mustapha Wadda, former speaker of the Gambian National Assembly, passed away on Sunday, January 31st 2010, at the Royal Victoria Hospital following a short illness.

According to a dispatch from the office of the president, the Gambian leader and his entire cabinet ‘‘learned with shock and grief the sudden demise’’ of the former speaker and one time secretary general and head of the country's civil service. The dispatch further stated that the president has sent his personal condolence to the Wadda family on the untimely death of their loved one, describing him as a true son of the country who and died as a true patriot.

Meanwhile, the burial, according to news monitored over GRTS, would take place at the Bakau Central Cemetery, at 10am.

Some senior government officials who spoke to this paper described the late Wadda as a true devoted Muslim who cared for all and shared the little he had with the less privileged in the society. They said he also served as a source of encouragement for those working under him. They noted that his demise is a great loss to the entire country as well as his family and friends, whom he always shared ideas with.

Mr Wadda will also be remembered for the numerous development projects he brought to the country's lawmaking house, alongside performing his functions in line with the constitution of the country.