The majority leader and National Assembly member for Serrekunda East, Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta, has reiterated the fact echoed by many Gambians that there is no bad blood between the government and the country's media fraternity.

The majority leader described  the press as a very important institution in ensuring democracy, rule of law and good governance. NAM Jatta, who commended President Jammeh for exercising his prerogative powers in pardoning the six Gambian journalists , was speaking last Tuesday at the National Assembly during the adjournment debate in its third meeting in the 2009 legislative session.

The press, he acknowledged, could serve as a check on governance, but was however quick to note that the might of the pen must be use very carefully as it can be very destructive. "We know that certain people also have agendas and use the press to achieve their agendas and putting it on the name of Gambians. You would put something and say that it is in the interest of The Gambians, but how many Gambians have you contacted to know that it is in their interest? Certainly it is your interest," he indicated, while stressing the need for hidden agendas to be kept aside in the dispensation of journalism.

He made it categorically clear that nobody is against the press to be critical, but advised journalists not to insinuate, and endeavour to have accurate facts. "Do not assume all the time. It is very bad to let assumption to impact on the image and integrity of the people. I think we should take journalism responsibly and put away our own agendas," advised the majority leader. Also reacting in that line of direction, the National Assembly member for Wulli East, Honourable Bekai Camara hailed President Jammeh for pardoning the six Gambian journalists.

Being a careere journalist himself, Camara advised his colleagues in the media fraternity to be responsible in the dispensation of their work. He called on Gambian journalists to not loose sight of ensuring ethical practice in journalism, noting that unnecessary seditious defamation of people does not in any way make one a popular journalist. "Journalists should take the responsibility of informing people accurately as journalism is a profession with ethics," he advised, while reiterating his commendation to The Gambian leader in pardoning the six journalists in the spirit of the Holy Month of Ramadan.