Re: LIVE UP TO THE TITLE "HONOURABLE"

The National Assembly wishes to make clarification on the editorial of Point Newspaper of Tuesday 16th September 2008 captioned, LIVE UP TO THE TITLE "HONOURABLE". The publication has done great disservice to the National Assembly.

The general public is hereby informed that the National Assembly has always and will always stand to protect the dignity, integrity of the State as enshrined in the Constitution and the Standing Orders of the Assembly. The National Assembly has even gone further by developing a code of conduct for Members, which was tabled before the whole House and unanimously approved.

The National Assembly would want to inform the general public that the Point Newspaper editorial is indeed malicious and would be very misleading towards tarnishing the good image of the Assembly and to honour the up-keep which has been built on dedication, commitment and hard work over the years. The fact that a Member of the Assembly is involved in acts contrary to the laws of The Gambia does not mean that the Assembly is not a credible institution. Whosoever is engaged in any wrongful act or behaves in such manner that is not in conformity with the law, the person must face the full force of the law be it a National Assembly Member or not.

Finally, the National Assembly under the stewardship of the Honourable Speaker, Fatoumata Jahumpa Ceesay would want to assure H.E. The President of the Republic Alhaji Dr. Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh its continued support and loyalty. The National Assembly would not and would never associate itself with anything that would destroy or tarnish the good name of the Government of the Republic of The Gambia.

EDITOR'S NOTE:  The editorial to which this PRESS RELEASE makes reference, has repeatedly emphasised the supremacy and high distinction of the National Assembly as an institution. In fact it is for that unequalled excellence and unreproachable attribute that we expressed regret about anyone or anything that would tarnish its integrity. Hence the Editorial is in fact reproaching individuals who have not protected their honour by being associated with criminal activities, and thereby spoiling the image of the Assembly as a prestigious and paramount institution of the land. The Editorial is in fact highly upholding this respectable institution by chastising anyone who brings its image into disrepute. There is no case of malice against this noble institution as alleged, just the need to hold it in highest respect and esteem.

EDITOR'S NOTE:  The editorial to which this PRESS RELEASE makes reference, has repeatedly emphasised the supremacy and high distinction of the National Assembly as an institution. In fact it is for that unequalled excellence and unreproachable attribute that we expressed regret about anyone or anything that would tarnish its integrity. Hence the Editorial is in fact reproaching individuals who have not protected their honour by being associated with criminal activities, and thereby spoiling the image of the Assembly as a prestigious and paramount institution of the land. The Editorial is in fact highly upholding this respectable institution by chastising anyone who brings its image into disrepute. There is no case of malice against this noble institution as alleged, just the need to hold it in highest respect and esteem.

"Make yourself an honest man and then you can be sure there is one rascal less in the world."

Thomas Carlyle