We have had cause to once again urge journalists to let professionalism take precedence over prejudice in the coverage of events leading to and after the forthcoming presidential election slated for 24th November.
This is so because we believe that, as a journalist, one must transcend sentiments in the discharge of his or her duty. Journalists must not stop so low as to accept material gratification from politicians, and they must be seen to be doing their job without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.
The Rwandan and Burundian genocides, among others, are some of the catastrophes a misguided journalism could bring about.
As the presidential election draws near, journalists must bend over backwards to ensure that the profession is not dragged through the mud through accusations of biased reporting and coverage.
We have always insisted consistently that it is not the job of a journalist, under any guise, to swing support for any political party.
The job of the journalist is to present all contending views, opinions, positions, and platforms to the electorate so that they can make an informed choice.
What every Gambian yearns for is a purposeful leader who can improve their economic and social status.
The Gambia is bigger than, and will outlive, any individual. In the long history of the world, we have seen that leaders come and go, but nations always remain.
Those who aspire to rule, or who are privileged to rule, should not see leadership as an opportunity to settle scores or amass wealth; instead, they should take it as an opportunity to serve the country selflessly.
The world remembers great men like Abraham Lincoln, Kwame Nkrumah, Nelson Mandela, among others, not because of the wealth they amassed but because they took on a cause bigger than themselves and, therefore, changed their societies for the better.
This is what our journalists must do: to help society invest in good leadership that can provide us with political, economic and social redemption.
“Our country, right or wrong! When right, to be kept right; when wrong, to be put right!”
Carl Schurz
