The Gambia Press Union (GPU) is under fire for its decision to give a Press Freedom Award to Justice Minister, Ba Tambadou.

Critics pointed that giving the award to the minister, who is widely labelled as one of the most divisive figures in the country, downgraded the value of the honour.

In an interview with Star FM, MC Cham Junior of the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) said: "I don't understand why they gave him an award. The government and the press should never get cosy if we want an effective democracy in the country."

The popular young politician also argued that Tambadou should be sacked, because he is very divisive.

"After the arrest of Yankuba Touray for refusing to testify at the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC), he was on GRTS threatening to teach the former junta member a lesson. Come on, we live in a democracy and due process must be respected."

Pa Nderry Mbye, a Gambian veteran journalist and proprietor of Freedom Newspaper warned the GPU: "Do not use your cosiness with Ba to kill this noble profession.”

Bokar Bah, a UK-based Gambian PhD student added:  "The legal and regulatory framework of the media in The Gambia remains inconsistent with international standards. The press has a critical job to do, and cosying up with those that it is supposed to hold accountable could be seen differently."

Since his appointment by President Adama Barrow, the Justice Minister is seen as the most incompetent and divisive minister in the country. He is allegedly behind most of the confusion and contradictions at the TRRC.

There are credible rumours that he might soon be fired by President Adama Barrow.