Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – A News Assistant at The Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS), has resigned with immediate effect, citing what he describes as an unfair and politically driven redeployment from the State House back to the broadcaster’s headquarters.
In a resignation letter addressed to the Director General, Omar P. Jallow said the decision followed his reassignment, which he believes was punitive in nature. He argued that the move undermined his ability to continue serving effectively within the institution.
Jallow maintained that his participation in a recent fundraising event in his native village of Sare Gainako had been misinterpreted. The event, he explained, was a community engagement activity that included invited guests such as Seedy Njie and Talib Bensouda.
He stressed that his involvement was not intended to compromise his professional duties or bring the national broadcaster into disrepute. “It was purely a community matter,” he noted, adding that he was disappointed the engagement appeared to have been used as grounds for disciplinary action.
Jallow was assigned to cover the Office of the Vice President. He has now confirmed reports that his passport was indeed confiscated and that he was subjected to threats of dismissal, as well as interrogation by the State Intelligence Services (SIS).
He also disclosed that he had previously denied being interrogated by the SIS, explaining that he felt compelled to do so at the time due to the circumstances he was facing. “My hands were tied,” he stated, suggesting that pressure influenced his earlier response.
The outgoing News Assistant further raised concerns about what he sees as the influence of political considerations in public service institutions. He argued that such bodies should uphold neutrality, fairness, and professionalism in their administrative decisions.
Jallow, however, expressed appreciation to his colleagues and reflected positively on his tenure, stating he remains proud of his contributions to the institution’s mandate of informing, educating, and entertaining the public.
Officials at GRTS had not publicly responded to the resignation at the time of reporting.
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