Lamin Mboge informed the Banjul Magistrates Court that a particular local language news presenter in one of the radio stations has been misleading listeners in translation of stories published on newspapers regarding his client’s case.
“I am informed by my client that the way the proceedings of his case are interpreted by the media on air is totally out of context and misleading,” he said. “I don’t know exactly which particular radio station or newscaster, but I want to urge the court to take note and if possible, make pronouncement and caution that particular newscaster.”
The presiding magistrate, Dawda Jallow, however said he had taken note of the concern raised but could not make a pronouncement. He added: “The issue in question involves a third party. If it involves the reporters who are present during the proceedings, then I can act and make pronouncement.”
Mboge, at this juncture, pledged that he would make a ‘strong application’ for that particular newscaster to appear before the court.
Dr Njogu Bah is standing trial on allegations that he had appointed a Ms Jainaba Jobarteh as The Gambia’s representative to the United Nations in New York without due procedures. He however pleaded not guilty.
Yesterday’s sitting witnessed continuation of his defence. He testified under cross examination: “I could not remember how I came to know about the vacancy in New York. But I have not taken any steps when I heard about it. It was not my responsibility. That is the duty of the Personnel Management Office and Foreign Affairs Ministry.”
Hearing resumes March 12.
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