THE ANALYST’S Flomo Takes MIRNET Helm -Kanubah calls for servant leadership, humility, accountability

MONROVIA – Press associations in Liberia often preach democracy to government but struggle to practice it. The Ministry of Information Reporters Network (MIRNET) has just offered a different example. Its secretary general stepped aside, and members filled the post through a contested by-election. George C. Flomo, a reporter for THE ANALYST, won and has now been inducted. Press Union of Liberia (PUL) President Julius K. Kanubah framed the moment around servant leadership. His message reached beyond one office. Reporters at the Ministry of Information work closest to the government’s messaging machine. How they organize shapes the independence of daily news. Flomo’s pledge of accountability will now be tested by results, not rhetoric. THE ANALYST reports.

Journalist George C. Flomo has been inducted as Secretary General of the Ministry of Information Reporters Network (MIRNET), with Press Union of Liberia (PUL) President Julius K. Kanubah challenging him to embrace servant leadership, accountability, humility and cooperation in representing reporters assigned to the Ministry of Information.

The induction ceremony, held Tuesday at the Charles Gbenyon Conference Hall of the Ministry of Information in Monrovia, marked a new chapter in the network’s leadership following a competitive by-election that saw Flomo emerge victorious over his colleague, Larry S. Dapae.

Kanubah, who was invited by MIRNET President Emmanuel D. Mopolu to serve as guest speaker, described the transition as an important development in the network’s institutional history, emphasizing that peaceful transfers of leadership are essential to democratic governance and organizational stability.

Speaking on behalf of the PUL, the umbrella organization for journalists and media institutions in Liberia, Kanubah commended MIRNET members for organizing themselves into a professional body and conducting an electoral process that provided members the opportunity to choose their representative.

He noted that the credibility of professional associations rests not only on their ability to advocate for members’ welfare and promote ethical journalism but also on their commitment to democratic principles, internal accountability and respect for the collective decisions of their membership.

Kanubah said the transition from outgoing Secretary General Desmond G. Wion to Flomo demonstrated that leadership positions should not be treated as permanent personal possessions but as responsibilities that can be transferred to other capable members when circumstances require.

Kanubah Praises Wion, Dapae

He praised Wion for leaving office and creating an opportunity for another member to serve, describing the decision as a positive example of organizational maturity.

The PUL president also acknowledged Dapae for contesting the election, noting that participation in a competitive electoral process should be respected, particularly when candidates and members accept the outcome in the interest of their organization.

Although the election was competitive, Kanubah maintained that the ultimate victory belonged to MIRNET as an institution because the process reinforced members’ participation and strengthened the network’s democratic culture.

“Your colleagues have given you that mandate,” Kanubah told Flomo, urging him to approach the responsibility with humility and a commitment to service.

Drawing on his familiarity with Flomo’s professional development and previous engagement with the Press Union, Kanubah expressed confidence in the newly inducted secretary general’s ability to contribute meaningfully to the network.

He recalled Flomo’s participation in PUL activities, including his engagement during a program in Kakata, where he asked questions about the Union and its responsibilities. Kanubah said such engagement reflected an interest in professional journalism and institutional accountability.

However, he cautioned that winning an election was only the beginning of the work ahead, reminding THE ANALYST reporter that leadership must be demonstrated through practical service rather than the authority associated with an office.

Kanubah further encouraged the existing MIRNET leadership to work closely with the newly inducted secretary general, emphasizing that cooperation among officers and members would be necessary to advance the organization’s objectives.

He said the network’s ability to function effectively would depend on collective responsibility, mutual respect and a shared commitment to improving the professional environment of reporters assigned to the Ministry of Information.

Flomo Pledges Accountable, Inclusive Leadership

In his acceptance remarks, George C. Flomo, THE ANALYST reporter, thanked Kanubah for accepting the invitation to preside over the induction and acknowledged the personal and professional relationship they share, recalling that Kanubah taught him Development Journalism at the Peter Quaqua School of Journalism.

Flomo also expressed gratitude to MIRNET President Mopolu, the network’s leadership, members and colleagues who participated in the electoral process. He specifically thanked Dapae for contesting the election, describing the process as an opportunity for members to exercise their democratic choice.

Flomo said accountability was the central principle behind his decision to contest the position and pledged to represent the interests of MIRNET members with credibility, fairness and distinction.

He emphasized that the mandate entrusted to him was not simply a recognition of his professional background but an obligation to serve the membership and work in accordance with their collective interests.

“Today, let me say that you have given me the mantle of authority to lead and represent you as your Secretary General,” Flomo said, pledging to do his best to represent the network and support its leadership in promoting accountability.

Reflecting on his leadership experience, Flomo said he had spent years serving in professional and organizational leadership roles and was prepared to bring those experiences to bear on his new responsibility.

He cited his role as president of the Greater Outreach Christian Academy Alumni Association, an organization with a broad membership, and his service as Executive Secretary General of The African Passion (TAP Africa International), which he said provides scholarship opportunities for students pursuing studies in India and also direct-job employment opportunities in Dubai.

Flomo maintained that these experiences had prepared him to coordinate the affairs of MIRNET, work with colleagues from different professional backgrounds and manage the pressures that accompany leadership in a media environment.

He acknowledged that leading reporters and media practitioners could present significant challenges, particularly given the different personalities, expectations and professional interests within the network.

Nevertheless, he said those challenges were part of the responsibility he had accepted and pledged to approach them through coordination, consultation and a commitment to the interests of the organization.

Flomo also stressed that his leadership would not be limited to occupying an office or exercising authority. Instead, he said he intended to use the position to strengthen the network, advance members’ interests and ensure that their concerns received appropriate attention.

He called on members to support collective initiatives and judge the new leadership by its actions and achievements.

Flomo further acknowledged that the electoral process had involved differing views and some resistance, but said members should move beyond the contest and concentrate on the work ahead. He emphasized that the by-election had been conducted to fill a vacancy and that the network’s priorities must now take precedence over individual differences.

Striving for a Better Liberia

Flomo connected his leadership ambition to his broader professional commitment to journalism and national development, saying his work as a journalist had been guided by the desire to contribute to a better Liberia.

Known for his introductory phrase, “For those who strive for a better Liberia,” Flomo has sought to associate his journalistic work with public accountability, national progress and the responsibility of the media to inform citizens.

He indicated that these values would also guide his service to MIRNET, particularly in representing reporters operating within the Ministry of Information’s press briefing environment.

His remarks underscored the importance of maintaining a professional network capable of representing members’ concerns while supporting ethical journalism, institutional cooperation and responsible engagement with public officials.

The newly inducted secretary general said he was conscious of the expectations accompanying his election and recognized that members would look to the leadership for practical results. He therefore pledged to work with the existing officers and the wider membership to advance programs and initiatives intended to strengthen the network.

Mopolu Hails Leadership Consolidation

For his part, MIRNET President Emmanuel D. Mopolu welcomed the induction as an important step in consolidating the network’s leadership following the by-election.

Mopolu expressed appreciation to Kanubah for honoring the invitation and lending the occasion the presence of the Press Union of Liberia. He also acknowledged the participation of MIRNET members and other colleagues whose involvement helped give the electoral process its significance.

The network’s leadership viewed the induction as an opportunity to consolidate unity, strengthen cooperation among officers and members, and redirect attention toward the responsibilities ahead.

The ceremony brought together the network’s leadership, former leaders of the network and members to witness the formal assumption of office by Flomo, following the electoral mandate conferred upon him.

With the induction completed, Flomo is expected to work alongside Mopolu and other MIRNET officers to coordinate the network’s affairs, represent its membership and contribute to the advancement of professional journalism within the Ministry of Information.

The ceremony ended with an induction pledge administered by Kanubah and repeated by Flomo, formally affirming the new secretary general’s commitment to the responsibilities of the office.

The transition marks another stage in MIRNET’s organizational development, with the network now looking to its new leadership to translate the confidence expressed through the ballot into service, accountability and tangible progress for its members.