MONROVIA – The Press Union of Liberia celebrates its 61st anniversary, marking six decades as a premier advocate for democracy and press freedom in Liberia. Despite its revered status, the organization has endured significant challenges and bruises over the years. While history may look kindly on its progressive stance, the Union also has its share of controversies. One notable issue is the lingering cloud over its reputation following the unexplained disappearance of $100,000 donated by former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for a modern headquarters. In the wake of the anniversary approaches, introspection is underway, with individual journalists speaking out about internal issues. Four former presidents of the Union have weighed in on the matter, as THE ANALYST reports.
As the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) commemorates its 61st anniversary, several former leaders of the PUL have issued a joint statement raising alarms about a series of events, including declining state of the Liberian media, the issue of the $100,000 headquarters that remains unaccountable, as well as growing attempts by politicians to disrupt the peace of the fragile post-war country.
The former PUL leaders—Messrs Isaac D.E. Bantu and Emmanuel D. Abalo, Gabriel I.H. Williams, —reminded Liberian journalists that the Union’s anniversary milestone provides an important moment of reflection, recommitment, and rededication to the noble ideals upon which the Union was founded in 1964.
For more than six decades, the PUL has been a beacon of advocacy, sacrifice, and professional service in defense of press freedom, democratic values, and the people’s right to know, they asserted.
They said: “As we celebrate this historic anniversary of the PUL, we also urge the current leadership and membership of the Union to take an honest and introspective look at the ethical and professional shortcomings that have increasingly plagued journalism in Liberia.”
The former PUL leaders pointed to disturbing trends of partisanship, unethical reporting, and disregard for professional standards that have magnified in recent times, which threaten to erode public trust and compromise the Union’s ability to uphold its proud legacy as the defender of free and responsible journalism.
According to the former PUL leaders, a glaring example of how the Liberian press is losing public trust is the stinging rebuke by internationally-respected human rights lawyer, Cllr. Tiawan S. Gongloe, who recently condemned what he called “mercenary journalism” in Liberia. Cllr. Gongloe is quoted as saying, “mercenary journalism is dangerous because it turns lies into headlines, and truth into casualties.”
The former PUL leaders view with alarm the growing number of social media platforms operated by political groups, which are spreading inflammatory pronouncements and threats of violence. They also condemn the practice of paying government employees for stolen documents.
Equally troubling, the ex-leaders of the PUL said, is the unfinished matter surrounding the use of the US$100,000 donated by former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for the construction of the PUL headquarters.
The former PUL leaders call for a transparent and independent audit to restore confidence and credibility.
The former PUL leaders call on the present leadership of the PUL to prioritize transparency and accountability. They also urge media proprietors to prioritize journalists’ salaries and provide regular training programs.
The statement concludes by condemning attacks against journalists, calling on the government to investigate recent mysterious fires and tackle the scourge of rape in the country, and applauding the renewed commitment to construct the PUL’s national headquarters.