Monrovia, Liberia – Julius K. Kanubah, the president of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), called on President Joseph N. Boakai not to compromise the rule of law in his administration’s fight against corruption, emphasizing that respect for the law is crucial for maintaining peace and promoting the country.
Mr. Kanubah made a strong plea for honesty and legal responsibility in government while speaking Thursday, April 10, at the Presidential Media Dinner, which was hosted at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town.
According to Kanubah, the rule of law is something that the government cannot compromise on. Fundamentally, maintaining the peace and guaranteeing the advancement of the Republic depend on respect for and obedience to the rule of law. “We should uphold the rule of law and utilize it to combat corruption.”
In what was widely hailed as a step toward bettering government-media relations, the dinner, which was organized by the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs and the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT), brought together government officials, talk show hosts, editors, reporters, media owners, and managers.
Mr. Kanubah stressed that the Boakai government must avoid the temptation to use its political influence to stifle dissent or subvert the legal system. Additionally, he urged the government to give top priority to changes that would turn the Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS) into a legitimate public service broadcaster that is inclusive of all Liberian voices and answerable to the people.
He challenged LBS to be the embodiment of accountability, representing the many opinions of all Liberians as well as the interests of the government. This change is essential to improving democratic participation and cultivating informed citizens.
The PUL president said, the government should give journalists’ and other media professionals’ well-being first priority. Mr. Kanubah reiterated President Boakai’s well-known slogan, “Think Liberia, Love Liberia, Build Liberia,” saying, “It is time that you think the media, love the media, and build the media.”
In addition to receiving a direct and positive response from President Boakai, Mr. Kanubah received a standing ovation from his colleagues for his humor. Although press freedom has improved, President Kanubah recognized that the media environment in Liberia is still precarious because of a lack of institutional support and budget limitations.
The operations of media organizations, the caliber of journalism, and the working conditions of journalists whose take-home money, if it exists, cannot even take them home are all impacted by the sharp decline in advertising revenue, he complained.
Also, he emphasized the almost complete withdrawal of USAID’s assistance for media development, which he claimed had left a large gap in the institutionalization and capacity building of media outlets throughout Liberia.
Kanubah stated, “We hope the government can assume some of these shocks.” The president of the PUL also expressed worry about the increasing political meddling in community radio stations’ activities, describing them as essential information sources for many rural regions.
According to Kanubah, county superintendents are interfering more and more with community broadcasters. This threatens their capacity to effectively serve communities and erodes their independence. “We want your government to defend these broadcasters and ensure that their rights are unhindered by politics.”
Mr. Kanubah praised President Boakai for honoring the media community with his attendance in spite of the reservations, pointing out that the meal offers a valuable forum for discussion of national problems.
