IN DEMOCRATIC societies, the function of the press can’t be overstated. Journalists will not be extensions of political places of work, nor are they devices to advertise authorities propaganda. They’re professionals, entrusted with the sacred responsibility of informing the general public, holding the highly effective accountable, and preserving the sanctity of fact.
WHEN A authorities official crosses the road — whether or not by way of coercion, intimidation, or outright censorship — it’s not only a risk to 1 journalist, however a risk to democracy itself.
THIS BRINGS us to the disturbing and regrettable incident that not too long ago unfolded in Nimba County involving Liberia’s Minister of Data, Tradition and Tourism, Jerolinmeh Piah and journalist Franklin Doloquee.
ACCORDING TO experiences confirmed by Clarence Jackson of OK FM, Minister Piah on Saturday forcefully took journalist Doloquee’s telephone and deleted a video recording. This motion, by the minister’s personal admission, was not solely reckless — it was a transparent abuse of energy.
LET’S US be clear that no authorities official, no matter their standing or affiliation, has the best to forcibly seize a journalist’s tools or erase their work. If a public official is uncomfortable with being filmed, the skilled response is dialog — not coercion.
A SIMPLE REQUEST similar to, “I perceive you want to do a video recording — it’s your proper, however I kindly ask if we may do audio as a substitute for this interview,” would have sufficed. However as a substitute, energy was wielded, not purpose.
WHAT MAKES this incident much more troubling is the political spin and misinformation that adopted. Slightly than issuing a honest public apology, Minister Piah’s associates reportedly moved to shift blame. On OK FM, one other authorities determine, Minister Rufus Paul, accused journalist Doloquee of insulting the minister and throwing a cellphone at him — an accusation that raises extra questions than solutions. Is that this an try to rewrite the details and discredit a journalist after the very fact?
EVEN MORE disturbing have been the feedback aired on OK FM that questioned Franklin Doloquee’s journalistic worthiness based mostly on his command of English.
LET IT be made completely clear that the Structure of Liberia doesn’t require journalists to talk “good” English to be protected below the legislation. To marginalize somebody on this foundation shouldn’t be solely discriminatory — it’s shameful and elitist.
WHILE SOME could also be tempted to twist this incident into political protection of Minister Piah, the center of the difficulty is way extra severe. That is about press freedom, the misuse of authority, and the accountability of public officers to behave with integrity.
WHAT MINISTER PIAH did was not only a breach of protocol — it was a risk to each journalist working below tough situations in Liberia. It sends a harmful message that these in energy can function with out accountability. It encourages concern and discourages transparency. And it undermines the very belief residents have positioned on this administration to guide otherwise.
TO THE Unity Celebration and the present authorities, you weren’t elected to repeat the errors of the previous. You campaigned on guarantees of accountability, transparency, and democratic renewal. Six years will come and go — ask the Coalition of Democratic Change (CDC) and former President George Weah, who realized that lesson the onerous manner. What you do now will decide if the folks belief you once more.
TO MINISTER PIAH, we hope this incident turns into some extent of significant reflection. Liberia doesn’t want strongmen — it wants servant leaders. Taking a journalist’s telephone and erasing his recording shouldn’t be an act of power; it’s a show of insecurity cloaked in authority.
THIS IS not a private vendetta. It is a public reminder that nobody is above the legislation. The press shouldn’t be the enemy of the state. It’s the eyes, ears, and voice of the folks.
LET THOSE in management bear in mind be smart, be clear, be accountable. Liberia wants fewer energy performs and extra humility. The press doesn’t work for the federal government. It really works for the folks.
WE ARE watching. We’re recording. And we are going to proceed to report — whether or not you prefer it or not.
