Africa-Press – Liberia. At the World Press Freedom Day program in Monrovia, calls for calm among Press Union of Liberia (PUL) members and respect for the ruling from the Supreme Court were high on the lips of several speakers.
Since November of last year, the election results have been taken to court by Team Julius Kanubah, a candidate vying for the presidency of PUL.
Team Julius Kanubah raised the issue of the voter roll and later took the election board to court to put a halt to the voting process.
The court turned down Team Julius Kanubah’s request and ordered that the voting process go on, and the issue raised by Team Julius Kanubah would be addressed after the voting process in Bong County.
It has been nearly six months since Daniel Nyakonah won the election. However, Nyakonah has not taken his seat as president of PUL because of a court issue hanging over PUL’s election.
His rival, Team Julius Kanubah, has taken the election body as far as the Supreme Court, and the court, in the coming days, will be putting down its final verdict regarding the case.
At the 2023 World Press Freedom Day held at the Monrovia City, Atty. Patmallia Doe-Paivey, a Commissioner at the Independent National Human Rights Commission, calls for members of the Press Union of Liberia to honor any ruling that will arise from the Supreme Court.
“I use this opportunity to call on all sides of the Press Union of Liberia election devices to unite, adhere to, and respect the Supreme Court ruling which is within a few days to come,” Madam Paivey said.
She added: “We are at a critical stage in our democracy, and you cannot let your difference overstep your obligation in duty to continually and consistently inform and educate the public.”
She calls on members of the press to continue working together in the interest of the public.
Atty. Paivey said freedom of expression comes with greater responsibility. She calls on the government to protect and provide a safe space for every journalist across the country.
She added: “I join my voice in calling the government of Liberia to ensure greater protection for journalists and assist in passing of bill creating an independent media commission to strengthen self-regulation and encourage greater accountability toward the growth and standard of journalism.”
Also representing the government was the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Information, Jarlawah Tonpo. He requested that the presence of the two groups meet him at his office to iron out their differences.
“I would like to call out the two of you next week Wednesday at my office,” Minister Tonpo said.
Also speaking, the Vice and president-elect of PUL, Daniel Nyakonah, praised the government and development partners for their support toward the PUL.
Nyakonah also promises to reach out to his rival in the November election, Julius Kanubah, adding that PUL is bigger than any individual.
Nyakonah said: “I will reach out to Julius. The union is for all of us. Both of us should be able to meet and trash out our differences.”
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