In observance of the 61st anniversary of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), four former leaders of the Union—Isaac D.E. Bantu, Emmanuel D. Abalo, Gabriel I.H. Williams, and Peter Quaqua—have issued a joint statement expressing deep concern over the deteriorating state of the Liberian media and the growing threats to national peace posed by political actors.
The former leaders emphasized that this milestone offers a critical opportunity for reflection, recommitment, and rededication to the noble ideals upon which the PUL was founded in 1964. For more than six decades, the Union has served as a beacon of advocacy, sacrifice, and professional service in defense of press freedom, democratic values, and the public’s right to know.
As Liberia celebrates this historic anniversary, the former leaders urge the current PUL leadership and membership to undertake a candid and introspective assessment of the ethical and professional shortcomings that have increasingly plagued journalism in the country.
They cited disturbing trends of partisanship, unethical reporting, and disregard for professional standards—issues that threaten to erode public trust and compromise the Union’s legacy as a defender of free and responsible journalism.
A glaring example of this erosion, they noted, is the recent condemnation by internationally respected human rights lawyer, Cllr. Tiawan S. Gongloe, who denounced what he termed “mercenary journalism.” Gongloe warned that such practices “turn lies into headlines and truth into casualties,” and cautioned that monetizing news content undermines fair competition, weakens institutions, and fosters societal instability.
This condemnation comes amid the proliferation of social media platforms, many of which function as echo chambers for political and other vested interests. These platforms often disseminate unverified information, paid propaganda, and opinion masquerading as fact—further compromising journalistic integrity.
The former leaders expressed alarm over the growing number of politically aligned social media platforms—both pro-government and opposition—that are fueling division through inflammatory rhetoric and threats of violence.
Of particular concern are reports that some platforms are covertly compensating government employees for leaked documents from ministries and agencies, a practice that poses serious national security risks.
Equally troubling is the unresolved controversy surrounding the US$100,000 donation from former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, intended for the construction of the PUL headquarters.
To date, there has been no transparent or credible accounting of how the funds were used. This lingering issue has tarnished the Union’s reputation and weakened its moral authority to demand accountability from others.
The former leaders call on the current PUL administration to urgently commission an independent audit of the Sirleaf donation. Only through transparency can the Union restore public confidence and safeguard its institutional integrity.
They also urge media proprietors to prioritize timely salary payments to journalists, noting that financial insecurity contributes to unethical practices such as “cash-for-content.” In addition, they advocate for regular professional development programs to enhance journalistic standards.
The statement further warned that Liberia’s increasingly polarized political climate—marked by hostility in both mainstream and social media—could spiral into civil unrest. They reminded all political actors that any disruption of peace would carry consequences under international law.
Drawing parallels to the prosecution of former President Charles Taylor, the former PUL leaders pledged to advocate for international sanctions and legal action against any Liberian politician or group that incites violence.
The former leaders condemned recent attacks on journalists, including two incidents involving reporters from FrontPage Africa, and called on President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s administration to expedite investigations into a series of mysterious fires, including one at the residence of former President George Weah.
They also urged the government to take decisive action against the scourge of rape, referencing recent allegations involving a deputy minister who was suspended. The statement called for stronger enforcement and accountability to protect victims and uphold justice.
Finally, the former leaders applauded the renewed commitment to construct the PUL’s national headquarters—the Stanton B. Peabody Media House—named in honor of the journalist whose imprisonment inspired the Union’s founding. They pledged individual contributions and called on all members to rally behind the initiative to realize this long-overdue dream.
