After Two Years of Election Dispute, Controversial Acting President of PUL Resigned.

By: Joe Ks FINEBOY |

The Press Union Liberia (PUL) 2021 election was held between Daniel Yankonah Jr. and Julius Kanabar, two Ex-Officials of the Union. But since the result was announced in favour of Daniel, Julius has never accepted that result thou leading the both parties to be in court on the matter for about two years now. And since then, the mater has never yield any certainty in staging the successor of Charles Coffee, former President of PUL.

Kanabar, thinks it was time for him to take over the leadership of the regulating body of all journalists in the country. In his wisdom, Julius believes he “won” the election against Yankonah, contrary to result pronounced by the PUL Election Commission, thou enthusing him to challenge the result announced by the commission. Since then, the matter has been a disputable concern, after every initial mediation to resolve the matter failed, with Kanabar becoming the more “controversial” character on the matter.

But after about two years in court with the case, Yankonh Jr. has finally relinquished the post; citing that for the good and progress of the Institution, “I hereby resign as Acting President of the Press Union of Liberia” after a period of election dispute that seem to undermined the   forward match of PUL.

Speaking at the Headquarters of PUL, Daniel Yankonah Jr. said his resignation is aim at saving the image of the Press Union of Liberia; noting that he wouldn’t mind resigning his post to allow the progress of the Union despite his long time services to the institution.

According to Daniel Yankonah, his action to resigned will live on in the history of the Press Union of Liberia, terming it as a sing of tolerance under the doctrine of leadership; citing that he is no more going to contest for any position in future election of the Union but he will remain committed and consistence in providing whatever supports that is require for the growth and development of the Union.

The Former Security General of PUL, Yankonah however regret the actions that kept the union inactive with no leadership functionary something he said may be an element of hindering donors’ attention in giving supports to the Union. He avers that despite his no leadership role, the success of PUL is his ultimate concerns as it’s to save guard the Liberia Media Industry.

At the same time, Yankonah has cautioned his supporters to remain focus and stable in ensuring that the Press Union of Liberia is headed and represented by individuals who have the leadership abilities and has the union at heart; citing that PUL is a regulating body of over one thousands journalists across the country that need better leadership in managing the affairs and ensuring that the welfares of journalists is not at stake.

Also speaking on the resignation of Yankonah, some members of the Press Union though regret the action, but termed it as welcoming and commendable on the part of Daniel; stating that it was not a good sign for the Liberia Media Regularity Body to be out of leadership for a matter that can amicably be resolve; stating that despite praises on the Liberia Media for the level of professionalism exhibited, especially during the country 2023 General and Presidential Elections, it would be irresponsible to keep the union in a state of dilemma.

Lionel Dodoo, Chief Editor of Front Page Africa, is one of those that spoke with this paper shortly after Daniel exclaimed his resignation. According to Dodoo, despite he supported Daniel Yankonah election; because he said ”Yankonah has the ability to manage the affairs of the Union but with his decision to resigned his post as acting President due to the election dispute between him and his contender,  it’s about the image of the Union and  I also applaud him for that” Dodoo avers.

According to Dodoo, he has been trouble because of the dilemmatic status of the Union for the last two years, alleging that this has made donors not to give any support to the Press Union; furthering that with the resignation of Yankonah, its time that members of the Union should see reasons for coming together to elected new leadership that will take over the PUL. The FPA Editor, Dodoo at the same time used the medium to expressed fear about the allege eviction notice that property owners   have served the union to remove it offices from the building its occupying currently. Dodoo than cautioned supporters of both Daniel and Julius to put their differences aside and work together for a progressive PUL.

Meanwhile, not to leaving the Union without management team, the resigned Acting President has appointed the current Security General Akoi Baysah to head the Union and take it to a democratic election within ninety day in line with PUL Constitution…