Despite the many criticisms from several quarters in Monrovia and its environ, the Lord Mayor of the City of Monrovia, Jefferson Tamba Koijee has called on the Liberian media to be professional in it’s reportage.
Speaking as Keynote Speaker, Koijee expressed thanks and appreciation to the people of Rivergee County, and paid homage to the founding fathers of the county, Nathaniel Williams.
He praised the Press Union of Liberia for decentralizing the activities of the union. Amid heavy applaud, Mayor Koijee recommended to the executive that the celebration of this year’s Independence Day, July 2022 be held in Rivergee County.
He bragged that during the detention of the Publisher of the Front Page Africa he advocated for his Release, noting that that move to detain him was an abuse to the work of a Journalists.
The Monrovia City Mayor also praised the pul for it’s advocacies over the years to bring relief to it’s members.
He gave what he called historical perspectives, said he will give his support to press freedom in Liberia.
He said this day is worth celebrating due to its importance, adding, “We are here to celebrate with in the celebration of the World Press Freedom Day.
Touching on the theme of this year celebration, Journalism Under Digital Siege, Mayor Koijee said, the CDC government has done everything possible in the protection of Journalists in Liberia.
He said the government under the CDC-led, has made the commitment to protect Journalists despite of it’s critical reportage.
He proposed the formulation of series of media training program in order to upgrade their professional services in the performaning of their duties.
Mayor Koijee recounting the suffering of dozens of Journalists by previous governments, noting at that times Journalists’ works have been under threats.
He also called on the delayed release of the Laurance Bropleh report to be released without delay.
He also made several recommendations including the accreditation of all Journalists to made them more credible, and that the PUL handle unprofessional, and that the media should not be used by individuals for their selfish gain.
Concluding, Mayor Koijee called on Laurance K. Bropleh to release it’s delayed report
In full attendance at the program were the county’s legislative caucus, officials of the county, the business community, students community and several organizations, elders and chiefs.
