Monrovia — In a strong rebuke against what it calls a brazen attempt to undermine democracy, Team Unity of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) has denounced individuals it describes as impostors seeking to unlawfully assume leadership of the Union. The group, led by veteran journalist Mae Azango, has vowed to resist what it terms an illegal and divisive power grab orchestrated by individuals operating outside the democratic framework of the PUL.
In a statement released Wednesday, Team Unity called out the actions of one “Julius Kanubah” and his allies, accusing them of spreading misleading statements and attempting to disrupt the Union’s operations. The group likened their actions to political coups that have destabilized democratic institutions across Africa, warning that such tactics have no place within Liberia’s media community.
“We are witnessing an unfortunate attempt by a group of individuals to disrupt the democratic processes of the Press Union of Liberia,” said Mae Azango, a prominent voice in the PUL. “Their actions are not only illegal but also harmful to the principles of fairness, transparency, and unity that we stand for. This is a clear mimicry of the destructive tactics that have undermined democratic institutions across the continent, and we will not allow these impostors to hijack the leadership of the PUL.”
The condemnation comes amid heightened tensions within the Union, which remains embroiled in legal disputes over its leadership transition. Team Unity warned that the ongoing attempts to manipulate the Union’s elections threaten not only the integrity of the PUL but also the broader effort to promote unity and democracy within Liberia’s media landscape.
Team Unity emphasized the importance of maintaining democratic principles within the Union, calling for an immediate end to what it described as “fraudulent activities.” The group reiterated its commitment to holding an inclusive, fair, and transparent election process that reflects the collective will of the PUL’s membership.
“This is about more than just the Press Union of Liberia. It’s about setting a standard for accountability and democracy in all sectors of our society,” Azango continued. “We urge all stakeholders to remain vigilant and united in the face of these divisive tactics. Together, we can ensure that the PUL remains a bastion of journalistic integrity and democracy.”
As part of its call to action, Team Unity encouraged members of the Union to reject any anti-democratic elements and reaffirm their commitment to the rule of law. The group expressed confidence that the PUL’s members would stand firm in upholding democratic principles, ensuring that the Union’s leadership reflects the collective voice of its membership rather than the self-serving interests of a few.
The leadership crisis within the PUL has raised broader concerns about the state of press freedom and democratic governance in Liberia. With the Union’s future at a crossroads, Team Unity assured the public of its unwavering dedication to protecting the principles that have guided the PUL since its inception.
“Liberia’s media community deserves leadership that is not only legitimate but also deeply committed to advancing the principles of press freedom and accountability,” the statement concluded. “We remain resolute in our mission to restore integrity to the PUL and to ensure that its leadership transition reflects the collective will of its members—not the ambitions of those driven by pecuniary gains.”
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