CAPITOL HILL, Monrovia – The Legislative Press Pool (LEGISPOOL) has sharply criticized the Liberian Senate for what it describes as a deliberate attempt to muzzle dissent and weaken press accountability following the suspension of one of its top officers, journalist Jackson C. Clay, Jr.
Speaking Monday during a Senate-sponsored refresher workshop for legislative reporters and staff at the Capitol Building, LEGISPOOL Secretary-General Blamo N. Toe described the Senate’s action as an attack on press freedom and a calculated move to suppress independent scrutiny of the Legislature.
Clay, LEGISPOOL’s Vice President, was suspended from covering Senate proceedings and removed from the Senate’s accredited journalists’ chatroom nearly a month ago. Toe said the suspension was ordered by Senate Press Director Oscar F. Mulbah after Clay reportedly expressed dissenting views related to transparency and legislative accountability.
Toe said the suspension was not only arbitrary but part of a broader pattern of press suppression.
“The Press Department went as far as writing to Clay’s media house demanding an apology — a punitive and disproportionate response to a journalist exercising his professional duty,” Toe said.
The press body, which represents journalists covering the Liberian Legislature, accused the Senate Press Department of attempting to silence independent voices and discourage constructive criticism — practices it said are vital to democratic governance.
“It appears the Department is more interested in managing perception than promoting transparency,” Toe said. “This action is not just about one journalist — it’s about the broader principle of press freedom at the Legislature.”
He detailed mounting frustrations facing legislative correspondents, including persistent denial of access to key documents such as Senate communications, committee reports, and witness testimonies during confirmation hearings.
“When we are told essential documents are unavailable, where should journalists turn?” Toe asked.
Toe also criticized the introduction of new, unexplained security protocols that have disrupted media coverage at the Capitol Building. He called for consistent communication about any procedural changes through proper channels.
He decried the continued exclusion of independent journalists from Senate retreats and official events, both domestic and international, arguing that such exclusions erode public trust and transparency.
“As independent journalists, we rely on fair access to fulfill our constitutional mandate,” Toe said. “We propose a rotational system to ensure inclusive coverage.”
Toe lamented the lack of basic support for LEGISPOOL’s operations, noting the group’s struggle to secure adequate funding for essentials such as internet services, stationery, and basic press tools.
He said despite numerous outreach efforts, the current LEGISPOOL leadership has not been granted an audience with the Senate leadership to address their concerns.
Toe made a direct appeal to Senate President Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, reminding her of her own background in the media.
“We believe your understanding of journalism should guide your support for the press corps covering the Legislature,” he said.
Among other needs, Toe highlighted the absence of official jackets, ID cards, and a dedicated press vehicle. He disclosed that while some funds have been raised for ID production, an additional $300 is needed. A further $1,500 would enable LEGISPOOL to provide jackets to its members.
Despite the criticisms, Toe acknowledged the Senate leadership’s support for the ongoing training workshop for reporters and praised Siafa Jallah, Deputy Director for Broadcast, for his professionalism and commitment.
Toe called for deeper collaboration between the Senate Press Department and independent journalists, describing the media as “an indispensable pillar of democracy.”
“The role of independent media in highlighting the work of the Senate cannot be overstated,” he said, urging journalists to apply lessons from the training to strengthen ethical, professional, and independent reporting.
Discussion about this post