The governing Coalition for Democratic Change condemns the recent vandalism of Roots FM 102.7 and calls on the Ministry of Justice to properly investigate the attack by alleged thugs.
In a press statement issued in Monrovia, the CDC believes members of the opposition who may be pointing accusing fingers at government in the absence of a credible investigation, are sustaining the widely-held suspicion of Machiavellian tactics, allegedly deployed to dent the distinguished free-press credential of the government.
The state says in view of the proliferated spew of vitriol, insults, lies and disinformation campaign against the government and its officials, the CDC wouldn’t be surprised should it be established that these narratives may be an extension of the government’s detractors’ continuous efforts to besmear the distinctive democratic reputation of the CDC-led government.
It continues that irrespective of the escalation of hate-speeches and violent rhetoric being unapologetically espoused by supporters and leaders of some opposition political parties, “our commitment to upholding the fundamental doctrine of free speech and unrestrained tolerance, remains unconditional, unflinching and persistent.”
“As a mass-based democratic institution with over a decade-long history of struggle for good governance, press freedom and democratic pluralism, the CDC assures all that this government shall never allow the enhanced democratic gains to be derailed, nor will it revert to the darks days of unspeakable media harassment when speaking truth to power was abominable.”
“In the same context, we hold strong to the opinion that just as government is duty-bound to uphold the fundamental tenets of democracy so are media institutions, who are also anticipated adherents to the rule of law doctrine and civil discourse”.
CDC says it anticipates that the Management of Roots FM will take steps to curtail its inflammatory rhetoric and peace-threatening remarks that fan the flames of violence, thereby subjecting the free press to preventable scrutiny & ridicule.
Whether the call is heeded or not, CDC says it remains forever resolute in ascertaining that no amount of machination will deter us from advancing the cause of the Liberian people, “especially as we protect the people’s popular mandate vested to ensure that the virtues of democracy; that is, free speech, prosperity and development, are achieved.” Editing by Jonathan Browne
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