New Republic Boss Urges Gov’t

The Publisher of The New Republic Newspaper, Alphonso Toweh is urging the Liberian Government headed by President George Manneh Weah to see the media in Liberia as partner in its development drive.

Speaking Monday when the Deputy Information Minister for Public Affairs, Eugene Fahngon paid a courtesy visit at his office, Alphonso Toweh said he was puzzled over some of the issues in the country between the media and the government but urged the government to see reason in cementing its relationship with the media because the media remains an integral part of any society.

According to the veteran Liberian journalist, the media will continue to report on issues when there are facts and shouldn’t not be seen as enemy to the government.

The courageous media executive said they will continue to report on ills in the society because they see themselves as partners in the development drive of the country and their professional works shouldn’t be misinterpreted in anyway.

“We will apologize when we erred. When we have our facts, we will report. We will recommend for dismissal government officials who are not performing in the interest of the Liberian people. We will remain open and we hope you remain on the right track because if you go wrong, we will report on it,” Toweh said.

Toweh also reminded Minister Fahngon who has been residing in the United States of America prior to his appointment as Deputy Information Minister for Public Affairs that Liberia is a different terrain and as such, he should know how to handle issues.

“Liberia is a different terrain, so you should laisse with the Liberian people to get along with you,” he added.

It can be recalled that on March 28, Fahngon initiated a tour of media entities in the country. According to Minister Fahngon, the tour is an initiative of the Department of Public Affairs of the Ministry of Information.

, Fahngon held series of acquaintance meetings with media executives in a bid to foster collaboration, mutual respect and understanding between the media and his office.

Minister Fahngon has reaffirmed his commitment and support to working collaboratively with the media and urged them to call upon him at all times.

“My office is open to you at all times. You can have a spare key if you so desire,” he noted.