Monrovia – The youth wing of the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change says the government could be linked to the alleged theft of Roots FM Transmitter, referencing comments on social media that accusing fingers are being pointed at the regime.
Report by Willie N.Tokpah , [email protected]
On February 11, unknown armed men stormed the station, owned by popular vocal political commentator Henry Costa, and made way its transmitters.
Costa has been a thorn in the side of the George Weah-led government with his uncompromising stance on corruption and revelation of damaging documents on a number of shady contracts.
Most recently, the talk show host published and discussed leaked Articles of Incorporation showing that the government had given the ground handling operations of the new terminal at the Roberts International Airport to Jordanians and granted Bulgarians contract for the port of Buchanan.
On Thursday, February 14, Emmanuel T. Swen, Vice Chairman for Political Affairs of the CDC Youth League, called on the Liberia National Police to investigate the “alleged theft and bring to book those involved in accordance with the rule of law.”
Swen said the investigation is important because the alleged act “could have been orchestrated by Mr. Costa to tint the administration of President Weah negatively”.
Addressing reporters at CDC Headquarters in Congo Town, he asserted that the George Weah administration is committed to upholding press freedom and all other fundamental freedoms; as such, investigating bringing apprehending the perpetrator would put the matter to bed.
Some critics of the government have accused it of covertly muzzling the press. But others say an investigation into the matter will further clear doubts surrounding the alleged burglary.
Since its inception, the CDC-led government has faced a barrage of criticisms for incidents involving the media, including an allegation by BBC Reporter Jonathan Payeleleh.
But the party Youth league chair argues that the governmnet progress in decriminalizing speech remains a manifestation of the Weah’s administration stance in upholding press freedom.
Swen furthered that hate messages against the Weah administration are increasing on a daily basis but the alleged theft of Roots FM Transmitters could be used by the opposition to gain political score.
“We also want to warn against any orchestration on the part of Roots FM Family as a means of presenting a bad image of this government. We are aware of the growing hate being shown by the ‘Hatepositions’ calling themselves oppositions and want to believe that this is another attempt to spread their hate messages against this president and the government,” Swen alleged.
At the same time, the CDC youth leader wants the Police extends its investigation to the premises of Lonestar Cell MTN office on Ashman Street, which was said to be hosting the receivers and other equipment of the station.
Swen expressed fear over what he calls ‘threats against the presidency’ and wants the US Government to intervene, by investigating those associated with the said act. Meanwhile, the CDC Youth Wing is also calling on investigators to issue final report on the alleged brutality that took place in Montserrado County District Number 13, during the electoral process associated with its by-elections in 2018.