Monrovia – Liberian journalist Stephen Binda who is now resident in the United States has expressed fear for the safety of his family in Liberia.
His concerns emanate from what he called ‘secret visitations of plain-clothes security agents visiting his home and former working places in search of him.
This, according to him, started since a telephone recording between radio talk show host Henry Costa and an unidentified individual regarding the death of the Mr. Harry Greaves, in which he was mentioned as having some insider’s information on what led to the death of Mr. Greaves.
Binda alleges: “Ladies and gentlemen of the press, it would interest you to note, that since the released of said tape about a month ago, my family continues to come under serious security intimidation from state security actors believed to be employees of Special Investigation Unit of the Liberian National Police (SIU-LNP).
These moments have been characterized by secret visitations to offices of my previous employers specifically the New Democrat Newspaper and Daily Observer Corporation; where I worked as senior Political/Legislative Correspondent for years.”
According to him, on November 22, 2017 the Management of the New Democrat through its Senior Editor Festue Poquie reported the presence of secret security agents on its properties at about 9pm-2pm.
Subsequently, on Monday, November 27, 2017, the management of the Daily Observer Corporation informed him that their offices were visited by secret agents who then inquired about my whereabouts.
Binda disclosed in he was he was informed by The Observer Corporation that the agent who identified herself only as agent Cooper, informed management that she was acting on the orders of her boss, agent Raphael Wilson, Special Investigation Unit. (0770800423).
“Unfortunately, while these agents failed to provide further details about their mission, they later proceeded to my residence taking pictures of my home.”
“As a Journalist, I take these threatening moments no lightly especially as our country transitioned from an elected government to another.
But most importantly, Liberia modern history is also embodied with secret killings; some of which led to the death of great men, included the later Keith Jubbah, former Public Procurement and Concession boss, Michael Allison – a corruption whistle blower and Harry Greaves, a strong government critic amongst others,” he said.
According to him, in February 2016, similar threats and secret visitation were made on his family and home by unknown men, weeks after the death of the late Harry Greaves, a former strong critic of the regime of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
Binda: “Prior to these threats and secret visitations in 2016, I had received a call on my phone from an anonymous caller claiming to be an employee of the National Security Agency of Liberia (NSA), now headed by the son of President Sirleaf Fombah Sirleaf.
“The caller provided what he described as “intelligence report” regarding the real killers of Mr. Greaves.
He however declined to provide his name and number when requested.
“While I remain unaware of their intend, I am pleased to draw the attention of the international community and Liberia’s international partners to this growing matter, which I consider as grave intimidation and threats on my life and family.
Binda condemned the Government of Liberia for “conducting its activities in secret” and visiting the homes of peaceful citizens at odd hours.
“As an independent journalist, I remain committed to my profession; inclusive of truth telling and exposing societal ills.”
“I trust that the Lord will guide my family during these difficult moments of our country history,” he said.