EDITORIAL: No One Above the Law: Minister Piah’s Assault on Journalist Doloquee Must Be Condemned

IN DEMOCRATIC societies, the role of the press cannot be overstated. Journalists are not extensions of political offices, nor are they instruments to promote government propaganda. They are professionals, entrusted with the sacred duty of informing the public, holding the powerful accountable, and preserving the sanctity of truth.

WHEN A government official crosses the line — whether through coercion, intimidation, or outright censorship — it is not just a threat to one journalist, but a threat to democracy itself.

THIS BRINGS us to the disturbing and regrettable incident that recently unfolded in Nimba County involving Liberia’s Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Jerolinmeh Piah and journalist Franklin Doloquee.

ACCORDING TO reports confirmed by Clarence Jackson of OK FM, Minister Piah on Saturday forcefully took journalist Doloquee’s phone and deleted a video recording. This action, by the minister’s own admission, was not only reckless — it was a clear abuse of power.

LET’S US be clear that  no government official, regardless of their status or affiliation, has the right to forcibly seize a journalist’s equipment or erase their work. If a public official is uncomfortable with being filmed, the professional response is conversation — not coercion.

A SIMPLE REQUEST such as, “I understand you wish to do a video recording — it’s your right, but I kindly ask if we could do audio instead for this interview,” would have sufficed. But instead, power was wielded, not reason.

WHAT MAKES this incident even more troubling is the political spin and misinformation that followed. Rather than issuing a sincere public apology, Minister Piah’s associates reportedly moved to shift blame. On OK FM, another government figure, Minister Rufus Paul, accused journalist Doloquee of insulting the minister and throwing a cellphone at him — an accusation that raises more questions than answers. Is this an attempt to rewrite the facts and discredit a journalist after the fact?

EVEN MORE disturbing were the comments aired on OK FM that questioned Franklin Doloquee’s journalistic worthiness based on his command of English. 

LET IT be made absolutely clear that the Constitution of Liberia does not require journalists to speak “perfect” English to be protected under the law. To marginalize someone on this basis is not only discriminatory — it is shameful and elitist.

WHILE SOME may be tempted to twist this incident into political defense of Minister Piah, the heart of the issue is far more serious. This is about press freedom, the misuse of authority, and the responsibility of public officials to act with integrity.

WHAT MINISTER PIAH did was not just a breach of protocol — it was a threat to every journalist operating under difficult conditions in Liberia. It sends a dangerous message that those in power can operate without accountability. It encourages fear and discourages transparency. And it undermines the very trust citizens have placed in this administration to lead differently.

TO THE Unity Party and the current government, you were not elected to repeat the mistakes of the past. You campaigned on promises of accountability, transparency, and democratic renewal. Six years will come and go — ask the Coalition of Democratic Change (CDC) and former President George Weah, who learned that lesson the hard way. What you do now will determine if the people trust you again.

TO MINISTER PIAH, we hope this incident becomes a point of serious reflection. Liberia does not need strongmen — it needs servant leaders. Taking a journalist’s phone and erasing his recording is not an act of strength; it is a display of insecurity cloaked in authority.

THIS IS not a personal vendetta. This is a public reminder that no one is above the law. The press is not the enemy of the state. It is the eyes, ears, and voice of the people.

LET THOSE in leadership remember be wise, be transparent, be accountable. Liberia needs fewer power plays and more humility. The press does not work for the government. It works for the people.

WE ARE watching. We are recording. And we will continue to report — whether you like it or not.