Monrovia – Jonathan Paye Layleh is now seeking more clarity from President George Manneh Weah after the Liberian leader accused him of using his reportage to undermine efforts to reconcile Liberians and released a statement that further “indicts” him.
Report by Alpha Daffae Senkpeni – [email protected]
On Monday, March 26, the BBC reporter said while he anticipated clarity from the Executive Mansion, a recent press statement further has put him in harm’s way.
“In fact this press statement has validated the fear I have,” said Paylay, when he appeared on Fabric Radio’s morning show.
“Before the statement, some supporters of his were just saying I misconstrue the President, because in Liberia, we can’t draw line between loyalty and sycophancy.”
Paye-Layleh’s calls for clarity from the Liberian leader stems from an open accusation made by the President on Thursday, March 23, during a press stakeout with visiting Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations Ms. Amina J. Mohammed.
President Weah accused journalist Paye-Layleh of being against him (Weah) and his work for human rights in Liberia.
The BBC reporter than alarmed over the President’s allegations, claiming that it puts him in harm’s way and that he needs specific clarity.
But in a statement apparently in response to the BBC reporter’s concern, the President’s office said he (Weah), “Only sought to remind Mr. Paye-Layleh during his response to question asked; that when he was advocating for justice and creating awareness to the gross human rights violations that were being perpetrated against the Liberian people during the fourteen years civil conflict, he (Paye-Layleh) and others were bent on undermining his efforts by depicting a positive image of the carnage.”
The statement added: “However, contrary to Mr. Paye-Layleh’s concerns, President Weah’s response should be seen in the context of his determination to foster peace, reconciliation and forgiveness”.
Appearing on the radio show to continue his call for more clarity, Paye-Layleh said he was baffled and that the statement further terrified him considering President Weah’s huge loyalist based in the country.
“It’s not the matter of being confrontational. It’s about just asking questions – if your name is being called somewhere… It’s just fair enough that the person who is making the allegation to cite some instances,” he said.
“I may not be afraid of President Weah as a person, but President Weah is well listened to by tens of thousand of supporters, most of who are too young to be able to analyze things.”
Paye-Layleh expressed fear that he may be harmed by supporters of the President, who may perceive him as an enemy based on the accusation.
“So what I am earnestly asking the media to do and the entire republic to do is help in seeking clarification – how was I ever against his human rights (efforts) and to say that I depicted positive image of the carnage,” he said.
He further stated the President has “used him as example” on five occasions, making accusations against him including another incident on the December 26, 2017 on the day of the Presidential runoff election. But he often avoids raising contention.
“The only reason why this one is out there is because ELBC was carrying it live, the Vice President of the world was standing there, dignitaries were there and all of them were like shocked to hear this thing being said,” he said.
He added that while the President might consider withdrawing the accusation against him he still remains vulnerable.
“What if I am standing at Popo Beach tomorrow morning and someone guns me down because of what someone said that I was against him.”
Meanwhile, the Press Union of Liberia has also reacted strongly, terming the President’s comments as “one that endangers the life of journalist Paye-Layleh considering Weah’s popularity.
“But, such unprovoked slam on journalist Paye-Layleh caps the recent show of intolerance that has developed in his administration as maturing,” the PUL said in a statement”
“Mr. Paye-Layleh’s security is at stick given that the President’s supporters of mainly young people are passionate about his utterances and almost certainly act on them,” the PUL said in a recent statement, adding that such remarks by the President may force journalist into self-censorship.