Monrovia – The new leadership of the Legislative Press Pool (LEGISPOOL) has commenced its term with a resounding appeal from President Gerald C. Koinyeneh to all auxiliaries of the Press Union of Liberia to come together and address the internal challenges facing the union.
During the 54th Legislature’s session on August 25, 2023, LEGISPOOL members, representing professional journalists covering the Liberian Legislature, held their elective congress and unanimously elected a new leadership team to guide the organization for the next two years. The newly elected officers are President Gerald C. Koinyeneh of FrontPage Africa, Vice President Jackson C. Clay, Secretary General Blamo N. Toe, Bana FM/TV and Assistant Secretary General Bill W. Cooper of the Inquirer Newspaper.
Following the full convening of the 55th Legislature, the Inaugural Committee, led by Henscin Dehgar, conducted the inauguration ceremony in the Joint Chamber of the Legislature on Friday, March 8 officially installing the new leadership.
In his inaugural address, President Koinyeneh emphasized the importance of addressing the ongoing leadership crisis within the Press Union of Liberia, the overarching organization for media groups in the country. Koinyeneh urged the heads of various auxiliaries, including the Reporters Association of Liberia (RAL), Female Journalists Association of Liberia (FEJAL), Executive Mansion Press Corps, Association of Judicial Reporters, Sports Writers Association of Liberia (SWAL), and LEGISPOOL, to collaborate and seek a resolution to the crisis.
Highlighting the need for dialogue and reconciliation, Koinyeneh stressed that resolving the internal strife within the Press Union is vital to ensuring the effectiveness and unity of all its auxiliaries.
Additionally, President Koinyeneh reiterated his administration’s commitment to enhancing the journalist-friendly environment at LEGISPOOL’s office in the Capitol Building by providing essential services such as internet connectivity and DSTV, while also fostering reconciliation among members.
During the inauguration ceremony, outgoing President Henry Karmo formally handed over all institutional assets, including a monetary contribution of L$30,000 and US$400, along with financial records from his tenure. Karmo also revealed that he allocated L$50,000 from LEGISPOOL’s funds to support the inauguration.
In his advice to the new leadership, Karmo emphasized the importance of upholding the interests of all members and urged them to seek opportunities both within and outside the Capitol Building.
The event, marked by speeches and contributions, saw the participation of media veterans, auxiliary heads, and Directors of Press Departments from the National Legislature. Mr. Robert Haynes, Director of Press for the House of Representatives, administered the oath of office to the newly elected officials, urging them to combat unprofessionalism and address the presence of non-accredited journalists harassing newsmakers. Mr. Alfred Z. Johnson, Director of Press for the Liberian Senate, pledged full cooperation with LEGISPOOL’s leadership in organizing refresher training for members on legislative reporting.
Willie Tokpah, President of RAL, extended congratulations to the new leadership, expressing RAL’s support. The event also saw the attendance of Christopher Walker, Vice President of SWAL, Yassah Wright, President of the Judicial Reporters Network, and the Chairperson of the Executive Mansion Press Corps, among others.