Mr. Tokpa presented a misleading reportage of the speech made by Dr. J. Mills Jones, political leader of the Movement for Economic Empowerment, at the Induction Program of the Cuttington University Student Union in Suakoko, Bong County, on November 12, 2016.
It is one thing for a journalist to write an opinion on a speech or comment of an individual–which should be clearly labeled as an opinion; quite another to put words into the mouth of an individual and report those words as the sayings of that individual.
The latter is unethical, mischievous and calls into question the journalistic credentials and credibility of those who engage in such acts. It is unfortunate that such reporting which should be confined to tabloids have been associated with one of the nation’s major newspaper.
No journalist has the right to create sensational stories at the expense of the reputation, integrity and or intelligence of any individual or organization.
Dr. Jones’ recent speech at Cuttington University was a major statement on the way forward for Liberia focusing on two themes, namely, leadership and the economy.
He did not go to Cuttington to talk against a third term for the Unity Party, or to suggest that none in the Unity Party could meaningfully contribute to Liberia.
Regarding the economy, Dr. Jones talked, among others, about the importance of agriculture and the conclusion of a study that showed the feasibility of producing rice, the country’s staple food, on a large scale; a plan, based on a completed study, to use forest products to make quality furniture, instead of continuing the old strategy of shipping logs abroad; the development of low-cost and moderate range housing; improving access to finance for Liberian businesses, including those in rural areas doing what he called “their little business”; deepening the financial market, including making it possible for Liberians in the diaspora to save and invest in Liberia; and recapitalizing the Liberia Bank for Development and Investment in order to enhance its capacity to finance investment in the country, including small-scale manufacturing.
As Dr. Jones put it, it is time to put the “development” and “investment” back into the Liberia Bank for Development and Investment, which was the bank’s original mandate.
Dr. Jones also talked about the need for the benefits of economic growth to have a more meaningful impact on the lives of the people; that everything must be done to defeat abject poverty in Liberia.
He also stressed the need for job creation, something which would be helped through increased production in the agricultural sector and other value-added productive activities.
To misquote Dr. Jones is a deliberate and intended to bring our Political Leader to public ridicule.
This is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated in any manner and form. Journalists should be professional in their reportage than to take on the road of tabloid.
Movement for Economic Empowerment – MOVEE