Monrovia, Liberia – The Reporters Association of Liberia (RAL) and the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) are demanding the immediate dismissal of Eugene Fahngon as Director General of the Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS). The two media organizations have accused Fahngon of fostering a hostile working environment, violating labor laws, and failing to adhere to the principles of transparency and accountability. Both groups have called on President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to intervene in what they describe as a rapidly deteriorating situation at the state-owned broadcaster.
In a press release on Friday, January 24, 2025, the RAL, through its Acting Secretary-General Bobby M. Tingban and President Willie N. Tokpah, expressed alarm over what they called the “untenable” leadership of Fahngon. The RAL highlighted the arbitrary dismissal of LBS Workers Union President Joseph Sayon as a blatant violation of Liberia’s labor laws, which protect workers’ rights to organize and advocate through unions. The association also emphasized that Fahngon’s leadership undermines the Freedom of Information Act, which mandates transparency in public institutions.
According to the RAL, Fahngon’s actions have created a toxic environment at LBS, leading to mounting tensions among staff and threatening the station’s ability to function effectively. The association warned that further delays in addressing the crisis could result in widespread unrest and disrupt the station’s operations. As part of their demands, the RAL calls for the reinstatement of Sayon and for establishing an acting leadership team to stabilize the organization and prioritize workers’ rights.
In its own statement signed by President Julius Kanubah, the PUL echoed the concerns raised by the RAL and called for urgent presidential action. Following a weeklong investigation into the situation at LBS, the PUL concluded that Fahngon’s leadership has been marked by “gross administrative ineptitude.” The organization accused Fahngon of disregarding basic principles of inclusive and accountable management, making unilateral decisions without consulting his senior management team or engaging the workers’ union.
One of the central points of contention is Fahngon’s dismissal of Sayon, who had advocated for restoring workers’ benefits and challenging what the union described as “managerial authoritarianism.” The PUL condemned the dismissal as unconstitutional and violating labor laws, calling it a targeted repressive action to silence dissent. The PUL has demanded Sayon’s immediate reinstatement and urged Fahngon to adopt a more collaborative approach to leadership.
In addition to addressing the dismissal of Sayon, the PUL criticized Fahngon’s reliance on Military Decree #20 of the People’s Redemption Council to justify his decisions. The decree dates back to Liberia’s military regime and grants sweeping powers to the Director General of LBS but is considered outdated and inconsistent with the country’s democratic framework. Fahngon’s use of this decree, the PUL argued, undermines Liberia’s progress in transitioning to democratic governance.
The PUL also expressed concern over Fahngon’s exclusion of three of the six deputies appointed by President Boakai, further highlighting the lack of inclusivity in his management style. According to the union, such actions have deepened organizational divisions and eroded trust between management and staff. The PUL called for a comprehensive review of the leadership structure at LBS to ensure accountability and transparency moving forward.
The RAL and PUL emphasized transforming LBS into a genuine public service broadcaster. They argued that the management team should be independently vetted through a merit-based system that promotes independence, impartiality, and the public interest. Such reforms, they said, are essential to restoring the integrity of LBS and ensuring its long-term sustainability.
The situation at LBS has generated widespread concern, with many viewing it as a test of the Boakai administration’s commitment to upholding workers’ rights and press freedom. Media professionals have called on President Boakai to take decisive action to resolve the crisis and prevent further disruptions at the state-owned broadcaster.
The RAL and PUL have warned that failure to address the issues at LBS could have far-reaching consequences for the country’s media landscape. They urged the President to act swiftly to restore order at LBS and set a precedent for how labor rights and press freedom will be respected under his leadership.
