Concerned members of the Association of Judicial Reporters of Liberia (AJURL) have publicly welcomed and endorsed the findings of an investigative report released by the Independent Panel of Journalists and Media Professionals established by the Press Union of Liberia (PUL).
The report, released on Thursday, highlights longstanding governance challenges within AJURL, including an expired leadership mandate, the absence of a formally adopted constitution, and the urgent need for transparent and credible elections.
In a formal response issued on Thursday, January 29, 2026, the group described the Panel’s work as thorough, fair, and reflective of the realities facing the association.
While noting that the investigation was long overdue, the members expressed appreciation that their concerns had now been formally acknowledged.
Speaking on behalf of the group, G. Watson Richards said the report provides a clear pathway toward restoring legitimacy and unity within AJURL.
“We welcome the findings and recommendations of the Independent Panel, which we believe truly reflect the reality on the ground,” Richards said.
Continuing , he noted: “This report offers AJURL an opportunity to reset, rebuild trust, and establish a leadership that is legitimate, accountable, and democratically elected.”
The concerned members fully endorsed the Panel’s key recommendations, including the immediate initiation of a peaceful, fair, and transparent electoral process; the review and formal adoption of a constitution to guide the association’s governance; and full financial disclosure by the outgoing leadership to ensure accountability.
According to the statement, the group also emphasized the importance of promoting peace, unity, solidarity, and mutual respect among members as essential to strengthening AJURL and advancing its core mission.
Richards reaffirmed the group’s commitment to working collaboratively with the Press Union of Liberia and all AJURL members to implement the recommendations without delay.
“We are committed to cooperating fully with the Press Union of Liberia and all stakeholders to ensure that these recommendations are implemented effectively,” he said.
Additionally, he stated: “Through collective effort, AJURL can emerge stronger, more transparent, and better positioned to support judicial reporting in Liberia.”
The concerned members concluded by thanking the Independent Panel for its diligence and expressed confidence that the report would help resolve the association’s leadership challenges and restore confidence among its membership.
