But Manager AB Wheon Expresses Apology
PHOTO: (L-R) NSA Deputy Director, Sam Siryon, owner of Freedom FM and Manager Abraham Wheon
By Our Staff Writer
Freedom FM 87.9 has over the years not hidden its policy to openly support President George Manneh Weah and his CDC government, but in it seems to have crossed the redline in its loyalty to the current regime by stepping on the toes of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) high command.
This station, which is owned by the Deputy Director of the National Security Agency (NSA), Sam Siryon, this week claimed that there is political division within the AFL in the wake of the October 10, 2023 presidential and legislative elections.
Major Gen. Prince C. Johnson, III/AFL Chief of Staff
Such claim made recently by the station’s Manager and host of the evening talk show, sent shockwaves and raised doubts in the minds of many Liberians about its veracity, since the new AFL command has over the years repeatedly said the army remained apolitical. At Liberia Media-Security Forum: AFL Chief Of Staff Vows To Only “Obey Legal Orders” – News Public Trust
The Freedom FM claims including the one that 20 commissioned officers within the AFL are allegedly being decommissioned and dismissed from the force outside the established standards were later rubbished by the Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Defense and National Security, incumbent Lofa County Senator Steve Zargo.
The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) has joined the fray in questioning the claims of Mr. Wheon and his Freedom FM, with the issuance of the following press release at the weekend:
“According to Freedom FM, (20) commissioned officers within the AFL are allegedly being decommissioned and dismissed from the force outside the established standards. During an evening talk show, a host and manager at Freedom FM, Abraham Wheon claimed that Major Gen. Prince C. Johnson, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia, is allegedly administering the AFL in a politically biased manner in favor opposition Leader Joseph Boakai. Wheon, urged active-duty soldiers of the AFL who did not support President Weah in the initial round of voting to switch their allegiance due to perceived inadequate leadership within the Liberian Military.
The American Government maintains a Defense Attaché in Monrovia to work with the Armed Forces of Liberia on its professionalism. The AFL was restructured after the Civil Wars and has built itself ever since as a force for good in the eye of the Liberian public.
The Press Union of Liberia finds these allegations deeply troubling and potentially damaging to the reputation and integrity of the Armed Forces of Liberia. As an organization committed to upholding the principles of responsible journalism and promoting ethical standards within the media industry, the PUL stresses the importance of accurate, fair, and unbiased reporting throughout the election process. Unsubstantiated claims and divisive narratives can undermine the cohesion and morale of our armed forces, an institution vital to our nation’s security and stability.
The Press Union of Liberia calls upon all media outlets, including Freedom FM, to exercise caution and responsibility in their reporting, especially when dealing with sensitive matters involving national security and the integrity of our military forces. The PUL encourages a respectful and constructive dialogue that fosters understanding and unity among all sectors of our society,” said the PUL press release.
Freedom FM apologizes
Meanwhile, Freedom FM’s station manager Wheon has retracted his statement and apologized to the AFL Chief of Staff, Major Gen. Prince C. Johnson, III.
At the same time, following a visit to the AFL high command by the Freedom FM owner and deputy NSA chief Sam Siryon who was reportedly accompanied by Liberia’s Justice Minister, Cllr. Frank Musa Dean earlier this week, the pro-government station announced that it was suspending the airing of Wheon’s talk show and other related programs.
