A commentary by Theo Harris
A few years ago, Liberia’s Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah threatened to weaponize the Liberian media. This was the time the independent media was so critical of Tweah and the George Weah Government for corruption.
With promises of progress and development, Samuel D. Tweah captivated the hearts of the Liberian people. However, little did they know that behind his charismatic facade lay a sinister plot to control and manipulate the very institutions designed to safeguard the truth—the independent media.
Tweah, a cunning and shrewd individual, had always been entangled in allegations of corruption and fraud. Faced with mounting accusations and public scrutiny, he devised a devious plan to silence his critics and protect his ill-gotten gains. Samuel Tweah realized that by co-opting and weaponizing the media, he could control the narrative and shield himself and his allies from the prying eyes of justice.
Under the guise of supporting press freedom and enhancing media professionalism, Samuel Tweah launched a campaign to woo independent media houses in Liberia. With promises of financial incentives and job security, he enticed journalists and media organizations as well as talk show hosts and radio announcers to dance to his tune. Slowly but surely, the once-vocal watchdogs of the government were transformed into loyal stooges, singing the praises of the Tweah and the corrupt CDC government.
Samuel Tweah’s modus operandi involved creating a network of financial dependency. He strategically placed journalists on the government’s payroll, turning them into mere puppets, their strings firmly controlled by his masterful hands.
And those who resisted or dared to speak out against the government’s misdeeds have find themselves marginalized and silenced. The once-vibrant independent media landscape under the Weah Government is now turned into a barren wasteland, devoid of truth and integrity.
As Samuel Tweah tightened his grip on the media, the Liberian people are increasingly growing disillusioned. Whispers of corruption and fraud surrounded the Finance Minister, but the media that once championed transparency and accountability has become complicit in his web of deceit. The Liberian media, once hailed as the defenders of truth, are now branded as the “propaganda arm” of the CDC government.
Even as the elections draws near, the Liberian media has disappointingly turned cheerleaders and agents of lies and propaganda for Tweah and the corrupt Weah Government.
Despite the efforts of Tweah to suppress dissent and control public opinion, a glimmer of hope remained. A small group of courageous journalists, driven by their unwavering commitment to the principles of good journalism, is still kicking and alive. Thanks to social media users who have refused to bow to Samuel Tweah’s manipulation and filled the gap. These brave individuals are risking their livelihoods and personal safety to shed light on the government’s malfeasance, exposing the true nature of Tweah’s machinations.
Their investigative reports, published through underground platforms and shared clandestinely, is becoming a beacon of truth in the dark abyss of media manipulation. Slowly but surely, the people of Liberia are beginning to awaken from their slumber, realizing the extent of the corruption that had plagued their nation.
Tweah has purchased four wheel jeeps for the surrogate media who are leading the Weah second term campaign trails in the hinterland and are disappointingly spewing out lies in favor of Weah and are covering up the boos and agitation against him.
As public outcry grows louder and more widespread, the international community turned its watchful eye towards Liberia. Pressure is mounting on the CDC government to address the allegations of corruption and fraud that had been exposed.
The once-beloved Finance Minister Tweah has finds himself cornered, his carefully constructed empire of deceit is gradually crumbling as opposition political parties are pledging to arrest and prosecute corrupt Weah officials if they wrestle power away from his government.
The power of truth is gradually prevailing, Samuel Tweah’s attempts to control the independent media will ultimately end, as the spirit of good journalism will not be extinguished. The Liberian people, fueled by their thirst for justice, is serious to rally together to demand accountability and transparency.
