By Hawa Dolley
MONROVIA, May 30 (LINA) – Amidst the proliferation of dissenting political opinions among Liberians, which is being exacerbated through the use of social media, President George Manneh Weah has pleaded for the indulgence of his compatriots to utilize the social space to cultivate civil dialogues.
In recent times, it has been observed that several individuals have taken to social media to unleash rants on the government as well as those whose political opinions seem to differ from ideologies they hold.
Others have also been cautioned for attempting to utilize social media (particularly Facebook) to disseminate messages which have the propensity to cause division among the people of Liberia.
In a nationwide address on Wednesday, President Weah cautioned Liberians to cultivate a national dialogue that is based on truth, facts, and evidence.
While calling for civility to be enshrined in the country’s national discourse, Dr. Weah emphasized: “In this age of social media, let us use this medium as a resource for nation-building and the promotion of peace, rather than a tool of national destruction.”
Since his ascendancy, the Liberian leader has on numerous occasions committed his government to upholding the right to freedom of expression.
This was made practical as the government decriminalized speech offenses through the passage into law of the K. Abdullai Kamara Act of Press Freedom.
But amidst the growing threat relative to the abuse of freedom of expression as well as the misuse of social media, President Weah affirmed that he is proud that today Liberia has a democracy where people who seek to do things lawfully, peacefully, and responsibly are given the opportunity to do so.
He indicated that people can express their opinions without interference whether in the legislature, on school campuses, in teashops or through peaceful demonstration.
LINA HD/WSG/PTK