SLAJ executive meets President Koroma
The Executive of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has discussed vital issues pertinent to the development of the profession and sustenance of its professional Association with President Ernest Bai Koroma. (Photo: Umaru Fofana extends greetings to President Koroma)
The SLAJ leadership was led by Information and Communications Minister Alhaji Ibrahim Ben Kargbo who stressed the need for SLAJ and Government to meet often so as to collaborate effectively in promoting good governance and democracy in the country
President of SLAJ Umaru Fofana thanked President Koroma for his continued interest in the affairs of Journalists and the profession and the appointment of their colleagues into high office.
Mr. Fofanah also commended President Koroma for not penalizing any Journalist since coming to power, the attention given to the Freedom of Information Bill and the bold step taken in establishing the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Cooperation (SLBC) as a way of strengthening democracy.
SLAJ meet with President Koroma
He reminded President Koroma of his commitment to repeal of the Criminal and Seditious Libel Law, allocate land for construction of the SLAJ National Headquarters and continuation of a subvention to ensure sustenance of the Association.
While commending Government for its non-interference in the running of the Independent Media Commission, the SLAJ President took the opportunity to extend an invitation to President Koroma to attend the next SLAJ Biennial conference scheduled to take place on March 25th 2011 in the Eastern regional capital, Kenema City.
President Koroma, in response, called for more frequent meetings with SLAJ, noting that Government has tried to fulfil most of the proposals made by SLAJ at the last meeting, including the establishment of the SLBC, to demonstrate Government’s commitment in promoting the democratic process.
While informing the SLAJ Executive that the FOI Bill is now Parliament for passage into law, President Koroma said the Public Order Act is still being looked into and that SLAJ will soon be engaged on it, as it is a delicate issue.
President Koroma invited SLAJ to submit an application for land for necessary action and assured the issue of an annual subvention will be addressed appropriately.
He cautioned journalists to avoid malice and in-fight and collaborate with each other and the Government, noting that criticism should be constructive, objective and geared towards nation building.
President Koroma noted that there has been some journalistic improvement but that journalist to journalist relationship must be improved on and called on Journalists to compliment Government’s efforts in national development.
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