Sam Metzger – Book of condolence ceremony
Statement and Tribute by the Chairman of the Independent Media Commission, Mr. Rod Mac-Johnson at the Opening of the Book of Condolence Ceremony – Wednesday 26th October 2011. (Photo: the late Mr Sam Metzger)
The death of Sam Metzger is a sad moment for all journalists and thousands of others in Sierra Leone and beyond.
Mezo as he was fondly called by friends and foes alike gave journalism a respected phase during his time. He worked without fear or favour, gave resolute support to the down-trodden and the oppressed and even those who felt they have been disadvantaged by the system.
Mezo would listen to the pleas and cries for endless hours and in his accompanying pieces will expose the wrong doers and urge the authorities to take action.
He won popular acclaim through these selfless acts.
During his life time he was a strong campaigner for justice and fair play and worked persistently for a less corrupt society, one of the reflections we are now seeing.
A chain smoker which apparently boosted his courage to criticized friends and foes alike, he would be remembered for treading along routes which many others were hesitant to walk on.
He would also be remembered for his flowery description of events, catching headlines which made the various newspapers he edited very lively to read.
Headlines such as ‘Commotion at Barracks’, ‘Dog Abuse” ‘Ghost comes to collect debt,’ and so on.
As a one time Commissioner of the Independent Media Commission, 2001 to 2007, to be exact, years that were regarded as formative period for the IMC, Mezo brought his wealth of experience to make the institution what it has achieved today. This is why the IMC is fittingly honouring him with the opening of a Condolence Book to mark his death.
The IMC sees the death of Sam Metzger as a vacuum which will be hard to fill. We can only take heart that what he stood for would not be lost but would stand as an edifice for journalists to build on.
To the surviving relatives, we join you in this moment of grief and pray that the Good Lord will comfort you.
Rod Mac-Johnson, Chairman, IMC
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