The Trivialization And Politicization Of Serious Issues In Liberia: The Case Of The Coronavirus

By Atty Philip N. Wesseh (PNW)

Yesterday my attention was drawn to calls that Dr. Nathaniel Blama, the suspended Executive Director of the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) who has been tested positive for the Coronavirus, has been cleared by the World Health Organization and has accordingly been certificated by the WHO. Upon hearing this, as an emmer of the mainstreams media, I decided to cross-check such information because of our sociology whenever there is a crisis.

Interestingly, as I inquired of the source of such information, I gathered that it was on the SOCIAL MEDIA. Still not convinced, I did follow up with relevant sources and institutions on the authenticity of this, only to gather that it was on the social media. Journalistically, such information is considered as “BIG STORY” because of the element of timeliness, as major component in news gathering. but such must be verified, according to ethics.

Just as I was continuing my verification, I received information that the information was fake and false, as Dr. Blama was never declared free and that the certificate was also not true. Later, Dr. Blama, perhaps upon reading this immediately responded to this faux-pas by saying, “I am very responsive and doing very well; thanks. Information about me being certificated by WHO is a fake news. My next test will be done in seven days.”

Similarly, the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) reacted to this piercing piece of false information, stating, “Our media colleagues here are advice that the certificate of Clarence of COVID-19 that you see on social media is ‘Fake’ and WHO has not certificated EPA suspended Boss of any COVID-19 as contained on that Fake News certificate.”

As I concluded checking these multi source3s, I wondered why an individual or individuals would engage in such falsehood by trivializing such a serious matter that is affecting the world and is causing heavy losses to government, including great nations.

The economies of countries effected by the virus are seriously affected. Businesses, schools, entertainment places and the travelling industries have greatly been affected. In Liberia, schools have been closed, while some measures have been taken, thus affecting some businesses.

Latest report says the Coronavirus cases top 200,000 worldwide, while the U.S. markets nose-dive. The report says the outbreak continues to spread, despite increasingly strict quarantine measures around the world. As the number of cases grow, experts are warning that life worldwide will be severely disrupted for many months.

And so, considering the consequences of this virus, to see people trying to make it appear that it is not that great and serious, as it is being taken, is sad and a complete act of weakness. I recall when the deadly Ebola outbreak during the administration of former President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and there were people who again trivialized it. Some even said at the time that it was created to some people for money-making.

Regrettably, it is this same attitude and behavior some individuals are exhibiting towards this coronavirus that has also caused the deaths of people worldwide. When philosopher Aristotle insists that “man is either a political animal,” among other things he meant that, “man is naturally sociable or that they are naturally drawn to various political associations in order to satisfy their social needs.”

Indeed, as political animal or political being, as we say sometimes, we would associate with different groups. Even those who do not associate with groups, still participate in political activities, more do as it relates to leadership.

While it is true that we have political differences, this does not mean doing this unnecessarily for selfish reasons, especially concerning an issue that is detrimental to man’s survivals, like in the case of the deadly Coronavirus, which is claiming lives daily. This is no joking matter as “European countries struggle with surging cases.”

This virus issue can be likened to what we referred to in Liberia as ”TOWN TRAP,” which may not only affect the thing it intends to catch, but may affect those it was not intended for. This issue concerning the Coronavirus must be treated like we say in the parable that “if you neighbor house is on fire, help to put it off, or else it may spread to yours.”

Noticeably, when this virus started in China which is the epicenter, others did not take it seriously until; it began to spread to other counties. Today, it has unbelievably spread to more than 150 countries, including the USA, Italy, Spain, Brazil, Brussels, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway and the United Kingdom. China is reporting very few new cases, while in Germany, a top health official warned that as many as 10 million people could be infected in coming months.

In Liberia today, we now have only two confirmed cases, but it does not mean that we should be complacent. We should continue with the health measures, as accentuated by President George Weah when he announced the first confirmed case last Monday.

Meanwhile, government has taken immediate actions in response to this threat including strong focus on hygiene from every individual and organizations that everyone should wash their hands often, several times a day, with soap and running water, and use hand sanitizers, wherever available and affordable.

Others are that all offices, businesses, schools, churches, and places of public gatherings should provide hand-washing facilities at their entrances and there should be NO HANDSHAKING whatsoever and use a nod of your head for greeting each other.

Also, because of the seriousness of the virus, President Weah’s pending national county tour has been postponed due to this new development of the coronavirus situation and that all travels to and from all countries with over 200 or more coronavirus cases are banned.

Frankly, we should stop politicizing and trivializing this serious disease. Let us put aside the politics and treat this as ‘one people with one nation’.

Hence, this latest failed attempt by some individuals to trivialize and politicize this deadly virus, should send a message to the mainstream media, especially those who are members of “chartrooms” to be discreet and careful in lifting things from the social media for public consumption. As the conduit or medium through which the people get information, care should be taken to avoid lionizing falsehood.

I Rest My Case.