The Grievance and Disciplinary Committee of the Sports Writers Association of Liberia (SWAL) has released findings from an investigation of complaints filed against three members of the association namely Edwin Battaforyen of the Liberian Influence Blog, Thomas Kojo Raulhac of Freedom FM and Jahiem Tumu of FrontPage Africa newspaper.
According to reports, the Mighty Barrolle Sports Association recently accused Battaforyen of writing and publishing on social media (Facebook) on March 1, 2024, a story that brought the reputation of officials of their club to public disrepute.
According to the club, Battaforyen in his story claimed that “Since the beginning of the 2023/2024 season, players of Mighty Barrolle have not received any portion of their salary from management” something they considered as a serious allegation that has damaged the reputation of officials of the club and a way of inciting their supporters who have been contributing to the club against the administration.
While on the April 25, the Deputy Minister of Sports at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Andy Quamie, complained Tumu and Raulhac of misquoting him at the end of the recent Liberia Football Association Extraordinary Congress that took place on April the 13, 2024 in Swakamore Community.
According to the Deputy Minister, he appealed to the president of the Liberia Football Association, Mustapha Raji, to dialogue, accept critical voices, and interact with those opposing him for better and stronger football development; something he said, Tumu and Roulhac on their separate platforms misquoted him as blasting the LFA president, which was not the case.
The Committee in the findings said the three accused, despite multiple attempts via phone calls and messages, refused to appear for an investigation.
According to the Committee their actions did not only undermine the integrity and credibility of SWAL, but also show disrespect to the institution they claim to be members of.
The SWAL Grievance and Disciplinary Committee after several attempts concluded on a Default Judgment on the three members.
The Committee chaired by Ernest K. McCay however recommended to the leadership that Battaforyen retracts his March 1, 2024 publication against the Mighty Barrolle Sports Association on his Facebook page within five days of notification.
The recommendation further stated that Battaforyen writes an official communication to the Mighty Barrolle Sports Association and apologizes for the embarrassment his publication has caused the team within five days of notification.
Battaforyen, who is a member of SWAL, apologized in the Association Messenger and Whatsapp chatrooms for refusing to submit for the investigation something; the Committee sees as disrespectful to the Association.
For Tumu and Roulhac, the committee recommended that the two separately do an open apology on their various platforms and Facebook pages to retract what was written against the Deputy Minister within a week upon this publication.
Raulhac and Tumu who are members of SWAL apologize in the association Messenger and Whatsapp chat rooms for refusing to submit for investigation something the Committee sees as disrespectful to the Association.
The Committee further recommended immediate indefinite suspension for the trio if they refuse to adhere to the above recommendations.
It further called on the leadership to inform all sporting federations and associations in the country not to grant them access.
The Grievance and Disciplinary Committee in the report reminded all members of the SWAL that respect for truth and the public’s right to information are fundamental principles of Journalism.
“Our members should always commit themselves to honesty, fairness and respect for the rights of others,’ the Committee said.
Meanwhile, the leadership of SWAL has since endorsed the report, calling on Battaforyen, Raulhac and Tumu to act appropriately.
