Monrovia-November 10, 2011 I am deeply saddened over the barrage of condemnations against the Government of Liberia over the closure of three media institutions during the Monrovia fracas on Monday, November 7, 2011.

I am of the conviction that those condemnations are generally unfair, ill-advised and ill-timed, further being convinced that those wholesale condemnations are coming against the backdrop of emotional sentimentalism.

While I remain a strong opponent of arbitrariness, especially those actions that will impede and inhabit the performance of journalists and media institutions, I do not consider the action against the three media entities in that direction. The action by the government, in my view was necessitated by the volatile security situation obtaining at the time, and was therefore expedient to contain the prevailing situation of insecurity. 

That this Government is media friendly cannot be disputed or challenged, as manifested by its enviable and excellent record in the promotion and protected of fundamental and human rights. Indeed the Government has demonstrated friendliness towards the media through its tolerance and the creation of a veritable space within which journalists exercise their inalienable rights without threat or hindrance.

It is therefore very unfortunate that a government that has worked so hard, and achieved such high mark in protecting and promoting fundamental rights would come under strong condemnation for taking a timely remedial action to contain clear threat to national security, peace and stability.

I urge the Press Union of Liberia, which is in the vanguard of the condemnation chorus, and all those individuals and institutions issuing condemnation statements against the Government to soberly reflect on the objective the action was aimed at achieving instead of hastily and emotionally attacking the integrity of the Government which has the propensity to bring to national and international disrepute.

In the spirit of reconciliation and national healing, I appeal to her Excellency, Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and the Government to forgive the transgressions committed by these institutions and allow them to carry on their reportorial duties.

NOTE: Mr Lormia is a journalist and a member of the Press Union of Liberia since 1987. he has served as feature/Sports Editor, Editor-In-Chief, Managing Editor, CEO/Publisher of several leading newspapers in the country.