Judul : Counter to Defamatory Radio Broadcast by Prime Morning Drive (105.5 FM)
link : Counter to Defamatory Radio Broadcast by Prime Morning Drive (105.5 FM)
Counter to Defamatory Radio Broadcast by Prime Morning Drive (105.5 FM)
1. Background
On Thursday, October 16, 2025, during a live broadcast on Prime Morning Drive (Radio 105.5 FM), journalist Danesius Marteh presented an inaccurate and harmful claim about my role in government.
He stated that on 3 November 2010, former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf addressed corruption involving members of her Cabinet, reportedly including the late Mr. Richard Tolbert and myself, Olubanke King-Akerele, who was then the Minister of Foreign Affairs. He also claimed that the President, unable to remove these individuals directly, replaced the entire Cabinet, and that my resignation was connected to these alleged measures.
Although I have stepped down, the accusation mentioned earlier is entirely false and has severely harmed my reputation, character, and official record.
2. Immediate Response
On hearing the broadcast, I promptly reached out to the station to convey my strong anger and disapproval. I insisted on a public apology and correction, and asked Prime FM to conduct a fact-check to confirm the truth of the statements.
I also mentioned my plan to seek clarification from former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf regarding the events of November 2010.
3. Prime FM's Incorrect "Explanation"
On Monday, October 20, Prime FM issued a follow-up message and discussed it on air, aiming to "clarify" its stance. The station mentioned that:
- On November 3, 2010, President Sirleaf put her Cabinet Ministers on administrative leave (excluding the late Dr. Edward McClain);
- I stepped down from my position as Foreign Minister after that decision;
- I felt distressed during the Cabinet meeting; and
- All ministers were reappointed except Cllr. Tiawan Gongloe, the late Dr. Richard Tolbert, and me.
Although the tone of their message was courteous, parts of its content were still incorrect, off-topic, and inappropriate. The claim that my resignation was related to corruption or wrongdoing is untrue, harmful, and malicious.
4. Statement from Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
During a live interview on Prime FM on Thursday, 23 October, former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf clearly clarified the facts. Her statements, featured in Women's Voices Newspaper on 27 and 29 October, are part of the public record:
Minister Olubanke King-Akerele stepped down, possibly due to her firm resolve. She was among our top achievers, admired for her honesty, perseverance, and dedication to the nation's growth. She has consistently been a genuine patriot.
Anyone claiming the opposite is entirely incorrect. Individuals should be cautious about making claims about others without verifying the details.
When questioned about the timing of her resignation, President Sirleaf remarked:
It doesn't matter if it happened before or after the announcement was made public. What is important is that she stepped down based on her beliefs and values, and I respected her for that decision. She carried out her responsibilities with outstanding quality and honesty.
Her Highness went on to acknowledge my ongoing commitment to Liberia, emphasizing my history of public service and ethical conduct.
5. My Position
Although there was a public and official explanation provided by the former President of Liberia, Prime FM and its journalist Danesius Marteh have not released a formal apology or correction.
This careless and unsupported remarks represent a violation of my character and professional ethics, a disrespect not only towards me, but also to the values of responsible journalism and public responsibility that all reputable media organizations should maintain.
6. Legal Action
Therefore, I officially notify the public, Prime FM, and its reporter that I will be initiating legal action against the station for slander and false representation.
This approach of careless reporting, which spreads gossip and assumptions to harm individuals, is not acceptable and needs to end. Moreover, it should not be permitted to shape Liberia's media environment. A free press comes with the serious responsibility to be honest, accountable, and just.
7. Final Word
I express my gratitude to former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for her honest explanation and for confirming the accuracy of my history.
To the people of Liberia, I once again emphasize my steadfast dedication to the values of integrity, openness, and public service that have shaped my professional journey, spanning my time in government and more than 25 years of global work with the United Nations, where I served as a representative of the UN Secretary-General across various African nations.
The case is now settled. The facts remain intact.
What is left is for responsibility and fairness to take effect
Signed,
Hon. Olubanke King-Akerele
Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Liberia
Previous Minister of Commerce and Industry
Former Senior United Nations Official (UNDP, UNIDO, UNIFEM—now UN Women, and UNESCO) who served as a representative of the UN Secretary-General throughout Africa. A 79-year-old Liberian Elder, Nationalist, and Specialist in International Development, as well as a highly productive author.
Date: November 12, 2025
Olubanke King-Akerele Former Minister of Foreign Affairs | Former Minister of Commerce and Industry | Retired Senior United Nations Official
Copyright 2025 Liberian Observer. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (okay1)
Tagged: Liberia, West Africa
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