‘The Arrogance of Power’: PUL Acknowledges Receipt of Influential Article
(June 12, 2025): The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) has officially acknowledged the receipt of an open letter from distinguished Liberian lawyer and statesman, Cllr. Tiawan S. Gongloe.
In his correspondence, Cllr. Gongloe has made available a significant and highly regarded article concerning the pervasive issue of power dynamics within the Liberian government.
Titled The Day Monrovia Stood Still, this notable article was penned in May 1979 by Albert Porte, a prominent Liberian political journalist and social critic.
Cllr. Gongloe underscores the critical importance of this work, asserting that “the existence of the arrogance of power is a threat to peace and the maintenance of a stable social order in any nation.”
Reflecting on the actions of contemporary political figures, Cllr. Gongloe laments that “the failure of reason to prevail at crucial moments in Liberia remains persistent,” drawing parallels to the now-infamous protest of April 14, 1979, widely known as the ‘rice riot.’
This protest, organized by the Progressive Alliance of Liberia (PAL) under the leadership of Gabriel Baccus Matthews, tragically resulted in “deaths and destruction,” consequences that Cllr. Gongloe attributes to the government’s refusal to embrace reasoned dialogue.
In response to Cllr. Gongloe’s initiative, PUL President Julius Kanubah commends the lawyer for not only disseminating the article for public consideration but also for encouraging critical reflection on historical injustices to foster a brighter future for Liberia.
The April 1979 protest stemmed from a rise in rice prices and the government’s controversial requirement for permits for peaceful demonstrations, despite the constitutional guarantee of the right to assembly.
To ensure broader accessibility, the PUL has printed and published the complete text of The Day Monrovia Stood Still on its bulletin board, allowing both members and the public to engage with its contents.
As a lifelong advocate for press freedom and free speech, Cllr. Gongloe participated as a panelist during this year’s World Press Freedom Day celebrations, discussing the vital topic of “Sustaining Independent Journalism and Press Freedom in the Digital Age,” an event organized by the Press Union of Liberia (PUL). He highlighted the essential role of journalists in facilitating social transformation by raising awareness of the virtues and vices that shape our society.
The PUL stands in solidarity with Cllr. Gongloe, affirming his position that:
“By informing the public about commendable events, actions, and individuals contributing to a nation’s advancement, there exists a greater likelihood that citizens will be inspired to pursue what is beneficial for society. Conversely, by shedding light on detrimental events and actions that hinder progress, citizens may be prompted to avoid these vices. Ultimately, such sharing of information by journalists serves to foster enduring peace, progress, and prosperity upheld by the rule of law.”
Note: See attached the open letter of Cllr Gongloe to the PUL and the article The Day Monrovia Stood Still.
Signed:
Julius Kanubah
President/PUL
