“Government Attack Dogs” Must Shun Insults and Confrontation-PUL Roars

Bushrod Island, July 9, 2026 – The President of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), Julius Kanubah, has called on government officials and institutions to refrain from confrontational rhetoric and avoid the use of insults when communicating with the public

Mr. Kanubah made the remarks on July 8, 2026, at the launch of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority of Liberia’s (NaFAA) Open Media House initiative, held on Bushrod Island. He spoke on the theme: “Government Attack-Dogs Must Shun Politics of Confrontation and Insults in Public Information Dissemination.”

His comments come amid public debate surrounding President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s earlier “barking dogs” metaphor, reportedly made during the dedication of the new Ministry of Local Government building in Monrovia on April 20, 2026. At the time, President Boakai addressed criticism from some quarters, including Liberians abroad, urging his government to remain focused on its agenda.

Supporters of the President argued that he was using a common proverb to encourage officials not to be distracted by every criticism, explaining that the reference to “dogs” was about distractions rather than citizens or critics.

However, critics interpreted the statement differently, arguing that it appeared to portray those questioning government actions as “barking dogs.” Some opposition figures and civil society actors called for clarification, saying such language was inappropriate for a head of state.

Speaking at the NaFAA event, Kanubah said that while President Boakai has emphasized the need not to be distracted by “barking dogs,” government officials and institutions should not turn themselves into “attack dogs” in defending the administration.

“As the media is the watchdog of society, we would like to encourage all journalists and media institutions to continue to hold to account actors and institutions exercising public authority, that is, public power. This includes the very NaFAA,” Kanubah said.

He described NaFAA’s Open Media House initiative as an important step toward improving public information dissemination, ensuring that citizens are better informed while promoting transparency in fisheries and aquaculture governance.

According to Kanubah, improving access to information is a commendable effort that contributes to strengthening public trust in governance.

He said the initiative demonstrates that rather than acting as an “attack dog,” NaFAA, like other responsible government institutions, is taking a proactive approach by providing information about its work, achievements, and challenges.

“Beyond today’s event, we look forward to seeing the production of quality and increased factual content on the fisheries and aquaculture sector by the media,” he added.

Kanubah urged journalists reporting on the sector to ensure that their reports and analyses are guided by the principles of fairness, accuracy, impartiality, and responsibility, describing them as the core values of professional journalism.