Rédaction Africa Links 24 with New Dawn
Published on 2024-03-26 01:50:00
A staff member of the NEW DAWN publication recently received a death threat from Jamoil P. Cummings, a former government official, in response to questions about corruption allegations during his tenure. The incident occurred in Monrovia on March 26, 2024.
Cummings vehemently denied the corruption allegations, specifically refuting claims of withdrawing half a million US dollars from the Bureau of State Enterprises account. He dismissed the accusations as baseless fabrications, asserting that such a large sum of money had never been in the Bureau’s account history. When pressed for further clarification, Cummings grew hostile and threatened violence against the reporter, stating that he would “shoot down” anyone who wrote falsely about him.
The threats arose following efforts by the NEW DAWN to verify claims made by Wilton D. Sesay, the Procurement Director at the Bureau of State Enterprises. Sesay accused Cummings and his associates, including Charles R. Kennedy, of engaging in irregularities and corruption. He called for an audit of the Bureau, citing unaccounted funds amounting to $600,000 allegedly remitted from state-owned enterprises.
Sesay also revealed his resignation as Chief of Office Staff to Representative Rugie Barry, clarifying allegations of holding dual positions. He explained that he took on the role with Representative Barry as a precautionary measure amid threats from Cummings regarding his anti-corruption stance at the Bureau. Sesay emphasized that he resigned from the Chief of Office Staff position to maintain transparency and dispel any misconceptions about his dual roles.
The situation escalated as the NEW DAWN publication continued its investigative journalism to uncover the truth behind the corruption allegations. Despite the challenges and threats faced by the staff, the commitment to upholding journalistic integrity and transparency remains unwavering.
In conclusion, the confrontation between the NEW DAWN staff and Jamoil P. Cummings underscores the importance of press freedom and the risks journalists take to uncover corruption and hold public officials accountable. The publication stands firm in its pursuit of truth and justice, despite intimidation and threats to its staff members. The incident serves as a reminder of the crucial role of the media in exposing wrongdoing and fostering transparency in governance.
Read the original article on The Newdawn Liberia
