MONROVIA – The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) has reaffirmed that the positions of Secretary General and Assistant Secretary General remain vacant, following the refusal of two elected individuals to take the required constitutional oath of office.
In an official statement released Monday, June 2, PUL President Julius Kanubah emphasized that the decision of the former court-sanctioned Interim Committee to declare the positions vacant stands, unless reversed by a decision of the general membership.
The clarification comes in response to a joint social media announcement made by the two individuals on May 31, declaring their intention to assume their respective offices beginning June 2.
The PUL leadership condemned the move as a breach of protocol and a sign of disrespect toward the Union’s leadership and its membership.
“For the record, the PUL leadership is unaware of any formal agreement or authorized process allowing the two individuals to resume leadership responsibilities,” the statement read.
“Their public declaration, without engaging the Union’s leadership, further demonstrates a disregard for established procedures.”
The Union outlined the timeline of events that led to the current standoff, revealing that the individuals in question failed to attend their official induction ceremony scheduled for October 1, 2024.
Despite being offered two additional opportunities, including a final chance on November 28, 2024, both parties declined to participate, reportedly influenced by outside forces.
The PUL also noted that the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court in Bong County was formally notified on October 17, 2024, that new elections would be conducted to fill the vacancies.
Although the two individuals later participated in a re-run election held on September 21, they challenged the process as unconstitutional and pursued legal action against the Union, a case that was dismissed by the Sixth Judicial Circuit, Civil Law Court in Montserrado County on March 5, 2025.
As the Union continues to address major challenges, including nearly US$30,000 in inherited debts and efforts to rebuild public confidence, Kanubah reaffirmed that only those who have fulfilled the constitutional oath and undergone official induction may assume leadership roles.
“No individual who has not been officially sworn in or inaugurated can serve in any leadership capacity within the Union,” Kanubah stated.
“Any such action must be backed by a unanimous or two-thirds vote of both the Executive Committee and the general membership.”
The PUL leadership expressed its willingness to pursue reconciliation but strongly urged members to respect internal procedures rather than resorting to public stunts.
“Service to the Union must be governed by the Constitution, not personal ambition or convenience,” the statement concluded.
The PUL Executive Committee is expected to convene its quarterly meeting in the coming days, followed by a general membership meeting covering the first half of the year.
Several members of the Union have commended President Kanubah for his firm defense of the PUL Constitution, noting that his leadership sends a strong message against future attempts to bypass due process.
