IPNEWS: Liberian Broadcasting System (LBS) Director General Eugene Fahngon says he will not be intimidated by members of the Liberian Senate, maintaining that he is exercising his constitutional rights.
Fahngon argued that he has no obligation to appear before the Senate for clarification, adding that he is not compelled to serve in government.
The LBS Director General also declared that he fears no one and is prepared to respond to individuals he believes are making negative statements about the government.
He further announced plans to mobilize directors-general, ministers, and other government officials from various institutions to march to Capitol Hill on Thursday.
According to Fahngon, the planned march is meant to send a clear message that senators are not “gods” over the people who elected them and must respect the constitutional rights of both public officials and ordinary citizens.
Fahngon is known for his fierce, confrontational political rhetoric, Fahngon has repeatedly clashed with legislative powers, establishing a reputation for publicly challenging senators who cross his or the executive’s agenda.
Recently, Fahngon aggressively targeted Bomi County Senator Edwin Snowe. In a high-stakes standoff, Fahngon publicly demanded that Snowe issue an immediate apology to the Liberian people.
He went as far as demanding the Senate recall Snowe from his prestigious role representing Liberia at the ECOWAS Parliament, warning that Snowe’s rhetoric was a threat to national stability.
During his time as Deputy Information Minister, Fahngon unilaterally bypassed established protocols to issue mandatory government-regulated access passes for journalists. The Senate Committee on Information and Broadcasting actively intervened, reversing his order and declaring that he had overstepped and “over-used” his power. Fahngon, however, remained unapologetic throughout the standoff.
During his transitions into key government roles, Fahngon’s legislative confirmation hearings became highly publicized spectacles. He frequently matched the aggressive questioning of senators with defiant answers, challenging lawmakers who accused him of being excessively rude or divisive.
Despite pushing political boundaries, Fahngon has successfully retained institutional leverage. In his current capacity, he has engaged the legislature on more strategic fronts, rather than backing down, Fahngon has turned pressure back onto the legislature by demanding a significant budget increment for LBS.
He publicly stated that the National Legislature must financially back the national broadcaster if they want true transparency and development.
Following a directive by Senate President Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence for lawmakers to wear traditional garments, Fahngon matched the energy by ordering all state television anchors to strictly wear Liberian Country clothes during broadcasts.
