—DSTV Detest Politicization of Its Business
IPNEWS: The Management team of LIBMAX Consolidated Group/DSTV has strongly detested and described as political, Eugene Fahngon’s demand to uplink the Liberia Broadcasting System on DSTV platform for free.
At a major news conference over the weekend in Monrovia, the General Manager of the entity, Madam Mary Williams, revealed that Mr. Fahngon has been allegedly demanded the institution to offer the state broadcaster such a service free of charge.
According to her, the institution is an Agency of Multichoice and as such, it does not have the authority to make a unilateral decision to grant the wishes of Mr. Fahngon, stressing that the LBS is no exception to the other customers who equally paid for their services.
Madam Williams stressed that the LBS boss has become more political in his posture, especially his repeated threats towards Multichoice operations.
She recounted that on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, the Committee on Post and Telecommunication of the House of Representatives headed by Representative Ivar Jones, invited the management to appear and respond to some inquiries.
But to the dismay of the management, Madam Williams stated that the Committee used the occasion to discuss complaints filed by the LBS boss against the institution.
At the House hearing, Fahngon claimed that LIBMAX Consolidated Group/DSTV has refused to uplink the state broadcaster on its platform without any cost to the LBS Management.
She described the Committee’s actions as unfair and a disservice to the institution and its management team, thus urging the House to reconsider its plan to hold in contempt Simeon Freeman, Chief Executive Officer of DSTV Liberia for “refusing” to appear before the body based on Fahngon’s claims.
On Friday, September 20,2024, House committee on Post and Telecommunication summoned DStv General Manager for contempt, prompting confusing as to the exactitude of Mr. Freeman or Madam Williams who actually is the General Manager of DStv.
The House of Representatives Committee on Post & Telecommunications has summoned the General Manager of DStv, Mr. Siemon Freeman following his repeated failures to appear before the committee.
In a release from the House Press Bureau, despite being cited to appear last Wednesday, Mr. Freeman failed to attend, prompting DStv management to request a rescheduling to Friday, September 20. However, once again, Mr. Freeman did not appear, with staff citing his unavailability due to busy schedule.
The committee has expressed frustration, deeming Mr. Freeman’s absence as contemptuous and an obstruction of its legislative functions. In light of this, the committee has formally summoned Mr. Freeman to appear before them on Wednesday to explain why he should not be held in contempt of the legislature.
According to Article 44 of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia, contempt of the Legislature includes actions that obstruct legislative functions or impede members in the discharge of their duties. Such actions may result in reasonable sanctions imposed by the House after due process.
The committee views Mr. Freeman’s repeated disregard for the legislature as unacceptable and calls for accountability. The committee remains committed to upholding its responsibilities and ensuring compliance from all entities operating within its jurisdiction.
However, IPNEWS verification, established that Mr. Freeman is no looker the General Manager, of Consolidated Group, but rather the Chief Executive Officer.
