Written by Julius Kanubah
Source: Star Radio Liberia
Details have emerged over what led to the withdrawal of two key nominees from the Independent National Human Rights Commission.
In a letter, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf said she withdrew the nominations of the INHRC chairperson-designate and another commissioner for two reasons.
According to her, Cllr. Punchu Leonard-Bernard’s nomination was withdrawn because she did not meet the strict requirement to head the Commission.
She said under the INHRC Act, the entity’s Chairperson must be a senior lawyer, something Cllr. Bernard fell short of.
Our reporter covering the Legislature says it was discovered that Madam Bernard was admitted into the bar early this month.
But when asked by Senators during her confirmation to state the actual date of her admittance into the bar, Cllr. Bernard fumbled and said she could not remember.
For Cllr. Dempster Brown, the President said it was brought to her attention that he acted without good judgment during his appearance for confirmation hearing.
According to President Sirleaf , Cllr. Brown disclosed certain information made available to him in confidence.
President Sirleaf feared that if confirmed by the Senate Cllr. Brown would act similarly in confidential matters that may come before the INHRC.
It can be recalled during the hearing Cllr. Brown spoke about a meeting between him and the President after the National Security Agency protested his nomination.
In her letter to the Senate, President Sirleaf meanwhile expressed regret over her action but said there was no other choice under the circumstances.
The Senate has noted the letter by the President.
