Source: Star Radio Liberia
A citizens’ group based in Monrovia has issued a statement calling for the prosecution of Maryland Representative Bhofal Chambers.
The Maryland Youth Developemnt Association says it wants Representative Chambers prosecuted for allegedly inciting the local population against SIFCA.
SIFCA is an agro-company that won the bid to operate the former Decoris, Oil Palm plantation in Pleeboo Maryland County.
The statement signed by the group’s Executive Director Theophilus Yancy accused Mr. Chambers of inciting Marylanders to boycott work.
The citizens’ group said it was also worried over reports that lawmaker Chambers’action was leading to the departure of SIFCA at the Decoris plantation .
According to the group, the solution to the economic problem facing the people of Maryland cannot be reached by political incitement.
Also a former student leader of the University of Liberia who hails from Maryland called on President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf to personally intervene in the situation.
Mr. Benedict Williams believes if the company legally won the bid, it should be allowed to operate.
‘Representative Chambers answers his accusers’
Meanwhile, Maryland Representative Bhofal Chambers says those calling for his arrest and prosecution do not understand economic developments in the county.
Representative Chambers said those behind the call are also not thinking of their future.
Representative Chambers told STAR Radio it is his prayer that God will forgive those calling for his arrest and prosecution.
The Pleeblo Sodoken District Representative questioned the legitimacy and credibility of the group calling for government to take action against him.
He repeated that the people of Maryland will not allowed any company with less opportunities to invest in Pleeblo Sodooken district.
Representative Chambers said any company taking over the Decoris oil palm and Cavalla Rubber Plantation must have social benefits for the people.
At the same time, citizens of Pleebo-Sodoken District want government revisit the bidding process which gave SIFCA the right to operate the Decoris Oil Palm Plantation.
The Citizens believe Bakrie Sumatera Plantation has comparatively offered more in term of employment opportunities, social services and rehabilitation than SIFCA.
The citizens said they have no intention to stand in the way of development but would love to see Marylanders benefit from their Natural Resources.
