Source: allAfrica.com
Alpha Sesay
_______________________________________________________________________________
Supermodel Naomi Campbell testified today before the Special Court for Sierra Leone judges in The Hague about allegations that she received a gift of blood diamonds from former Liberian President Charles Taylor while they were both present in South Africa in 1997.
Ms. Campbell, who appeared before the court after being subpoenaed by the judges, testified that she was in her room sleeping after attending a star-studded dinner that was hosted by Nelson Mandela when two men knocked on her door and gave her a pouch saying, "a gift for you."
"When I was sleeping, I had a knock on my door, I opened and two men gave me a pouch and said, 'a gift for you'," Ms. Campbell told the court today.
Ms. Campbell said that she did not know the men, they did not introduce themselves to her, and they did not say who they were.
"I was not sure who they were. When they gave me the pouch, I just put it next to my bed, and I went back to bed," Ms. Campbell said.
When asked why she did not ask the men who had sent them to deliver the gift, Ms. Campbell said, "I was sleeping, I had travelled for many hours, and I was exhausted."
"The next morning, I opened the pouch...I saw a few stones in there, and they were very small, dirty-looking stones," she added.
Ms. Campbell said that at breakfast, she explained the incident to her friends, Hollywood actress Mia Farrow and Ms. Campbell's former agent Carole White, both of whom are scheduled to testify about the same incident on Monday. When one of these two persons suggested that the diamonds must have been from Mr. Taylor, Ms. Campbell said she also thought the former Liberian president had sent her the gift.
"The next morning, I told Ms. Farrow and Ms. White, and they said it must be Mr. Taylor, and I said I thought that it was," Ms. Campbell testified.
Ms. Campbell said she cannot remember who between Ms. Farrow and Ms. White told her that the diamonds must have been from Mr. Taylor.
Ms. Campbell said she did not want to keep the diamonds, so she handed them over to her friend, Mr. Jeremy Ratcliffe, the former head of the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund in South Africa. When prosecutors contacted her lawyers last year about the incident that took place in South Africa in 1997, Ms. Campbell contacted Mr. Ratcliffe who informed her that she still has the diamonds in his possession.
Ms. Campbell explained that Mr. Taylor showed up at the dinner that was hosted at Mr. Mandela's house and introduced himself as president of Liberia. That was the first time she met Mr. Taylor and was the first time she heard about the country Liberia, she said.
"I never knew Mr. Taylor before, and I had never heard of Liberia before, never heard the term blood diamonds," she said.
She said she has had no contact with Mr. Taylor since then. While telling the court that she just wants the whole process done with so she can move on with her life, Ms. Campbell added that she has read about Mr. Taylor killing several hundreds of people.
"I didn't want to be here, I was made to be here," she said. "I just want to get done with this and get on with my life."
"This is someone I read on the internet that killed several hundreds of people, supposedly," she added.
Under cross-examination by Mr. Taylor's lead defense counsel, Courtenay Griffiths, Ms. Campbell told the court that Ms. Farrow and Ms. White gave the wrong accounts of the incident in statements they made to prosecutors.
Ms. Campbell said that Ms. White lied when she made a statement that she (White) was present when the men arrived with the diamonds to give to Ms. Campbell. In Ms. White's statement, she said that she was the one who opened the door for the two men and offered them bottles of coke before they offered the diamonds to Ms. Campbell in a piece of paper.
"I didn't see Carole White, I saw the two men, she might have been around the corner but I did not see her," Ms. Campbell said.
"This is a woman that has a powerful motive to lie about you," Mr. Griffiths asked Ms. Campbell.
"I trusted her, but I no longer trust her and no longer work with her," Ms. Campbell responded.
Ms. Campbell admitted that Ms. White has filed a lawsuit against her for breach of contract, a lawsuit that she said she did not want to discuss in this court.
When asked whether Ms. White was present when she handed the diamonds to Mr. Ratcliffe, Ms. Campbell said, "I don't recall that she was but she could have been, that's 13 years ago."
Mr. Griffiths also asked Ms. Campbell whether it was mere speculation that her friends made when they said that the diamonds were from Mr. Taylor.
"I just assumed that they were. I can't speak on behalf of them [Farrow and White] but when it was brought, I just believed that it was," she said.
As lead prosecutor, Ms. Brenda Hollis re-examined Ms. Campbell, the prosecutor referenced the supermodel's appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show in United States where she said that for the safety of her family, she did not wish to be associated with Mr. Taylor's case. In an attempt to impeach the witness, Ms. Hollis pointed out that she was being dishonest with the court because she feared Mr. Taylor.
"Isn't it correct that your account today is not entirely correct because of your fear of Charles Taylor?"
Defense lawyers objected on the basis that the prosecutor was trying to impeach her own witness. The judges upheld the defense objection.
"It is incorrect to impeach your own witness," Presiding Judge Justice Julia Sebutinde told Ms. Hollis.
Naomi Campbell Exonerated on Blood Diamonds
• NEWS — Liberia: Campbell Received 'Dirty Stones', but Knew Nothing About Blood Diamonds
In an exchange that showed a disagreement between the Presiding Judge and Ms. Hollis as to what category of witness Ms. Campbell is, Ms. Hollis told the court, "For all practical purposes, this witness is not a prosecution witness."
Justice Sebutinde responded, "Ms. Campbell is not a court witness, she was subpoenaed by the court on request by prosecution."
Ms. Hollis conceded.
As Ms. Campbell concluded her testimony and walked out of the court, the court took an adjournment. Later, court resumed with the continuation of the evidence of Issa Hassan Sesay, the convicted former interim leader of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) rebel group, which Mr. Taylor is accused of receiving blood diamonds from.
Mr. Sesay's testimony continues on Friday.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Liberia: Prince Johnson Party's Chair Strikes Back
The Analyst Reporter
Source: allAfrica.com
The Chairman of the proposed National Union for Democratic Progress (NUDP), has accused some members of the County's legislative Caucus of receiving US$10,000 each as bribe.
Senator Prince Y. Johnson, barely few days after coming under heavy pressure from some of his kinsmen and the general public for not attending the nation's 163rd Independence Day's Celebration held in Nimba County, the chairman of his proposed party has hit back hard on his fellow lawmakers hailing from Nimba for acts of bribery and neglect of the welfare of their people.
Accuses Lawmakers of Tempering With County Development Fund
The Chairman of the proposed National Union for Democratic Progress (NUDP), Emmanuel Lomax, making the revelation, accused eight members of the County's legislative Caucus for receiving US$10,000 each as bribe from the US$800,000 Social Development Funds allotted by Mittal Steel for the development of the County.
Mr. Emmanuel Lomax defending Senator Prince Johnson absence from the July 26 Independence Celebration held in Nimba County, alleged that the lawmakers received the amount to prevail on their constituencies for the petitioning of president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for the second term running.
Revealing the information to reporters at the party's headquarters in Old Road , Sinkor, Mr. Lomax said the information provided is one of the main reasons for Senator Johnson's absence during the July 26 festivity.
The NUDP's Chairman in his stunning revelation narrated that the purpose of the rotation of the Independence Day's celebration was basically to have government own development programs that would impact the lives of the people, and to clearly identify projects for the country in line with the national budget which was approved by the legislature. But contrary to this, he said it was very strange to hear that a huge portion of the county's Social Development Funds were used as bribes for the Independence Day program.
He added that Senator Johnson vehemently opposed the usage of the social development funds in such a clandestine and cruel manner, and said it was unfair to use the money that were already earmarked for the purpose of executing projects.
He said the funds were not meant to be used for the Independence Day celebration but for Development of the county, and added that the County Development Funds (CDF) should have squarely gone to other programs outside of the Independence Anniversary festival.
"This is why they are parading the country making noise and challenging Senator Johnson bid for the presidency and other issues. What they needed to addressed is what portion of the national cake was set aside for this celebration, nobody wants to address it because of the inducement" he narrated.
Mr. Lomax also vowed to expose the lawmakers whom he said were not in the interest of the people of Nimba, but were bent on parading and spreading lies and all sorts of negative propaganda against the senator.
"We are going to expose them to the people of Nimba County and let the people know that indeed they were not working in the interest, but rather receiving bribes to circumvent what should have been the fair share for the people" he promised.
Asked as to how he thinks the alleged bribe was acquired, Mr. Lomax responded in a rather rhetorical tone and had the following to say " We need to be mindful about writing resolutions and nurturing our fragile democracy because leaders normally have their own way of giving huge sum of moneys for people to write resolutions and this is exactly what transpired in Sanniquellie" the NUDP's Chairman claimed.
When contacted at his Capitol Hill office on the allegation, District #3 Representative Worlen Saywah Dunah, could neither confirm nor deny but had these few remarks to make "I always told those Lawmakers that we should not use the funds without any budgetary allocation because doing so in my view will not do justice to the people" he said.
Rep. Dunah however agreed that some of the money was used for the Independence celebration and the temporary electrification of the County, pointing out that Senator Johnson was not part of the plan to have the funds disbursed for those purposes.
Meanwhile, the District #3 Rep has disassociated himself from the allegation, and called on the county authority to do a complete and comprehensive audit of the county's Social Development Funds (SDF).
Source: allAfrica.com
The Chairman of the proposed National Union for Democratic Progress (NUDP), has accused some members of the County's legislative Caucus of receiving US$10,000 each as bribe.
Senator Prince Y. Johnson, barely few days after coming under heavy pressure from some of his kinsmen and the general public for not attending the nation's 163rd Independence Day's Celebration held in Nimba County, the chairman of his proposed party has hit back hard on his fellow lawmakers hailing from Nimba for acts of bribery and neglect of the welfare of their people.
Accuses Lawmakers of Tempering With County Development Fund
The Chairman of the proposed National Union for Democratic Progress (NUDP), Emmanuel Lomax, making the revelation, accused eight members of the County's legislative Caucus for receiving US$10,000 each as bribe from the US$800,000 Social Development Funds allotted by Mittal Steel for the development of the County.
Mr. Emmanuel Lomax defending Senator Prince Johnson absence from the July 26 Independence Celebration held in Nimba County, alleged that the lawmakers received the amount to prevail on their constituencies for the petitioning of president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for the second term running.
Revealing the information to reporters at the party's headquarters in Old Road , Sinkor, Mr. Lomax said the information provided is one of the main reasons for Senator Johnson's absence during the July 26 festivity.
The NUDP's Chairman in his stunning revelation narrated that the purpose of the rotation of the Independence Day's celebration was basically to have government own development programs that would impact the lives of the people, and to clearly identify projects for the country in line with the national budget which was approved by the legislature. But contrary to this, he said it was very strange to hear that a huge portion of the county's Social Development Funds were used as bribes for the Independence Day program.
He added that Senator Johnson vehemently opposed the usage of the social development funds in such a clandestine and cruel manner, and said it was unfair to use the money that were already earmarked for the purpose of executing projects.
He said the funds were not meant to be used for the Independence Day celebration but for Development of the county, and added that the County Development Funds (CDF) should have squarely gone to other programs outside of the Independence Anniversary festival.
"This is why they are parading the country making noise and challenging Senator Johnson bid for the presidency and other issues. What they needed to addressed is what portion of the national cake was set aside for this celebration, nobody wants to address it because of the inducement" he narrated.
Mr. Lomax also vowed to expose the lawmakers whom he said were not in the interest of the people of Nimba, but were bent on parading and spreading lies and all sorts of negative propaganda against the senator.
"We are going to expose them to the people of Nimba County and let the people know that indeed they were not working in the interest, but rather receiving bribes to circumvent what should have been the fair share for the people" he promised.
Asked as to how he thinks the alleged bribe was acquired, Mr. Lomax responded in a rather rhetorical tone and had the following to say " We need to be mindful about writing resolutions and nurturing our fragile democracy because leaders normally have their own way of giving huge sum of moneys for people to write resolutions and this is exactly what transpired in Sanniquellie" the NUDP's Chairman claimed.
When contacted at his Capitol Hill office on the allegation, District #3 Representative Worlen Saywah Dunah, could neither confirm nor deny but had these few remarks to make "I always told those Lawmakers that we should not use the funds without any budgetary allocation because doing so in my view will not do justice to the people" he said.
Rep. Dunah however agreed that some of the money was used for the Independence celebration and the temporary electrification of the County, pointing out that Senator Johnson was not part of the plan to have the funds disbursed for those purposes.
Meanwhile, the District #3 Rep has disassociated himself from the allegation, and called on the county authority to do a complete and comprehensive audit of the county's Social Development Funds (SDF).
Liberia: Nothing is for Nothing - Influence and China's Rising Quick-Impact Infrastructure
New Democrat (Monrovia)
Source: allAfrica.com
EDITORIAL
China's ambassador here, Zhou Yuxiao, in begging another multi-million dollar project- the construction of the country's Health Ministry--has made it clear that his country has no vested interest in Liberia.
From Cold War perspectives, when China and other powers sought ideological partners across Africa and Asia, that could be true. But his declaration is an understatement. China has embarked upon expanding its influence, cultural and economic, and there is nothing wrong with that on today's global political landscape, indicating that there is nothing for nothing.
China's relations with tiny Liberia have taken some dramatic and fascinating turns. In the 1980s when the military climbed to power, Beijing was sent packing in preference for Taiwan, China's considered colony that has competed with it on the African continent for influence. The sphere of this influence was divided in two parts. One sphere was composed of African leaders who saw cash as the requirement for diplomatic ties. The other side consisted of largely non-corrupt, nationalistic, visionary leaders who saw the global political reality, which is that China is world power, a member of the UN Security Council that cannot be ignored for a bundle of dollars.
President Sirleaf at an event marking investment by Buchanan Renewable.
On the Liberian political stage, the choice was clear as dictated by the outlook and character of its leaders. Both Gen. Samuel K. Doe, and the man who ensured his bloody fall, Mr. Charles Taylor, preferred Taiwan for clear reason--personal cash pumped in their pockets. As the current trial of Mr. Taylor has revealed, the Taiwanese government stuffed in US1m for his electoral bid and much more. Mr. Doe and his entourage received similar personal benefits. There were no doubts as to who was the good guy.
Taiwan's Africa policy, therefore, was tied to bribing corrupt and self-serving African leaders to choose between them and the non-bribing People's Republic of China. For such people, the choice was easy. It was Taiwan, with bribe money.
But Beijing and Africa have come a long way, dating from the traumatic years of liberation struggles when China, the Soviet Union and the west competed for influence and allies. Then, what dictated alliances was adherence to the controlling power's ideology. In Zimbabwe, for example, China was viewed as siding Joshua Nkomo against Robert Mugabe, seeing as a Chinese ally. In Angola, China again was viewed as an ally of the Union for the Total Liberation of Angola, Unita, with the late Dr. Jonas Savimbi, later gunned down, as the head, against the Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), now in power. Mozambique's late charismatic president Samora Machel, shot down in a light aircraft with fingers pointed at Apartheid South Africa, was considered a Maoist, meaning his political agenda and ideas were in tune with China at the time. Zambia's Dr. Kenneth Kaunda was also considered a Maoist, amongst many others.
Here in Liberia, a staunch US ally, any idea of China getting a chance, under a military regime with no clear idea where it stood on anything, was ruled out. Suspected links with China or the Soviet Union received harsh punishment. University students suspected of seeing good in China were arrested and jailed, and any one who questioned the excesses of the regime was condemned as a Communist and severely treated as such jailed if lucky.
Chinese ingenuity has won. Beijing no longer sees compliance with its political system as precondition for relationship and economic assistance. It has, wisely so, adopted non-interference in the affairs of other states as a standing policy in dealing with Africa and other region. This has led to severe criticism of its links with the government of Sudan, condemned for serious human rights violations in Darfur with the indictment of president, Omar Bashir, in The Hague. But China says what happens in Sudan is none of its business.
And here, the landscape has now immensely transformed, one on which China can teach its language at the University of Liberia, beam its radio broadcasts directly here on an FM station, all platforms for selling its culture and influence.
The astounding aspect of the changed relationship without personal cash stacked in pockets of corrupt officials is the mushrooming of infrastructure with Chinese stamp. For years, for example, the Ministry of Health structure the Chinese began stood as a home for squatters, with no one, including the government, attempting to complete it. The Chinese had to return, with US4m to do the job. It would have been inconceivable 10 or 15 years ago to imagine that this country's first modern university campus would be gift a from Communist China, or that strings of other key infrastructural development projects would be Chinese gifts. But if many officials were pooled to select between cash-giving Taiwan and the "mean" People's Republic's non-cash policy, there is no doubt the doors would flung open for Taiwan to re-enter.
Source: allAfrica.com
EDITORIAL
China's ambassador here, Zhou Yuxiao, in begging another multi-million dollar project- the construction of the country's Health Ministry--has made it clear that his country has no vested interest in Liberia.
From Cold War perspectives, when China and other powers sought ideological partners across Africa and Asia, that could be true. But his declaration is an understatement. China has embarked upon expanding its influence, cultural and economic, and there is nothing wrong with that on today's global political landscape, indicating that there is nothing for nothing.
China's relations with tiny Liberia have taken some dramatic and fascinating turns. In the 1980s when the military climbed to power, Beijing was sent packing in preference for Taiwan, China's considered colony that has competed with it on the African continent for influence. The sphere of this influence was divided in two parts. One sphere was composed of African leaders who saw cash as the requirement for diplomatic ties. The other side consisted of largely non-corrupt, nationalistic, visionary leaders who saw the global political reality, which is that China is world power, a member of the UN Security Council that cannot be ignored for a bundle of dollars.
On the Liberian political stage, the choice was clear as dictated by the outlook and character of its leaders. Both Gen. Samuel K. Doe, and the man who ensured his bloody fall, Mr. Charles Taylor, preferred Taiwan for clear reason--personal cash pumped in their pockets. As the current trial of Mr. Taylor has revealed, the Taiwanese government stuffed in US1m for his electoral bid and much more. Mr. Doe and his entourage received similar personal benefits. There were no doubts as to who was the good guy.
Taiwan's Africa policy, therefore, was tied to bribing corrupt and self-serving African leaders to choose between them and the non-bribing People's Republic of China. For such people, the choice was easy. It was Taiwan, with bribe money.
But Beijing and Africa have come a long way, dating from the traumatic years of liberation struggles when China, the Soviet Union and the west competed for influence and allies. Then, what dictated alliances was adherence to the controlling power's ideology. In Zimbabwe, for example, China was viewed as siding Joshua Nkomo against Robert Mugabe, seeing as a Chinese ally. In Angola, China again was viewed as an ally of the Union for the Total Liberation of Angola, Unita, with the late Dr. Jonas Savimbi, later gunned down, as the head, against the Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), now in power. Mozambique's late charismatic president Samora Machel, shot down in a light aircraft with fingers pointed at Apartheid South Africa, was considered a Maoist, meaning his political agenda and ideas were in tune with China at the time. Zambia's Dr. Kenneth Kaunda was also considered a Maoist, amongst many others.
Here in Liberia, a staunch US ally, any idea of China getting a chance, under a military regime with no clear idea where it stood on anything, was ruled out. Suspected links with China or the Soviet Union received harsh punishment. University students suspected of seeing good in China were arrested and jailed, and any one who questioned the excesses of the regime was condemned as a Communist and severely treated as such jailed if lucky.
Chinese ingenuity has won. Beijing no longer sees compliance with its political system as precondition for relationship and economic assistance. It has, wisely so, adopted non-interference in the affairs of other states as a standing policy in dealing with Africa and other region. This has led to severe criticism of its links with the government of Sudan, condemned for serious human rights violations in Darfur with the indictment of president, Omar Bashir, in The Hague. But China says what happens in Sudan is none of its business.
And here, the landscape has now immensely transformed, one on which China can teach its language at the University of Liberia, beam its radio broadcasts directly here on an FM station, all platforms for selling its culture and influence.
The astounding aspect of the changed relationship without personal cash stacked in pockets of corrupt officials is the mushrooming of infrastructure with Chinese stamp. For years, for example, the Ministry of Health structure the Chinese began stood as a home for squatters, with no one, including the government, attempting to complete it. The Chinese had to return, with US4m to do the job. It would have been inconceivable 10 or 15 years ago to imagine that this country's first modern university campus would be gift a from Communist China, or that strings of other key infrastructural development projects would be Chinese gifts. But if many officials were pooled to select between cash-giving Taiwan and the "mean" People's Republic's non-cash policy, there is no doubt the doors would flung open for Taiwan to re-enter.
Liberia: Tipoteh On Ellen's Back
Source: allAfrica.com
When President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf quietly but flashily assessed and dedicated several development projects in Nimba and Bong counties as a lead-up to Sanniquellie 2010, few raised eyebrows; but supporters hailed her as pragmatic and 'having the people at heart'.
Now those who raised eyebrows - one of them being Dr. Togba-Nah Tipoteh - are becoming vocal, warning of possible irregularities in the 2011 polls unless the National Elections Commission (NEC) and the Liberian people stood up against the violation of electoral guidelines and the reemergence of "old bad politics". The Analyst, reports.
Former presidential contender Dr. Togba-Nah Tipoteh has accused President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of campaigning illegally thereby "spoiling" the 163rd Independence Day Celebrations in Sanniquellie, Nimba County, as was the case in many prior instances.
He described the President's action as "the same old bad politics" and called on the Liberian people and NEC to react appropriately to ensure that she does not extend the practice to the 2011 general and presidential elections.
The lifetime chairman of the Movement for Justice in Africa (MOJA), who is also the standard-bearer of the opposition Alliance for Peace and Democracy (APD) and presidential candidate-apparent, made the observations when addressed a press briefing, over the weekend, in the Point 4 Community on Bushrod Island.
He said instead of providing patriotic leadership to motivate the Liberian people and friends of Liberia to appreciate the message of the Independence Day Orator and the projects unveiled, President Sirleaf chose to put her political campaign for a second term, started over a year ago, above national interest.
The veteran political activist claimed that from the intercessory service to the dedicatory services in Nimba County, the President presided over choruses, charting the course for second term through 2011 presidential and General elections.
He did not say exactly how the President conducted the campaign and how it affected the quality and sanctity of the celebrations vis-à-vis arousing the patriotic spirit of the citizenry, but he was adamant that what happened in Sanniquellie was a major challenge to Liberia's new political dispensation.
According to him, President Sirleaf conducted the "illegal political campaign" in the full view of officials of NEC and Liberia's foreign friends, who he said were providing huge sums of money, including the funding of the new NEC Headquarters, to promote free, fair, and democratic elections in 2011.
Taking into consideration what happened in Sanniquellie and what had happened prior to that without NEC's reaction, Dr. Tipoteh said, he doubted that the 2011 elections would be free, fair, transparent, and democratic.
This was mainly because, according to him, the President's illegal activities were being ignored even as she used state funds to perpetrate them at the detriment of the sanctity of Liberia's electoral system.
He did not also say which law - electoral or otherwise - the President violated by declaring her candidacy just like other opposition leaders have already done, but he recalled past occasions during which he claimed she diverted national attention to personal political agendas.
He recalled that the President successfully transformed the Belleh Yallah Road Opening ceremonies into a political campaign with Unity Party partisans in their party T-shirts and lappas lining the route to receive their 'first partisan'.
Besides the Belleh Yallah incident, after which the President received a petition from the citizens of the area to run for second term, she "unconstitutionally and illegally" turned the solemn occasion of the delivery of the 2010 Annual Message to the National Legislature into a political rally when she declared her intention to run for second term, Tipoteh said.
Again during that time, he recalled, UP partisans donning party T-shirts and lappas and waving welcoming posters and portraits of the President, were on hand at the Capitol Building to hail her exploits.
What was surprising, he said, was that the outcry that preceded that political gaffe did not deter the President from consistently turning national occasions into the opportunity to push her second term agenda, neglecting to realize that she was breaching the laws.
The ADP presidential candidate-apparent then regretted that a president of Liberia, who had declared full commitment to enforce the constitution of Liberia and to abandon the all-powerful executive presidency and adopt zero tolerance for corruption, was now brazenly flouting the law without remorse - while using government resources to pursue personal agenda.
The Economics professor told the press that the President's exercises in impunity should remind Liberians of the bad politics of the past, which led Liberia to a civil war described locally and internationally as "senseless".
In the past, according to Dr. Tipoteh whose political opposition spanned the Tubman, Tolbert, Doe, and Taylor administrations, government officials seeking to improve their personal welfare lied to the president, saying that all was well and that another term for the president would make things better.
He lamented that if only the government officials had told the truth, the administrations of the day would have taken appropriate steps to prevent the civil war that followed.
Unfortunately, like before, he said, government officials today were making the same terrible mistakes of the past, telling the President that Liberia would be better off only and only if she sought second term to complete what she has started, as if the President did not base her programs and activities on plans that can be implemented in her absence.
Dr. Tipoteh, who prefers to be dubbed "The Only Man on the Ground" - for not running into exile as other politicians did during the civil war - said he chose to expose the 'ugly deals' of the President because that was the most patriotic thing to do now as the Liberian people look forward to a free, fair, and transparent democratic elections in October 2011.
When President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf quietly but flashily assessed and dedicated several development projects in Nimba and Bong counties as a lead-up to Sanniquellie 2010, few raised eyebrows; but supporters hailed her as pragmatic and 'having the people at heart'.
Now those who raised eyebrows - one of them being Dr. Togba-Nah Tipoteh - are becoming vocal, warning of possible irregularities in the 2011 polls unless the National Elections Commission (NEC) and the Liberian people stood up against the violation of electoral guidelines and the reemergence of "old bad politics". The Analyst, reports.
Former presidential contender Dr. Togba-Nah Tipoteh has accused President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of campaigning illegally thereby "spoiling" the 163rd Independence Day Celebrations in Sanniquellie, Nimba County, as was the case in many prior instances.
He described the President's action as "the same old bad politics" and called on the Liberian people and NEC to react appropriately to ensure that she does not extend the practice to the 2011 general and presidential elections.
The lifetime chairman of the Movement for Justice in Africa (MOJA), who is also the standard-bearer of the opposition Alliance for Peace and Democracy (APD) and presidential candidate-apparent, made the observations when addressed a press briefing, over the weekend, in the Point 4 Community on Bushrod Island.
He said instead of providing patriotic leadership to motivate the Liberian people and friends of Liberia to appreciate the message of the Independence Day Orator and the projects unveiled, President Sirleaf chose to put her political campaign for a second term, started over a year ago, above national interest.
The veteran political activist claimed that from the intercessory service to the dedicatory services in Nimba County, the President presided over choruses, charting the course for second term through 2011 presidential and General elections.
He did not say exactly how the President conducted the campaign and how it affected the quality and sanctity of the celebrations vis-à-vis arousing the patriotic spirit of the citizenry, but he was adamant that what happened in Sanniquellie was a major challenge to Liberia's new political dispensation.
According to him, President Sirleaf conducted the "illegal political campaign" in the full view of officials of NEC and Liberia's foreign friends, who he said were providing huge sums of money, including the funding of the new NEC Headquarters, to promote free, fair, and democratic elections in 2011.
Taking into consideration what happened in Sanniquellie and what had happened prior to that without NEC's reaction, Dr. Tipoteh said, he doubted that the 2011 elections would be free, fair, transparent, and democratic.
This was mainly because, according to him, the President's illegal activities were being ignored even as she used state funds to perpetrate them at the detriment of the sanctity of Liberia's electoral system.
He did not also say which law - electoral or otherwise - the President violated by declaring her candidacy just like other opposition leaders have already done, but he recalled past occasions during which he claimed she diverted national attention to personal political agendas.
He recalled that the President successfully transformed the Belleh Yallah Road Opening ceremonies into a political campaign with Unity Party partisans in their party T-shirts and lappas lining the route to receive their 'first partisan'.
Besides the Belleh Yallah incident, after which the President received a petition from the citizens of the area to run for second term, she "unconstitutionally and illegally" turned the solemn occasion of the delivery of the 2010 Annual Message to the National Legislature into a political rally when she declared her intention to run for second term, Tipoteh said.
Again during that time, he recalled, UP partisans donning party T-shirts and lappas and waving welcoming posters and portraits of the President, were on hand at the Capitol Building to hail her exploits.
What was surprising, he said, was that the outcry that preceded that political gaffe did not deter the President from consistently turning national occasions into the opportunity to push her second term agenda, neglecting to realize that she was breaching the laws.
The ADP presidential candidate-apparent then regretted that a president of Liberia, who had declared full commitment to enforce the constitution of Liberia and to abandon the all-powerful executive presidency and adopt zero tolerance for corruption, was now brazenly flouting the law without remorse - while using government resources to pursue personal agenda.
The Economics professor told the press that the President's exercises in impunity should remind Liberians of the bad politics of the past, which led Liberia to a civil war described locally and internationally as "senseless".
In the past, according to Dr. Tipoteh whose political opposition spanned the Tubman, Tolbert, Doe, and Taylor administrations, government officials seeking to improve their personal welfare lied to the president, saying that all was well and that another term for the president would make things better.
He lamented that if only the government officials had told the truth, the administrations of the day would have taken appropriate steps to prevent the civil war that followed.
Unfortunately, like before, he said, government officials today were making the same terrible mistakes of the past, telling the President that Liberia would be better off only and only if she sought second term to complete what she has started, as if the President did not base her programs and activities on plans that can be implemented in her absence.
Dr. Tipoteh, who prefers to be dubbed "The Only Man on the Ground" - for not running into exile as other politicians did during the civil war - said he chose to expose the 'ugly deals' of the President because that was the most patriotic thing to do now as the Liberian people look forward to a free, fair, and transparent democratic elections in October 2011.
Supermodel Naomi Campbell to testify at war crimes trial
Source: Yahoo News
Taylor's defense team is seeking to delay Campbell's testimony, The Telegraph reported, arguing that it has not been given a summary of her evidence and thus cannot prepare a proper response. Farrow and Campbell's former agent Carole White are expected to testify about the diamond gift next week.
Taylor has been on trial at The Hague since 2008. He has pleaded not guilty to all 11 charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
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| Naomi Campbell |
Supermodel Naomi Campbell is expected to testify on Aug. 5 at Charles Taylor's war crimes trial in The Hague, The Associated Press reported.
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| Charles Taylor |
Campbell allegedly received a diamond from the former Liberian leader after a reception hosted by Nelson Mandela in South Africa in 1997. In a written statement to the court, actress Mia Farrow claimed Campbell told her an "unforgettable story" about being awoken during the night by "two or three men" who presented her with the large, uncut stone and said it was from Taylor.
Taylor is the first former African head of state to face an international war crimes trial. He is accused of instigating murder, rape, mutilation, sexual slavery, conscription of child soldiers and trading in "blood diamonds" during the 10-year civil war in Sierra Leone, which killed over 250,000 people. Blood diamonds, or conflict diamonds, are gems mined in a war zone and used to finance an insurgency. During his testimony, Taylor claimed that he never possessed such stones.
Special security measures have been ordered for Campbell's court appearance, AFP reported. The press is is barred from shooting pictures of her entering or leaving the courtroom, and videotaping or sketching her in or around the courtroom. While media outlets will have access to her testimony, which will be aired on a live feed, the Special Court for Sierra Leone refused to grant a gag order that was requested by Campbell's attorney. The court also ruled that Campbell's lawyer may have a limited right to intervene on whether to allow questions that could incriminate her, Reuters reported.
"Naomi has not done anything wrong. She is a witness and not on trial herself. Whilst she would rather not be involved in this case at all, she will nevertheless attend to assist the court as requested," Gideon Benaim, Campbell's lawyer, said.
Taylor's defense team is seeking to delay Campbell's testimony, The Telegraph reported, arguing that it has not been given a summary of her evidence and thus cannot prepare a proper response. Farrow and Campbell's former agent Carole White are expected to testify about the diamond gift next week.Taylor has been on trial at The Hague since 2008. He has pleaded not guilty to all 11 charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Ellen's UP Snatches River Gee By-Elections Representative Seat from Weah's CDC
By Precious Seeboe
Source: FrontPage Africa
Monrovia - Christian Snorteh Chea of the ruling Unity Party has emerged victorious in the River Gee County district # 3 by-election run-off thereby becoming the one to replace Albert Toe whose death created a vacancy in the House of Representative.
In the Run-off election which was held on August 3, 2010, between the Unity Party candidate Snoeteh Chea and Philbert Toe of the Congress for Democratic Change, UP Chea acquired1,731 while his opponent obtained 974 of the total votes cast.
Speaking at a news conference Wednesday, National Elections Commission Chairman, James M. Fromayan, said of the total votes of 2,761, 0.8% or 56 were invalid. CDC Philbert Toe got 36.0% of the votes.
Announcing the winner of the Run-off, the NEC Chairman said: “Mr. Christian Snorteh Chea having obtained 1,731 votes which translates to 64.0%, is therefore declared the winner of the River Gee County District#3 Representative By-election”
Chea and Toe received higher votes of the four contestants during the first round of elections which was held July 20, 2010, but fell short of the mark needed to be declared as winner.
Candidates qualified to contest the by-election were: Christian Snorteh Chea of the ruling Unity Party (UP), Philbert G. Toe of the opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), Francis Saywon an Independent candidate, and Marcus Sayle Quenneh also an Independent candidate.
Meanwhile the UP Representative is expected to be certificated this Saturday at the NEC Headquarters.
Source: FrontPage Africa
Monrovia - Christian Snorteh Chea of the ruling Unity Party has emerged victorious in the River Gee County district # 3 by-election run-off thereby becoming the one to replace Albert Toe whose death created a vacancy in the House of Representative.
In the Run-off election which was held on August 3, 2010, between the Unity Party candidate Snoeteh Chea and Philbert Toe of the Congress for Democratic Change, UP Chea acquired1,731 while his opponent obtained 974 of the total votes cast.
Speaking at a news conference Wednesday, National Elections Commission Chairman, James M. Fromayan, said of the total votes of 2,761, 0.8% or 56 were invalid. CDC Philbert Toe got 36.0% of the votes.
Announcing the winner of the Run-off, the NEC Chairman said: “Mr. Christian Snorteh Chea having obtained 1,731 votes which translates to 64.0%, is therefore declared the winner of the River Gee County District#3 Representative By-election”
Chea and Toe received higher votes of the four contestants during the first round of elections which was held July 20, 2010, but fell short of the mark needed to be declared as winner.
Candidates qualified to contest the by-election were: Christian Snorteh Chea of the ruling Unity Party (UP), Philbert G. Toe of the opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), Francis Saywon an Independent candidate, and Marcus Sayle Quenneh also an Independent candidate.
Meanwhile the UP Representative is expected to be certificated this Saturday at the NEC Headquarters.
WHY NOT A BOYCOTT? Liberian Lawmakers Deserve Taste of Their Own Medicine
Source: FPA EDITORIAL
EXECUTIVES OF ALL three civil society organizations can do Liberia a world of good by rejecting a demand from the full plenary of the Liberian Senate to appear before the body next Thursday to answer to what senators call concerns about remarks they made in the public recently that members of the Legislature are mentally impoverished by their decision to prepare a joint resolution for the passage of the electoral threshold bill.
RECENTLY, the three groups, the Liberia Democratic Institute (LDI), the Liberia Democracy Watch and the Center for Democratic Empowerment (CEDE) urged members of the Legislature’s action to carve a resolution to pass the controversial Threshold as “cowardice Scheme, Mischievous, ill calculated, illogical, sinister thought and an ill- informed political tactics.
GBARPOLU COUNTY lawmaker, Theodore Momo in a communication to his colleagues declared that he was constrained to register serious and outright dissatisfaction of a particular statement from the Liberia Democracy Watch, Liberia Democratic Institute, Center for Democratic Empowerment and the Institute for Democracy and Development contained in a STAR RADIO major News broadcast week before last.”
IRONICALLY, Senator Momo, in a two-page letter averred that while the Legislature cherishes and welcome the exercise of free speech as a basic and fundamental rights guaranteed in the constitution, all must be cognizant of the fact that those rights are accompanied by responsibility and in his words the dignity of individuals institutions especially the National Legislature which he said embodies the national pride and being.
SADLY, IT APPEARS that Senator Momo and his peers are misguided in the sense that they continue to hide behind their seats in the national legislatures and render one poor decision after the next to the detriment of poor and down-trodden Liberians.
SENATOR MOMO should listen to the advice of his peer, Senator Abel Massalley who responded to Momo’s letter by stating: “If you took your water in the bathroom, you undress yourself and you started the bath, and a crazy man went there and took all of your clothes and started to run out of the bathroom, will you follow that crazy man? For me I will not follow you because if you follow the man then all of you will brand as the same group of people.”
IN CONTRAST, Lofa County’s senior Senator Sumo G. Kupee also took the low road in pointing to Article 15 of the Liberian constitution, suggesting that no one has the right to insult him because he is a Senator or an employee of the people. “I am sure you will agree with me that my comments will mean that I am mentally impoverished because those people who have gone through my hands will notice that I am not, including some of the people that wrote it, or I am not speaking because I feel guilty of what they said, but I am speaking because I belong to an institution,” the lawmaker said
THE BOTTOM LINE here is that lawmakers are answerable to the people of Liberia and must never feel that they are in any way, shape or form above reproach or criticisms from those who elected them to their post.
MANY OF THOSE hiding behind “Executive Committees” and “Secret Sessions” will soon face the drumbeats when the 2011 legislative elections comes around. It will be wise for those harboring thoughts of being above reproach to begin having second thoughts about their activities and the works they have done over the past five years.
THOSE WHO HAVE failed to delivered will most likely be voted out of office and those who have worked hard to push laws on health care, education and poverty will be rewarded. Sadly, not many can stand and be counted on issues that matter most to the ordinary Liberian. The body dubbed the “Cold Water” bunch has done itself very little good and the latest attempt to summon civil society groups speaks volumes about the body Liberians put their trust in.
LET THE WORD go forth that serving Liberia and Liberians is a privilege, not a right for any lawmaker, Senator or Legislator. Voters should make that much clear when they cast their ballots in 2011. The Civil Society Groups Summoned next Thursday should begin the process by holding a meeting to decide whether or not they should appear and if possible, or better still, file a motion among themselves to reconsider whether such appearance before a body which has made itself the laughing stock of Liberia, deserves their time .
EXECUTIVES OF ALL three civil society organizations can do Liberia a world of good by rejecting a demand from the full plenary of the Liberian Senate to appear before the body next Thursday to answer to what senators call concerns about remarks they made in the public recently that members of the Legislature are mentally impoverished by their decision to prepare a joint resolution for the passage of the electoral threshold bill.
RECENTLY, the three groups, the Liberia Democratic Institute (LDI), the Liberia Democracy Watch and the Center for Democratic Empowerment (CEDE) urged members of the Legislature’s action to carve a resolution to pass the controversial Threshold as “cowardice Scheme, Mischievous, ill calculated, illogical, sinister thought and an ill- informed political tactics.
GBARPOLU COUNTY lawmaker, Theodore Momo in a communication to his colleagues declared that he was constrained to register serious and outright dissatisfaction of a particular statement from the Liberia Democracy Watch, Liberia Democratic Institute, Center for Democratic Empowerment and the Institute for Democracy and Development contained in a STAR RADIO major News broadcast week before last.”
IRONICALLY, Senator Momo, in a two-page letter averred that while the Legislature cherishes and welcome the exercise of free speech as a basic and fundamental rights guaranteed in the constitution, all must be cognizant of the fact that those rights are accompanied by responsibility and in his words the dignity of individuals institutions especially the National Legislature which he said embodies the national pride and being.
SADLY, IT APPEARS that Senator Momo and his peers are misguided in the sense that they continue to hide behind their seats in the national legislatures and render one poor decision after the next to the detriment of poor and down-trodden Liberians.
SENATOR MOMO should listen to the advice of his peer, Senator Abel Massalley who responded to Momo’s letter by stating: “If you took your water in the bathroom, you undress yourself and you started the bath, and a crazy man went there and took all of your clothes and started to run out of the bathroom, will you follow that crazy man? For me I will not follow you because if you follow the man then all of you will brand as the same group of people.”
IN CONTRAST, Lofa County’s senior Senator Sumo G. Kupee also took the low road in pointing to Article 15 of the Liberian constitution, suggesting that no one has the right to insult him because he is a Senator or an employee of the people. “I am sure you will agree with me that my comments will mean that I am mentally impoverished because those people who have gone through my hands will notice that I am not, including some of the people that wrote it, or I am not speaking because I feel guilty of what they said, but I am speaking because I belong to an institution,” the lawmaker said
THE BOTTOM LINE here is that lawmakers are answerable to the people of Liberia and must never feel that they are in any way, shape or form above reproach or criticisms from those who elected them to their post.
MANY OF THOSE hiding behind “Executive Committees” and “Secret Sessions” will soon face the drumbeats when the 2011 legislative elections comes around. It will be wise for those harboring thoughts of being above reproach to begin having second thoughts about their activities and the works they have done over the past five years.
THOSE WHO HAVE failed to delivered will most likely be voted out of office and those who have worked hard to push laws on health care, education and poverty will be rewarded. Sadly, not many can stand and be counted on issues that matter most to the ordinary Liberian. The body dubbed the “Cold Water” bunch has done itself very little good and the latest attempt to summon civil society groups speaks volumes about the body Liberians put their trust in.
LET THE WORD go forth that serving Liberia and Liberians is a privilege, not a right for any lawmaker, Senator or Legislator. Voters should make that much clear when they cast their ballots in 2011. The Civil Society Groups Summoned next Thursday should begin the process by holding a meeting to decide whether or not they should appear and if possible, or better still, file a motion among themselves to reconsider whether such appearance before a body which has made itself the laughing stock of Liberia, deserves their time .
Review Liberia’s Symbols, History, Sawyer Urges Liberians at National Vision Meeting
08/04/2010 - Sidiki Trawally
Dr. Sawyer addressing traditional chiefs and county officials in Gbarnga
GBARNGA, Bong County -
Source: FrontPage Africa
The Chairman of the Governance Commission of Liberia is calling for a review of Liberia’s national monuments and symbols including the Flag to strengthen their capacity in enhancing unity and national identity.
Addressing an assembly of traditional chiefs and county officials including superintendents at the ongoing broad-based stakeholders’ consultations on national visioning at the Gbarnga Administrative building Tuesday, Dr. Amos Sawyer suggested that Liberians should begin to take a hard look at the Liberian Seal and its motto which reads “the love of liberty brought us here.”
The GC Chairman argued that such a motto does not represent the majority of Liberians. He wants Liberians to understand they are and where they want to go as a people. “How we see ourselves is crucial to our national visioning process. We have to develop a mindset and take ownership of our national development agenda. That is the national psychology that will take us in the driver seat.”
The learned Professor also called for the re-examination of Liberia’s history to enable the citizens to begin building national unity. He advised Liberians to abandon the version of Liberian history that focus primarily on stories of conquest of settlers over natives and promote historical interpretation of Liberia as a mosaic.
The former interim President Sawyer, in his presentation insists the Liberian history is flawed. The GC Boss disclosed most of the stories history being taught in schools, etc focus mainly on wars, disputes; etc which he observes is not helping to strengthen their unity. “We must also address the Mandingo “outsider” myth of contemporary history,” he told the audience.
For example, Dr. Sawyer told the Chiefs and County officials from across the country that majority of Liberian children do not know who King Sao Bosso was. “All they hear is he was a warrior; he beheaded this person and that person. Our children don’t know, because history is not telling them the truth. What we need to know is King Sao Bosso was a Mandingo; a great leader who led a multi-community of ethnic groups in the country.”
He maintained the current national visioning for a long-term growth and development strategy for Liberia can be realized if all Liberians begin to think about genuine reconciliation among them. The GC Chairman expressively noted that one of the major socio-political goals of a new vision for Liberia is having a strong sense of patriotism.
He stressed the need for Liberians to develop a strong sense of citizenship, unity and cohesion. “We should consolidate institutions of good governance, reduce disparities and marginalization; and ensure equity through policies of “growth with development and strengthen commitment to moral, ethical and accountable governance as obligation of government, private sector and citizens,” said Dr. Sawyer.
The Chairman urged that in developing a new Liberian vision and mission, the people should transcend competing historical identities: “Americo-Liberian” or “Congo” versus “indigenous” or “native” and develop sense of common or shared identity. He also urged Liberians to change the mentality that Liberia is America’s Stepchild. “It’s not helping us.”
Also making presentation on the prospect of economic growth and development in Liberia, Deputy Planning Minister for Economic and Policy, Sebastian Muah asked the traditional chiefs to support the national visioning process. He underscored the need for a national vision and long-term plan for growth and development in Liberia.
Minister Muah emphasized that the national visioning scheme is not owned by the Unity Party led government but a national document that will profit all Liberians. “Whether President Sirleaf wins reelection or not, what we are doing today is to set the stage for future generation to be stronger.”
Minister Muah, speaking in simple Liberian English told the Chiefs that the current environment of sustained peace, visionary leadership and political stability presents a unique opportunity for Liberia to transform from a low income to a middle income status consistent with sub-Saharan African standards by 2030.
The Gbarnga meeting was part of Government’s effort to craft a long-term growth and development strategy for Liberia that will succeed the current strategy, the Lift Liberia Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS), which concludes in June 2011. The effort will transcend administrations and require the strategy be pragmatic, comprehensive and inclusive to ensure that the gains in economic, social, and political opportunities are shared by the population.
The Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs and the Governance Commission launched the process to develop a new vision for Liberia to replace the 1821 vision of “Christianizing and civilizing” Liberia.
The Chiefs were led to the meeting by Chief Zanzan Karwor, head of the national traditional chief council while Grand Bassa county Superintendent Julia Cassell headed an array of Superintendents. Both Chief Karwor and Supt. Cassell thanked the Ministry of Planning and the Governance Commission for promoting decentralization in Liberia. They assured the Government of their full participation in the national visioning process in all districts and towns across Liberia.
To be called “Liberia Rising 2030”, the idea is to solicit opinions on the concept of a new vision for Liberia and gather recommendations from stakeholders who have been challenged to take ownership of their country’s future.
The first in the series of the broad-based consultations was held Wednesday, July 28, 2010 at the Paynesville Townhall with the Civil Service Organizations and Religious community. Interest groups and professional organizations participated in the Thursday, July 29, 2010 session while the students and youth groups as well as the opposition political parties converged on Friday.
Dr. Sawyer addressing traditional chiefs and county officials in Gbarnga
GBARNGA, Bong County -
Source: FrontPage Africa
The Chairman of the Governance Commission of Liberia is calling for a review of Liberia’s national monuments and symbols including the Flag to strengthen their capacity in enhancing unity and national identity.
Addressing an assembly of traditional chiefs and county officials including superintendents at the ongoing broad-based stakeholders’ consultations on national visioning at the Gbarnga Administrative building Tuesday, Dr. Amos Sawyer suggested that Liberians should begin to take a hard look at the Liberian Seal and its motto which reads “the love of liberty brought us here.”
The GC Chairman argued that such a motto does not represent the majority of Liberians. He wants Liberians to understand they are and where they want to go as a people. “How we see ourselves is crucial to our national visioning process. We have to develop a mindset and take ownership of our national development agenda. That is the national psychology that will take us in the driver seat.”
The learned Professor also called for the re-examination of Liberia’s history to enable the citizens to begin building national unity. He advised Liberians to abandon the version of Liberian history that focus primarily on stories of conquest of settlers over natives and promote historical interpretation of Liberia as a mosaic.
The former interim President Sawyer, in his presentation insists the Liberian history is flawed. The GC Boss disclosed most of the stories history being taught in schools, etc focus mainly on wars, disputes; etc which he observes is not helping to strengthen their unity. “We must also address the Mandingo “outsider” myth of contemporary history,” he told the audience.
For example, Dr. Sawyer told the Chiefs and County officials from across the country that majority of Liberian children do not know who King Sao Bosso was. “All they hear is he was a warrior; he beheaded this person and that person. Our children don’t know, because history is not telling them the truth. What we need to know is King Sao Bosso was a Mandingo; a great leader who led a multi-community of ethnic groups in the country.”
He maintained the current national visioning for a long-term growth and development strategy for Liberia can be realized if all Liberians begin to think about genuine reconciliation among them. The GC Chairman expressively noted that one of the major socio-political goals of a new vision for Liberia is having a strong sense of patriotism.
He stressed the need for Liberians to develop a strong sense of citizenship, unity and cohesion. “We should consolidate institutions of good governance, reduce disparities and marginalization; and ensure equity through policies of “growth with development and strengthen commitment to moral, ethical and accountable governance as obligation of government, private sector and citizens,” said Dr. Sawyer.
The Chairman urged that in developing a new Liberian vision and mission, the people should transcend competing historical identities: “Americo-Liberian” or “Congo” versus “indigenous” or “native” and develop sense of common or shared identity. He also urged Liberians to change the mentality that Liberia is America’s Stepchild. “It’s not helping us.”
Also making presentation on the prospect of economic growth and development in Liberia, Deputy Planning Minister for Economic and Policy, Sebastian Muah asked the traditional chiefs to support the national visioning process. He underscored the need for a national vision and long-term plan for growth and development in Liberia.
Minister Muah emphasized that the national visioning scheme is not owned by the Unity Party led government but a national document that will profit all Liberians. “Whether President Sirleaf wins reelection or not, what we are doing today is to set the stage for future generation to be stronger.”
Minister Muah, speaking in simple Liberian English told the Chiefs that the current environment of sustained peace, visionary leadership and political stability presents a unique opportunity for Liberia to transform from a low income to a middle income status consistent with sub-Saharan African standards by 2030.
The Gbarnga meeting was part of Government’s effort to craft a long-term growth and development strategy for Liberia that will succeed the current strategy, the Lift Liberia Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS), which concludes in June 2011. The effort will transcend administrations and require the strategy be pragmatic, comprehensive and inclusive to ensure that the gains in economic, social, and political opportunities are shared by the population.
The Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs and the Governance Commission launched the process to develop a new vision for Liberia to replace the 1821 vision of “Christianizing and civilizing” Liberia.
The Chiefs were led to the meeting by Chief Zanzan Karwor, head of the national traditional chief council while Grand Bassa county Superintendent Julia Cassell headed an array of Superintendents. Both Chief Karwor and Supt. Cassell thanked the Ministry of Planning and the Governance Commission for promoting decentralization in Liberia. They assured the Government of their full participation in the national visioning process in all districts and towns across Liberia.
To be called “Liberia Rising 2030”, the idea is to solicit opinions on the concept of a new vision for Liberia and gather recommendations from stakeholders who have been challenged to take ownership of their country’s future.
The first in the series of the broad-based consultations was held Wednesday, July 28, 2010 at the Paynesville Townhall with the Civil Service Organizations and Religious community. Interest groups and professional organizations participated in the Thursday, July 29, 2010 session while the students and youth groups as well as the opposition political parties converged on Friday.
LEAD Liberia - AN OPEN LETTER TO THE LIBERIAN SENATE
KEEPING THE LIBERIA BUREAU OF MARITIME AFFAIRS HONEST
DEAR Senators
LEAD Liberia admonishes the Liberian Senate to put loyalty to the country above loyalty to government persons, party and/or the Bureau of Maritime Affairs thereby voting against the Maritime Authority Act that was passed by the House of Representatives because it is not in the national interest of our beloved country (Liberia). With prudent research and deliberations on these countries (Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, Sierra Leone, etc.) listed in the Bureau of Maritime Affairs argument for an Authority status in Liberia, LEAD Liberia concludes that the Maritime Autonomy Act is not in the national interest of our beloved country (Liberia) for the following reasons shown below.
We admonish the House of Representatives and the Senate to research a bill thereby getting public opinions, especially when the bill is based on comparison with other Countries—instead of just saying “Yes” and/or “No “without considering the impact on our future and the national interest of our beloved country (Liberia)—they should be engaging and educating the Liberian people on proposals that affect their future and the national interest of the country thereby empowering the people through citizens’ participation in government. DO THE RIGHT THING!
The Propose Liberia Maritime Autonomy Act vs. Other Countries Maritime Authority Act
Liberia Maritime Authority Act vs. (Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, Sierra Leone etc. Acts)
1. The Liberia Bureau of Maritime Affairs Is Seeking To Be Autonomy Authority.
2. The Countries Above Maritime Authorities Are Not Autonomy.
3. The Liberia Bureau of Maritime Affairs Is Seeking Tenures of Seven Years.
4. The Countries above Maritime Authorities have Tenures of Three to Four Years at the “pleasure of the President Of their Respective Countries”.
5. The Liberia Bureau of Maritime Affairs wants all commissioners to be immune from prosecution in the discharge of their respective duties in a country where corruption, waste and fraud are the directors and governors of the day. No One Is Above The Law.
6. The Countries above Maritime Authorities Directors and/or members are not immune from prosecution in the discharge of their respective duties.
7. The Liberia Bureau of Maritime Affairs Is Seeking to be its own tax collector. (This is the official duty of the Ministry of Finance)
8. The Countries above Maritime Authorities are tax exempt but not tax collectors
9. The Liberia Bureau of Maritime Affairs Is Seeking to have the authority to borrow on behalf of the state for the affairs of the Bureau (This is the official duty of the state—not an agency, ministry, department, commission, bureau, etc.)
10. The Countries above Maritime Authorities have the authority to borrow on behalf of the state for the affairs of the Authority with the consent of the Minister of Finance.
11. The Liberia Bureau of Maritime Affairs wants to be audited with no specific reference to the General Auditing Commission, the country’s supreme auditing body.
12. The Countries above Maritime Authorities have Internal Auditor—however; they are subject to the country’s supreme auditing body every year. (Their fiscal year is the same as the country).
13. The Countries above Maritime Authorities are under the supervision of the Minister of Transport.
14. The Countries above Maritime Authorities Directors and/or Members are appointed by the President of their respective countries with the consent of the National Legislature.
15. The Liberia Bureau of Maritime Affairs Is Seeking 70% percent of the revenue generated by the Liberia ship registration program, while the Liberia Ship and Corporate Registry) manages the administration of ships flying the Liberian flag).
16. The Countries above Maritime Authorities have 50% percent of the revenue generated by the ship registration program, while managing the entire affairs of their respective Maritime Authorities because they do not have existing contracts with other bodies to manage the industry. But Liberia does (The Liberia Ship and Corporate Registry).
Today in Liberia, the Liberian Senate is discussing an act passed by the House of Representatives that will move the Bureau of Maritime Affairs to an Authority status. At a recent appearance before the House of Representatives Committee on Maritime, Committee on Public Procurement and Concession and the Committee on Judiciary, According to Mr. Rodney D. Sieh, FrontPageAfrica.com—Mr. Benoni Urey, the former Commissioner of the Bureau of Maritime Affairs expressed concerns over what he described as unfair revelations that the BMA, post-Urey is looking to accrue for its operational purposes 70 percent of the revenue generated by the Liberian ship registration program.
Mr. Urey contended that countries with Authority status do not really have existing contracts with other bodies to manage the industry. However, Liberia had the “Liberia Ship and Corporate Registry”, which is responsible for the administration of ships flying the Liberian flag. In addition, some observers say the “Maritime Authority Act” has the potential avenue for future conflict, especially when the Board of Directors is not in line with the Commissioner because the Maritime Authority Act does not spell out the powers of the Board. While LEAD Liberia supports Mr. Urey proposal for the Bureau to be elevated to a Ministerial level; we believe the establishment of an Autonomy Maritime Authority and/or Ministry is not in the national interest of our beloved country (Liberia) therefore we are calling upon the Liberian Senate to vote against the Maritime Autonomy Act because loyalty to the country shall be above loyalty to government persons, party and/or the Bureau of Maritime Affairs.
Sincerely,
LEAD Organizing For Liberia
Abraham Hoff, Chief Community Organizer
077384990 leadliberia@yahoo.com
DEAR Senators
LEAD Liberia admonishes the Liberian Senate to put loyalty to the country above loyalty to government persons, party and/or the Bureau of Maritime Affairs thereby voting against the Maritime Authority Act that was passed by the House of Representatives because it is not in the national interest of our beloved country (Liberia). With prudent research and deliberations on these countries (Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, Sierra Leone, etc.) listed in the Bureau of Maritime Affairs argument for an Authority status in Liberia, LEAD Liberia concludes that the Maritime Autonomy Act is not in the national interest of our beloved country (Liberia) for the following reasons shown below.
We admonish the House of Representatives and the Senate to research a bill thereby getting public opinions, especially when the bill is based on comparison with other Countries—instead of just saying “Yes” and/or “No “without considering the impact on our future and the national interest of our beloved country (Liberia)—they should be engaging and educating the Liberian people on proposals that affect their future and the national interest of the country thereby empowering the people through citizens’ participation in government. DO THE RIGHT THING!
The Propose Liberia Maritime Autonomy Act vs. Other Countries Maritime Authority Act
Liberia Maritime Authority Act vs. (Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, Sierra Leone etc. Acts)
1. The Liberia Bureau of Maritime Affairs Is Seeking To Be Autonomy Authority.
2. The Countries Above Maritime Authorities Are Not Autonomy.
3. The Liberia Bureau of Maritime Affairs Is Seeking Tenures of Seven Years.
4. The Countries above Maritime Authorities have Tenures of Three to Four Years at the “pleasure of the President Of their Respective Countries”.
5. The Liberia Bureau of Maritime Affairs wants all commissioners to be immune from prosecution in the discharge of their respective duties in a country where corruption, waste and fraud are the directors and governors of the day. No One Is Above The Law.
6. The Countries above Maritime Authorities Directors and/or members are not immune from prosecution in the discharge of their respective duties.
7. The Liberia Bureau of Maritime Affairs Is Seeking to be its own tax collector. (This is the official duty of the Ministry of Finance)
8. The Countries above Maritime Authorities are tax exempt but not tax collectors
9. The Liberia Bureau of Maritime Affairs Is Seeking to have the authority to borrow on behalf of the state for the affairs of the Bureau (This is the official duty of the state—not an agency, ministry, department, commission, bureau, etc.)
10. The Countries above Maritime Authorities have the authority to borrow on behalf of the state for the affairs of the Authority with the consent of the Minister of Finance.
11. The Liberia Bureau of Maritime Affairs wants to be audited with no specific reference to the General Auditing Commission, the country’s supreme auditing body.
12. The Countries above Maritime Authorities have Internal Auditor—however; they are subject to the country’s supreme auditing body every year. (Their fiscal year is the same as the country).
13. The Countries above Maritime Authorities are under the supervision of the Minister of Transport.
14. The Countries above Maritime Authorities Directors and/or Members are appointed by the President of their respective countries with the consent of the National Legislature.
15. The Liberia Bureau of Maritime Affairs Is Seeking 70% percent of the revenue generated by the Liberia ship registration program, while the Liberia Ship and Corporate Registry) manages the administration of ships flying the Liberian flag).
16. The Countries above Maritime Authorities have 50% percent of the revenue generated by the ship registration program, while managing the entire affairs of their respective Maritime Authorities because they do not have existing contracts with other bodies to manage the industry. But Liberia does (The Liberia Ship and Corporate Registry).
Today in Liberia, the Liberian Senate is discussing an act passed by the House of Representatives that will move the Bureau of Maritime Affairs to an Authority status. At a recent appearance before the House of Representatives Committee on Maritime, Committee on Public Procurement and Concession and the Committee on Judiciary, According to Mr. Rodney D. Sieh, FrontPageAfrica.com—Mr. Benoni Urey, the former Commissioner of the Bureau of Maritime Affairs expressed concerns over what he described as unfair revelations that the BMA, post-Urey is looking to accrue for its operational purposes 70 percent of the revenue generated by the Liberian ship registration program.
Mr. Urey contended that countries with Authority status do not really have existing contracts with other bodies to manage the industry. However, Liberia had the “Liberia Ship and Corporate Registry”, which is responsible for the administration of ships flying the Liberian flag. In addition, some observers say the “Maritime Authority Act” has the potential avenue for future conflict, especially when the Board of Directors is not in line with the Commissioner because the Maritime Authority Act does not spell out the powers of the Board. While LEAD Liberia supports Mr. Urey proposal for the Bureau to be elevated to a Ministerial level; we believe the establishment of an Autonomy Maritime Authority and/or Ministry is not in the national interest of our beloved country (Liberia) therefore we are calling upon the Liberian Senate to vote against the Maritime Autonomy Act because loyalty to the country shall be above loyalty to government persons, party and/or the Bureau of Maritime Affairs.
Sincerely,
LEAD Organizing For Liberia
Abraham Hoff, Chief Community Organizer
077384990 leadliberia@yahoo.com
Bomi/ Gbarpolu land dispute intensifies
Written by Mack Rogers
Source: Star Radio Liberia
The Chairman of the Gbarpolu Legislative Caucus has warned authorities of Bomi County to stop what he calls breeding tribal conflict among the Gola people.
Senator Daniel Nathan said the act of claiming Sawmail and Yomo Towns by authorities of Bomi will not be accepted by the people Gbarpolu County.
He claims the areas belong to the people of Gbarpolu County because they fall within Gbarma district.
Senator Nathan alleged a map paid for by Bomi County Senator Richard Divine erroneously gives the wrong projection about the areas.
The Gbarpolu County Senator spoke to Star Radio Monday in Yomo Town.
Senator Nathan frowned on the alleged insults melted out against chiefs, elders and Development Superintendent of Bomi County on the controversial land issue.
According to Senator Nathan, the land issue is heating up and called on the appropriate authorities to quickly intervene.
Source: Star Radio Liberia
The Chairman of the Gbarpolu Legislative Caucus has warned authorities of Bomi County to stop what he calls breeding tribal conflict among the Gola people.
Senator Daniel Nathan said the act of claiming Sawmail and Yomo Towns by authorities of Bomi will not be accepted by the people Gbarpolu County.
He claims the areas belong to the people of Gbarpolu County because they fall within Gbarma district.
Senator Nathan alleged a map paid for by Bomi County Senator Richard Divine erroneously gives the wrong projection about the areas.
The Gbarpolu County Senator spoke to Star Radio Monday in Yomo Town.
Senator Nathan frowned on the alleged insults melted out against chiefs, elders and Development Superintendent of Bomi County on the controversial land issue.
According to Senator Nathan, the land issue is heating up and called on the appropriate authorities to quickly intervene.
Civil society groups summoned for insulting lawmakers
Written by Julius Kanubah
Source: Star Radio Liberia
The Senate has summoned three civil society groups for what it considers insulting comments made against the Legislature.
The groups include Liberia Democracy Watch, Center for Democratic Empowerment and Institute of Democracy and Development.
The citation relates to damaging comments made by the groups over the Legislature’s action to pass a joint resolution prescribing an electoral threshold.
The groups' through its spokesman George Williams claimed the Legislature’s action reflected “a mentally impoverished leadership and a sinister thought”.
In its session Tuesday, the Senate voted in majority amidst disagreement for the three groups to appear before it this Thursday to explain its comments.
The decision was prompted by a protest letter by Gbarpolu Senator Theodore Momo.
Senator Momo said the group’s action has brought the Senate into public disrepute, and incitement thereby creating insecurity for Legislators.
The Senate was earlier split on whether to summon the groups with lawmakers including Daniel Naatehn insisting that the groups violated freedom of speech.
Source: Star Radio Liberia
The Senate has summoned three civil society groups for what it considers insulting comments made against the Legislature.
The groups include Liberia Democracy Watch, Center for Democratic Empowerment and Institute of Democracy and Development.
The citation relates to damaging comments made by the groups over the Legislature’s action to pass a joint resolution prescribing an electoral threshold.
The groups' through its spokesman George Williams claimed the Legislature’s action reflected “a mentally impoverished leadership and a sinister thought”.
In its session Tuesday, the Senate voted in majority amidst disagreement for the three groups to appear before it this Thursday to explain its comments.
The decision was prompted by a protest letter by Gbarpolu Senator Theodore Momo.
Senator Momo said the group’s action has brought the Senate into public disrepute, and incitement thereby creating insecurity for Legislators.
The Senate was earlier split on whether to summon the groups with lawmakers including Daniel Naatehn insisting that the groups violated freedom of speech.
Bropleh brothers face prosecution this August
Written by Robert J. Clarke, Jr.
Source: Star Radio Liberia
Government has announced the corruption cases involving Albert and Lawrence Bropleh would be heard this August term of court.
The Bropleh brothers are being held on separate accounts of corruption charges.
The Elder brother Albert Bropleh served as Chairman of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority and allegedly stole thousands of US dollars.
Dr. Laurence Bropleh , the younger brother served as Information Minister but was suspended after he was linked to a financial scandal at the Ministry.
Dr. Bropleh later resigned his post and expressed readiness to prove his accusers wrong.
Information Minister Cletus Sieh told Star Radio Solicitor General Wilkins Wright had informed the cabinet that all was now set for the prosecution of the two cases.
Source: Star Radio Liberia
Government has announced the corruption cases involving Albert and Lawrence Bropleh would be heard this August term of court.
The Bropleh brothers are being held on separate accounts of corruption charges.
The Elder brother Albert Bropleh served as Chairman of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority and allegedly stole thousands of US dollars.
Dr. Laurence Bropleh , the younger brother served as Information Minister but was suspended after he was linked to a financial scandal at the Ministry.
Dr. Bropleh later resigned his post and expressed readiness to prove his accusers wrong.
Information Minister Cletus Sieh told Star Radio Solicitor General Wilkins Wright had informed the cabinet that all was now set for the prosecution of the two cases.
Rejected Deputy Education minister confirmed
Written by Julius Kanubah
Source: Star Radio Liberia
Reports say the Senate has reversed its decision to deny the confirmation of the Deputy Education Minster for Planning, Research and Development.
According to the reports, the Senate Tuesday voted to finally confirm Dr. Kadiker Dahn after trying a motion for reconsideration by Senator Isaac Nyenabo.
Dr. Dahn’s confirmation process experienced its first breakthrough after the procedural reconsideration motion was passed following a compromise.
The passage of the motion followed appeals for the Senate not to take the individual vote of every Senator but instead vote on the basis of nay and yea.
Nimba Senator Adolphus Dolo led the appeals along with majority members of the Senate after Pro Temp Cletus Wotorson had requested the individual voting.
The Senate last week rejected Dr. Kadiker Dahn, on the basis he did not obtain the required sixteen votes amidst questions over his ability to serve in the position.
Our Legislative reporter says, Pro Temp Wotorson who was critical of Dr. Dahn Tuesday failed to comment on his final confirmation.
But, sources within the Senate said Dr. Dahn was overwhelmingly confirmed with one Senator voting against him.
Source: Star Radio Liberia
Reports say the Senate has reversed its decision to deny the confirmation of the Deputy Education Minster for Planning, Research and Development.
According to the reports, the Senate Tuesday voted to finally confirm Dr. Kadiker Dahn after trying a motion for reconsideration by Senator Isaac Nyenabo.
Dr. Dahn’s confirmation process experienced its first breakthrough after the procedural reconsideration motion was passed following a compromise.
The passage of the motion followed appeals for the Senate not to take the individual vote of every Senator but instead vote on the basis of nay and yea.
Nimba Senator Adolphus Dolo led the appeals along with majority members of the Senate after Pro Temp Cletus Wotorson had requested the individual voting.
The Senate last week rejected Dr. Kadiker Dahn, on the basis he did not obtain the required sixteen votes amidst questions over his ability to serve in the position.
Our Legislative reporter says, Pro Temp Wotorson who was critical of Dr. Dahn Tuesday failed to comment on his final confirmation.
But, sources within the Senate said Dr. Dahn was overwhelmingly confirmed with one Senator voting against him.
Rule of law forum opens in Monrovia Thursday
Written by Matthias Daffah
Source: Star Radio Liberia
A special edition of the Wilfred E. Clarke Lecture Forum on social justice and the rule of law opens in Monrovia Thursday.
The forum is organized by the Liberia National Law Enforcement Association in collaboration with the National Coalition of Civil Society Organizations in Liberia.
According to a release, the forum will discuss the alleged failures of the legislature to pass on the threshold bill and its implications on the electoral process.
The release said the forum will also discuss the positions of the various political blocks and the stay-home action being allegedly planned by civil society groups.
The one-day event will be held under the theme: Implications for the hosting of credible elections in 2011 in the absence of a threshold as provided y law.
Source: Star Radio Liberia
A special edition of the Wilfred E. Clarke Lecture Forum on social justice and the rule of law opens in Monrovia Thursday.
The forum is organized by the Liberia National Law Enforcement Association in collaboration with the National Coalition of Civil Society Organizations in Liberia.
According to a release, the forum will discuss the alleged failures of the legislature to pass on the threshold bill and its implications on the electoral process.
The release said the forum will also discuss the positions of the various political blocks and the stay-home action being allegedly planned by civil society groups.
The one-day event will be held under the theme: Implications for the hosting of credible elections in 2011 in the absence of a threshold as provided y law.
AN OPEN LETTER TO THE LIBERIAN SENATE
KEEPING THE LIBERIA BUREAU OF MARITIME AFFAIRS HONEST
DEAR Senators
LEAD Liberia admonishes the Liberian Senate to put loyalty to the country above loyalty to government persons, party and/or the Bureau of Maritime Affairs thereby voting against the Maritime Authority Act that was passed by the House of Representatives because it is not in the national interest of our beloved country (Liberia). With prudent research and deliberations on these countries (Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, Sierra Leone, etc.) listed in the Bureau of Maritime Affairs argument for an Authority status in Liberia, LEAD Liberia concludes that the Maritime Autonomy Act is not in the national interest of our beloved country (Liberia) for the following reasons shown below.
We admonish the House of Representatives and the Senate to research a bill thereby getting public opinions, especially when the bill is based on comparison with other Countries—instead of just saying “Yes” and/or “No “without considering the impact on our future and the national interest of our beloved country (Liberia)—they should be engaging and educating the Liberian people on proposals that affect their future and the national interest of the country thereby empowering the people through citizens’ participation in government. DO THE RIGHT THING!
The Propose Liberia Maritime Autonomy Act vs. Other Countries Maritime Authority Act
Liberia Maritime Authority Act vs. (Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, Sierra Leone etc. Acts)
1. The Liberia Bureau of Maritime Affairs Is Seeking To Be Autonomy Authority.
2. The Countries Above Maritime Authorities Are Not Autonomy.
3. The Liberia Bureau of Maritime Affairs Is Seeking Tenures of Seven Years.
4. The Countries above Maritime Authorities have Tenures of Three to Four Years at the “pleasure of the President Of their Respective Countries”.
5. The Liberia Bureau of Maritime Affairs wants all commissioners to be immune from prosecution in the discharge of their respective duties in a country where corruption, waste and fraud are the directors and governors of the day. No One Is Above The Law.
6. The Countries above Maritime Authorities Directors and/or members are not immune from prosecution in the discharge of their respective duties.
7. The Liberia Bureau of Maritime Affairs Is Seeking to be its own tax collector. (This is the official duty of the Ministry of Finance)
8. The Countries above Maritime Authorities are tax exempt but not tax collectors
9. The Liberia Bureau of Maritime Affairs Is Seeking to have the authority to borrow on behalf of the state for the affairs of the Bureau (This is the official duty of the state—not an agency, ministry, department, commission, bureau, etc.)
10. The Countries above Maritime Authorities have the authority to borrow on behalf of the state for the affairs of the Authority with the consent of the Minister of Finance.
11. The Liberia Bureau of Maritime Affairs wants to be audited with no specific reference to the General Auditing Commission, the country’s supreme auditing body.
12. The Countries above Maritime Authorities have Internal Auditor—however; they are subject to the country’s supreme auditing body every year. (Their fiscal year is the same as the country).
13. The Countries above Maritime Authorities are under the supervision of the Minister of Transport.
14. The Countries above Maritime Authorities Directors and/or Members are appointed by the President of their respective countries with the consent of the National Legislature.
15. The Liberia Bureau of Maritime Affairs Is Seeking 70% percent of the revenue generated by the Liberia ship registration program, while the Liberia Ship and Corporate Registry) manages the administration of ships flying the Liberian flag).
16. The Countries above Maritime Authorities have 50% percent of the revenue generated by the ship registration program, while managing the entire affairs of their respective Maritime Authorities because they do not have existing contracts with other bodies to manage the industry. But Liberia does (The Liberia Ship and Corporate Registry).
Today in Liberia, the Liberian Senate is discussing an act passed by the House of Representatives that will move the Bureau of Maritime Affairs to an Authority status. At a recent appearance before the House of Representatives Committee on Maritime, Committee on Public Procurement and Concession and the Committee on Judiciary, According to Mr. Rodney D. Sieh, FrontPageAfrica.com—Mr. Benoni Urey, the former Commissioner of the Bureau of Maritime Affairs expressed concerns over what he described as unfair revelations that the BMA, post-Urey is looking to accrue for its operational purposes 70 percent of the revenue generated by the Liberian ship registration program.
Mr. Urey contended that countries with Authority status do not really have existing contracts with other bodies to manage the industry. However, Liberia had the “Liberia Ship and Corporate Registry”, which is responsible for the administration of ships flying the Liberian flag. In addition, some observers say the “Maritime Authority Act” has the potential avenue for future conflict, especially when the Board of Directors is not in line with the Commissioner because the Maritime Authority Act does not spell out the powers of the Board. While LEAD Liberia supports Mr. Urey proposal for the Bureau to be elevated to a Ministerial level; we believe the establishment of an Autonomy Maritime Authority and/or Ministry is not in the national interest of our beloved country (Liberia) therefore we are calling upon the Liberian Senate to vote against the Maritime Autonomy Act because loyalty to the country shall be above loyalty to government persons, party and/or the Bureau of Maritime Affairs.
Sincerely,
LEAD Organizing For Liberia
Abraham Hoff, Chief Community Organizer
077384990 leadliberia@yahoo.com
DEAR Senators
LEAD Liberia admonishes the Liberian Senate to put loyalty to the country above loyalty to government persons, party and/or the Bureau of Maritime Affairs thereby voting against the Maritime Authority Act that was passed by the House of Representatives because it is not in the national interest of our beloved country (Liberia). With prudent research and deliberations on these countries (Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, Sierra Leone, etc.) listed in the Bureau of Maritime Affairs argument for an Authority status in Liberia, LEAD Liberia concludes that the Maritime Autonomy Act is not in the national interest of our beloved country (Liberia) for the following reasons shown below.
We admonish the House of Representatives and the Senate to research a bill thereby getting public opinions, especially when the bill is based on comparison with other Countries—instead of just saying “Yes” and/or “No “without considering the impact on our future and the national interest of our beloved country (Liberia)—they should be engaging and educating the Liberian people on proposals that affect their future and the national interest of the country thereby empowering the people through citizens’ participation in government. DO THE RIGHT THING!
The Propose Liberia Maritime Autonomy Act vs. Other Countries Maritime Authority Act
Liberia Maritime Authority Act vs. (Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, Sierra Leone etc. Acts)
1. The Liberia Bureau of Maritime Affairs Is Seeking To Be Autonomy Authority.
2. The Countries Above Maritime Authorities Are Not Autonomy.
3. The Liberia Bureau of Maritime Affairs Is Seeking Tenures of Seven Years.
4. The Countries above Maritime Authorities have Tenures of Three to Four Years at the “pleasure of the President Of their Respective Countries”.
5. The Liberia Bureau of Maritime Affairs wants all commissioners to be immune from prosecution in the discharge of their respective duties in a country where corruption, waste and fraud are the directors and governors of the day. No One Is Above The Law.
6. The Countries above Maritime Authorities Directors and/or members are not immune from prosecution in the discharge of their respective duties.
7. The Liberia Bureau of Maritime Affairs Is Seeking to be its own tax collector. (This is the official duty of the Ministry of Finance)
8. The Countries above Maritime Authorities are tax exempt but not tax collectors
9. The Liberia Bureau of Maritime Affairs Is Seeking to have the authority to borrow on behalf of the state for the affairs of the Bureau (This is the official duty of the state—not an agency, ministry, department, commission, bureau, etc.)
10. The Countries above Maritime Authorities have the authority to borrow on behalf of the state for the affairs of the Authority with the consent of the Minister of Finance.
11. The Liberia Bureau of Maritime Affairs wants to be audited with no specific reference to the General Auditing Commission, the country’s supreme auditing body.
12. The Countries above Maritime Authorities have Internal Auditor—however; they are subject to the country’s supreme auditing body every year. (Their fiscal year is the same as the country).
13. The Countries above Maritime Authorities are under the supervision of the Minister of Transport.
14. The Countries above Maritime Authorities Directors and/or Members are appointed by the President of their respective countries with the consent of the National Legislature.
15. The Liberia Bureau of Maritime Affairs Is Seeking 70% percent of the revenue generated by the Liberia ship registration program, while the Liberia Ship and Corporate Registry) manages the administration of ships flying the Liberian flag).
16. The Countries above Maritime Authorities have 50% percent of the revenue generated by the ship registration program, while managing the entire affairs of their respective Maritime Authorities because they do not have existing contracts with other bodies to manage the industry. But Liberia does (The Liberia Ship and Corporate Registry).
Today in Liberia, the Liberian Senate is discussing an act passed by the House of Representatives that will move the Bureau of Maritime Affairs to an Authority status. At a recent appearance before the House of Representatives Committee on Maritime, Committee on Public Procurement and Concession and the Committee on Judiciary, According to Mr. Rodney D. Sieh, FrontPageAfrica.com—Mr. Benoni Urey, the former Commissioner of the Bureau of Maritime Affairs expressed concerns over what he described as unfair revelations that the BMA, post-Urey is looking to accrue for its operational purposes 70 percent of the revenue generated by the Liberian ship registration program.
Mr. Urey contended that countries with Authority status do not really have existing contracts with other bodies to manage the industry. However, Liberia had the “Liberia Ship and Corporate Registry”, which is responsible for the administration of ships flying the Liberian flag. In addition, some observers say the “Maritime Authority Act” has the potential avenue for future conflict, especially when the Board of Directors is not in line with the Commissioner because the Maritime Authority Act does not spell out the powers of the Board. While LEAD Liberia supports Mr. Urey proposal for the Bureau to be elevated to a Ministerial level; we believe the establishment of an Autonomy Maritime Authority and/or Ministry is not in the national interest of our beloved country (Liberia) therefore we are calling upon the Liberian Senate to vote against the Maritime Autonomy Act because loyalty to the country shall be above loyalty to government persons, party and/or the Bureau of Maritime Affairs.
Sincerely,
LEAD Organizing For Liberia
Abraham Hoff, Chief Community Organizer
077384990 leadliberia@yahoo.com
Ambassador Barnes Recalled
Source: New Democrat (Monrovia)
Liberia's ambassador to Washington, Mr. Nathaniel Barnes, has been recalled for "reassignment", according to presidential Press Secretary Cyrus Badio.
During his regular press briefing Monday, Mr. Badio did not give reasons for the recall, only saying that the President has the right to re-assign ambassadors.
Other reports relations between 'Mr. a 2005 presidential contender and founder of the Destiny Party, have been sour.
Mr. Barnes, listed in the Truth and Reconciliation report for alleged economic crimes, also served a Liberia's ambassador to the UN, and before that as Finance Minister in the Taylor regime.
Liberia's ambassador to Washington, Mr. Nathaniel Barnes, has been recalled for "reassignment", according to presidential Press Secretary Cyrus Badio.
During his regular press briefing Monday, Mr. Badio did not give reasons for the recall, only saying that the President has the right to re-assign ambassadors.
Other reports relations between 'Mr. a 2005 presidential contender and founder of the Destiny Party, have been sour.
Mr. Barnes, listed in the Truth and Reconciliation report for alleged economic crimes, also served a Liberia's ambassador to the UN, and before that as Finance Minister in the Taylor regime.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Liberia: Villain or Maverick - Sen. Prince Johnson's 'Boycott' Under Spotlight
Source: allAfrica.com
Nimba County's Senior Senator Prince Y. Johnson did not attended ceremonies marking the 163rd Independence Day of Liberia held in his home county, Nimba. He actually boycotted the ceremony to avoid being trapped in a political whirlwind (political conspiracy?) planned by fellow Nimbaians. His conspicuous absence raised eyebrows in many quarters; and if recent reports are any measures, his political ambition for the presidency may be in trouble. But the question analysts are asking is, "Was the boycott a villainous act or the act of a political maverick seeking to steer the nation away from patronage politics?" The Analyst been probing just this question.
Senator Johnson has already been condemned by some Liberians, including close kin and legislative caucus colleagues, for boycotting the 2010 Independence Day celebrations, and he appeared likely to suffer a political backlash in October next year 'for the sin of not flocking with the king and mingling with the Hosanna singers'.
But there are emerging argument in the political horizon that as typical as his 'sins' may appear, the Nimba County senior senator may not be wrong after all – that he may be at the cutting edge of a new political dispensation that will steer Liberians and Liberia away from that which they hated most of past administrations: patronage politics.
Provided though, observers say, he articulates his position well, quits being a lone paranoid wolf seeing treachery in every political act and seeking revenge, and teams up with others in the opposition to keep Liberia's political train from veering off the tracks of politics based on law, peace building, tolerance, and fairness.
This, observers say, take the debate to the events of Nimba 2010 to see the flowchart between Mr. Johnson's boycott and what some see as the administration's 'missteps' or calculated attempts to turn back the clock of time knowingly or inadvertently.
Glance at the Nimba Celebrations
The Sirleaf Administration, which has adopted a rotational celebration of the nation's Natal Day, chose Nimba County for 2010.
Observers are still pondering the wisdom of the celebration rotation, but one pattern they say that is emerging is that the government is using the rotation to prioritize development initiatives, something some say brings back immediate political dividend.
But in the Nimba case, the administration encountered more than it bargained for when it realized that key leaders of the county were clawing at one another's throat in a land feud, atop many other bases for bickering in a land known recently for its militancy.
It took the extra efforts of the Executive Mansion and the dexterity of the committee President Sirleaf set up to get the disputants on board in time for the holding of the Sanniquellie celebrations.
In some cases, according to one commentator on the peace process in Nimba, the key contending issues were simply swept under the carpet to avoid jeopardizing the holding of the celebrations in the county.
Why the administration chose Nimba and why it went extra miles to create the necessary tranquility for the celebrations are questions, observers say, for which no one in the Sirleaf Administration may be willing to provide sincere answers, but they say those unanswered questions may hold political clues to why Senator Prince Johnson's so-called boycotts reverberated so fast and high.
For instance, they say, there was a correlation to be made between the huge concentration of hundreds of government and Chinese bilateral development projects in few towns in Nimba County in just one fiscal term and the President's planned bid for second term, using the county as beachhead.
They said the correlation was basic given that the President made the inspection of projects in the county the most essential aspect of the celebrations such that she took more time showing off her administration's key accomplishments in Nimba and Bong counties than she actually spent on the celebrations in Sanniquellie.
While the claims stand disputed, some insist that showcasing the administration's accomplishments in a county chosen for Natal Day celebration is the most appropriate thing to do under the circumstance since development was the key reasons for the annual celebration rotation.
But critics and keen political observers believe that is the vainest argument to make on behalf of an administration that was elected in 2005 to help Liberia part with its crooked political past where political expediency superseded law and good governance.
In their views, danger lurks from what appeared an innocent national performance of a pragmatic president. They see patronage politics rearing up its ugly head slowly but surely in a menacing way; and along with it, a political campaign kicking off well ahead of official authorization.
That is debatable also, analysts say, but 'being debatable' does not subtract from the reasonableness of the points many are straining to make.
"Rotating the July 26 Celebrations in order to arouse patriotism in the people and to include the people in the solemn act of reflect on the achievements, failures, and hopes of the nation is a good idea. But when it is tied to development prioritizing, then hindsight tells us that it is dangerous," said Anthony R. Peters of Waterside.
According to him, prioritizing development on such radical determination will subordinate service delivery according needs and citizens' entitlement to the political contest of winning the populous counties, especially in election years such as between now and October 2011.
"Once the citizens' entitlements that should come through assessed needs and budgetary allocation becomes a matter of where the administration takes the July 26 celebration, it is only large or populated counties that will benefit," he said.
Sinoh Gweh of Brewerville agreed, arguing that part of the reasons why Liberia's development was sporadic and selective was because Tubman, and Tolbert and Doe after him, chose to distribute the nation's wealth on their political terms rather than one the legal terms of the nation's development needs.
"While some counties benefited from high standard roads, thanks to caucus politics and the president's free hand to decide where and how to use the nation's wealth, access roads in other counties literally disappeared especially when one or two sons of the affected counties were deemed not supporting the president and therefore labeled potential enemies of the state," Gweh recalled.
Whether that explains why while colleges were being constructed and major services were being delivered in Nimba, Bong, and Cape Mount counties, farm-to-market roads in River Gee and Grand Kru counties being were reduced to mere footpaths Gweh could not say, but he said there were more.
He said once the government began tying a solemn national celebration to presidential achievements, it diluted the celebration's significance as a national event of solemnity, reduced it to a political show, and confused the citizens about who was delivering what and on what terms.
"This is patronage politics in which the President is seen as the annual Santa Claus delivering good tidings to the political lackeys who behaved well in the year under review. It does not show that the citizens were benefiting from their tax dollar and from the largesse of the nation's bilateral friends," he said.
Political patronage, he said, was not only dangerous in that it gave the president the leverage to use and apply the nation's wealth to his or her political advantage and to the disadvantage of opponents, but that it also made it impossible for the citizens to distinguish public projects from presidential magnanimity.
"This is why while it is clear that Tubman's failed policy of unbridled economic open door contributed to the nation's underdevelopment because it sanctioned uncontrolled capital flight, old generation Liberians continue to hail him as 'the best president Liberia has ever had'", Gweh, 60, a retired school teacher, said.
Thomas S. Brewer agreed, noting that once the citizens were unable to make the distinction between presidential magnanimity and the dividend of their own tax dollar as appropriated by their political leaders in systematic budgeting, their intelligence was compromised when it came to making wise decisions at the polls.
"But that is not the first thing to occur. It starts with county officials competing for the president's attention for July 26 celebrations by rallying support. Then they pull in the county's legislative caucus, which will commit to closing its eyes on the president's budgetary errors, over-bounds, and corruption. As the caucus works hand-in-hand with the county officials, elders, interest group and tradition leaders, the vile cycle of political intrigue is complete. The doom of the opposition is completely sealed and politics starts do wind down to central rule or call it one-party rule," Brewer said.
He said this was the foundation of the "so say one so say all politics" that produced the informal bloc voting, which in the past put people against people and led to security crackdown or systematic suppression and oppression during the days of President Tubman and beyond.
"This nation cannot allow such politics to come back while pretending that it does not see the forming patterns as the display in Nimba County and other counties before it have shown," he said.
The question that critics could not answer, however, is whether the President and those who planned Nimba 2010 consciously and knowingly decided to mix politics with a solemn national event intended to call Liberians to order and to nationalism, daring the consequences and possible political backlashes. Not even analyst and observers would proffer conjectures.
'So in the wake of this missing link answer, how should Johnson's now infamous boycott of Nimba 2010 and the political backlash that appears to follow it be construed – villainous or maverick?'
Senator Johnson: villain or maverick?'
"Villain!" shouted one Kou, who though claimed to be member of a grassroots UP women's group in Sanniquellie, preferred not to be fully identified 'so PYJ supporters in my family will not get at me'.
Kou, who claimed also to be a teacher in a local public high school, said Senator Johnson's boycott has nothing to do with anything called patronage politics because there was nothing like that during the Sanniquellie celebrations.
"He is just one of those troublemakers who always look for reasons to oppose what is in the interest of the county," she said.
She did not say why the county's senior senator would adopt such practices, knowing that it would work against the interest of the citizens, but she said Mr. Johnson and many like him were always on the other side of progress because of their "selfish political interests".
"They always want things to be about them. Once someone else is in the position of influence, they will not participate. That's why there is nothing worthwhile going on in the county but confusion and blame-shifting," she disclosed.
There was nothing President Sirleaf did or did not do in Nimba County, according to her, that justified the senator's boycott.
"Even if she did anything wrong, does that justify his abandoning his people when the attention of the nation was on them? Wouldn't he have waited for the celebrations to end and then registered his observations?" she wondered.
Kou was not alone in her dismissal of Mr. Johnson's reasons for the boycott. "I just don't understand why this one man must always reject everything," said Sayeh J. Wiah of Gray in Nimba County. "Was he the only politicians there; was he the wisest man to see the wrongs and the rights that others did not see?"
Wiah said that unless the people of Nimba did something to remove people like Prince Johnson from the political realm, Nimba would be at the receiving end of underdevelopment.
But not many see Senator Johnson's boycott from the perspectives of Kou and Wiah.
For some, Johnson was at the cutting edge of a new political dispensation that will steer Liberians and Liberia away from that which they hated most of past administrations: patronage politics.
"Prince Johnson may have been controversial on many instances in the past, but the nation needs to listen to him this time around," said Abraham A. Alliou of Paynesville.
Alliou, who said he was not politically or otherwise connected with Mr. Johnson, said his decision to boycott the Nimba celebration was a natural apolitical response to the sum total of the actions of some leaders of Nimba, the timing of President Sirleaf's project assessment, and her decision to accept a political endorsement during or around the time of the holding of a solemn national occasion.
"Senator Johnson was seeing what the rest of the nation did not see: the political violation of the nation's solemn celebration and the de facto reintroduction of patronage and caucus politics. Unless the nation acts, whole counties will soon begin petitioning President Sirleaf for second term during so-called rotational July 26 celebrations," noted Alliou, who said he did not favor a Prince Johnson presidential bid.
"I do not support the man for president; but even if a devil reports danger, you don't ignore it. President Sirleaf has no business receiving or planning to receive a political endorsement during this celebration. That, plus her extensive assessment and dedication of development projects prior to the day were illegal acts of electioneering and it was this that Mr. Johnson saw," he said.
He said where elders and the legislative caucus of the county connived to turn the celebration into a UP sideshow somebody with presidential ambition, like Senator Johnson, should not be expected to endure such betrayal of the people's trust in the name of county solidarity and so-called patriotism.
"Those who stand ready to condemn the senator must rather watch out for the reemergence of caucus politics and the political redistribution of the nation's wealth. The government must not base the nation's recovery on the President's selective delivery method, lest some counties get more than their share of the tax dollar while others settle into mass poverty for failing or refusing to fall in line," Alliou said.
Alliou wondered what else would be the point of mulitpartyism if one party, using the political feedback system of development completed the establishment of electoral cells in the counties through what UP seemed to have begun.
"What are the chances of the opposition? Nothing, absolutely. We saw that under previous administrations including even the Doe administration, which, like that of Tubman's, decided to use the birthday method to build electoral cells in the counties. Had Taylor not used force to remove Doe, it would have been difficult for the opposition to build sufficient arguments to win elections in Liberia," he said.
He said then Liberia was headed for a one-party NDPL state as it was headed for a one-party UP state unless Liberians mustered the courage to stop President Sirleaf and her lackeys in their tracks to borrow from the political chapters of Tubmanism.
Unless the President was stopped, according to him, the only difference between Tubman and Doe's use of Tubmanism would be the alternate use of mutual benefit and quiet arm-twisting rather than brute force and political banishment.
Analysts say how far Alliou's conjectures are true cannot be gauged immediately, but what they say is clear is that Prince Johnson is likely to suffer the effect of his keen foresight alone for quite a while before the nation comes to grip with the reality – if it ever will.
Views from the Law
This, they say, takes the argument to a completely new ground: the ground of law and constitution. Did Johnson violate any laws by boycotting the celebrations?
Again Alliou: "If he did not violate the constitution or any laws of Liberia requiring him to go wherever the President goes, then he is vindicated."
Analysts agreed with Alliou, noting that there was a big difference between law and expediency, which sometimes makes all the difference between patriotism and sycophancy.
Just as not everything that glitters is gold, they said, so are most things that are politically expediency are not legal and do not work for the benefit of the nation however enticing they appear.
For instance, they said, while it was proper for the all state officials to following the President wherever he or she went in the name of the nation, it was not a legal requirement for which any official should be branded 'unpatriotic or troublemaker'.
In the case of Prince Johnson, they say, he saw a breach of the law or protocol and that justified his boycott since 'above all else' must be 'the law'.
"In fact, most acts of expediency undermine the law and create political monsters out of modest presidential candidates who rode to power promising reforms and preaching equality and rule of law," says one analyst who notes that given the presidency undue attention and leverage may embolden it to usurp other functions not constitutionally assigned.
For instance, attaching development initiatives to the county, which won the presidential preference to host the annual Independence Day Celebration, was one of the advantages that the no laws assigned the President.
According to law, the Executive Branch is to plan development initiatives, attach monetary values to them through a system of verifiable budgetary appropriation, and send the budget to the National Legislature for approval and enactment into law prior to implementation.
This arrangement takes its marching orders from Article 34 (d-ii) of the Constitution of Liberia, according to research conducted by this paper.
Meanwhile observers say while blaming Prince Johnson for boycotting the July 26 Celebration may the stylish part of Liberia's bootlicking politics, it was important to examine his claims vis-à-vis President Sirleaf emerging practice of personalizing the nation's recovery program for political ends.
In that case, they say, Senator Johnson must be considered a political maverick that stands aloft of bandwagon politics, except that he erred by failing to alert the nation about what harm he thought the Nimba endorsement may do the nation's new democratic dispensation.
Nimba County's Senior Senator Prince Y. Johnson did not attended ceremonies marking the 163rd Independence Day of Liberia held in his home county, Nimba. He actually boycotted the ceremony to avoid being trapped in a political whirlwind (political conspiracy?) planned by fellow Nimbaians. His conspicuous absence raised eyebrows in many quarters; and if recent reports are any measures, his political ambition for the presidency may be in trouble. But the question analysts are asking is, "Was the boycott a villainous act or the act of a political maverick seeking to steer the nation away from patronage politics?" The Analyst been probing just this question.
Senator Johnson has already been condemned by some Liberians, including close kin and legislative caucus colleagues, for boycotting the 2010 Independence Day celebrations, and he appeared likely to suffer a political backlash in October next year 'for the sin of not flocking with the king and mingling with the Hosanna singers'.
But there are emerging argument in the political horizon that as typical as his 'sins' may appear, the Nimba County senior senator may not be wrong after all – that he may be at the cutting edge of a new political dispensation that will steer Liberians and Liberia away from that which they hated most of past administrations: patronage politics.
Provided though, observers say, he articulates his position well, quits being a lone paranoid wolf seeing treachery in every political act and seeking revenge, and teams up with others in the opposition to keep Liberia's political train from veering off the tracks of politics based on law, peace building, tolerance, and fairness.
This, observers say, take the debate to the events of Nimba 2010 to see the flowchart between Mr. Johnson's boycott and what some see as the administration's 'missteps' or calculated attempts to turn back the clock of time knowingly or inadvertently.
Glance at the Nimba Celebrations
The Sirleaf Administration, which has adopted a rotational celebration of the nation's Natal Day, chose Nimba County for 2010.
Observers are still pondering the wisdom of the celebration rotation, but one pattern they say that is emerging is that the government is using the rotation to prioritize development initiatives, something some say brings back immediate political dividend.
But in the Nimba case, the administration encountered more than it bargained for when it realized that key leaders of the county were clawing at one another's throat in a land feud, atop many other bases for bickering in a land known recently for its militancy.
It took the extra efforts of the Executive Mansion and the dexterity of the committee President Sirleaf set up to get the disputants on board in time for the holding of the Sanniquellie celebrations.
In some cases, according to one commentator on the peace process in Nimba, the key contending issues were simply swept under the carpet to avoid jeopardizing the holding of the celebrations in the county.
Why the administration chose Nimba and why it went extra miles to create the necessary tranquility for the celebrations are questions, observers say, for which no one in the Sirleaf Administration may be willing to provide sincere answers, but they say those unanswered questions may hold political clues to why Senator Prince Johnson's so-called boycotts reverberated so fast and high.
For instance, they say, there was a correlation to be made between the huge concentration of hundreds of government and Chinese bilateral development projects in few towns in Nimba County in just one fiscal term and the President's planned bid for second term, using the county as beachhead.
They said the correlation was basic given that the President made the inspection of projects in the county the most essential aspect of the celebrations such that she took more time showing off her administration's key accomplishments in Nimba and Bong counties than she actually spent on the celebrations in Sanniquellie.
While the claims stand disputed, some insist that showcasing the administration's accomplishments in a county chosen for Natal Day celebration is the most appropriate thing to do under the circumstance since development was the key reasons for the annual celebration rotation.
But critics and keen political observers believe that is the vainest argument to make on behalf of an administration that was elected in 2005 to help Liberia part with its crooked political past where political expediency superseded law and good governance.
In their views, danger lurks from what appeared an innocent national performance of a pragmatic president. They see patronage politics rearing up its ugly head slowly but surely in a menacing way; and along with it, a political campaign kicking off well ahead of official authorization.
That is debatable also, analysts say, but 'being debatable' does not subtract from the reasonableness of the points many are straining to make.
"Rotating the July 26 Celebrations in order to arouse patriotism in the people and to include the people in the solemn act of reflect on the achievements, failures, and hopes of the nation is a good idea. But when it is tied to development prioritizing, then hindsight tells us that it is dangerous," said Anthony R. Peters of Waterside.
According to him, prioritizing development on such radical determination will subordinate service delivery according needs and citizens' entitlement to the political contest of winning the populous counties, especially in election years such as between now and October 2011.
"Once the citizens' entitlements that should come through assessed needs and budgetary allocation becomes a matter of where the administration takes the July 26 celebration, it is only large or populated counties that will benefit," he said.
Sinoh Gweh of Brewerville agreed, arguing that part of the reasons why Liberia's development was sporadic and selective was because Tubman, and Tolbert and Doe after him, chose to distribute the nation's wealth on their political terms rather than one the legal terms of the nation's development needs.
"While some counties benefited from high standard roads, thanks to caucus politics and the president's free hand to decide where and how to use the nation's wealth, access roads in other counties literally disappeared especially when one or two sons of the affected counties were deemed not supporting the president and therefore labeled potential enemies of the state," Gweh recalled.
Whether that explains why while colleges were being constructed and major services were being delivered in Nimba, Bong, and Cape Mount counties, farm-to-market roads in River Gee and Grand Kru counties being were reduced to mere footpaths Gweh could not say, but he said there were more.
He said once the government began tying a solemn national celebration to presidential achievements, it diluted the celebration's significance as a national event of solemnity, reduced it to a political show, and confused the citizens about who was delivering what and on what terms.
"This is patronage politics in which the President is seen as the annual Santa Claus delivering good tidings to the political lackeys who behaved well in the year under review. It does not show that the citizens were benefiting from their tax dollar and from the largesse of the nation's bilateral friends," he said.
Political patronage, he said, was not only dangerous in that it gave the president the leverage to use and apply the nation's wealth to his or her political advantage and to the disadvantage of opponents, but that it also made it impossible for the citizens to distinguish public projects from presidential magnanimity.
"This is why while it is clear that Tubman's failed policy of unbridled economic open door contributed to the nation's underdevelopment because it sanctioned uncontrolled capital flight, old generation Liberians continue to hail him as 'the best president Liberia has ever had'", Gweh, 60, a retired school teacher, said.
Thomas S. Brewer agreed, noting that once the citizens were unable to make the distinction between presidential magnanimity and the dividend of their own tax dollar as appropriated by their political leaders in systematic budgeting, their intelligence was compromised when it came to making wise decisions at the polls.
"But that is not the first thing to occur. It starts with county officials competing for the president's attention for July 26 celebrations by rallying support. Then they pull in the county's legislative caucus, which will commit to closing its eyes on the president's budgetary errors, over-bounds, and corruption. As the caucus works hand-in-hand with the county officials, elders, interest group and tradition leaders, the vile cycle of political intrigue is complete. The doom of the opposition is completely sealed and politics starts do wind down to central rule or call it one-party rule," Brewer said.
He said this was the foundation of the "so say one so say all politics" that produced the informal bloc voting, which in the past put people against people and led to security crackdown or systematic suppression and oppression during the days of President Tubman and beyond.
"This nation cannot allow such politics to come back while pretending that it does not see the forming patterns as the display in Nimba County and other counties before it have shown," he said.
The question that critics could not answer, however, is whether the President and those who planned Nimba 2010 consciously and knowingly decided to mix politics with a solemn national event intended to call Liberians to order and to nationalism, daring the consequences and possible political backlashes. Not even analyst and observers would proffer conjectures.
'So in the wake of this missing link answer, how should Johnson's now infamous boycott of Nimba 2010 and the political backlash that appears to follow it be construed – villainous or maverick?'
Senator Johnson: villain or maverick?'
"Villain!" shouted one Kou, who though claimed to be member of a grassroots UP women's group in Sanniquellie, preferred not to be fully identified 'so PYJ supporters in my family will not get at me'.
Kou, who claimed also to be a teacher in a local public high school, said Senator Johnson's boycott has nothing to do with anything called patronage politics because there was nothing like that during the Sanniquellie celebrations.
"He is just one of those troublemakers who always look for reasons to oppose what is in the interest of the county," she said.
She did not say why the county's senior senator would adopt such practices, knowing that it would work against the interest of the citizens, but she said Mr. Johnson and many like him were always on the other side of progress because of their "selfish political interests".
"They always want things to be about them. Once someone else is in the position of influence, they will not participate. That's why there is nothing worthwhile going on in the county but confusion and blame-shifting," she disclosed.
There was nothing President Sirleaf did or did not do in Nimba County, according to her, that justified the senator's boycott.
"Even if she did anything wrong, does that justify his abandoning his people when the attention of the nation was on them? Wouldn't he have waited for the celebrations to end and then registered his observations?" she wondered.
Kou was not alone in her dismissal of Mr. Johnson's reasons for the boycott. "I just don't understand why this one man must always reject everything," said Sayeh J. Wiah of Gray in Nimba County. "Was he the only politicians there; was he the wisest man to see the wrongs and the rights that others did not see?"
Wiah said that unless the people of Nimba did something to remove people like Prince Johnson from the political realm, Nimba would be at the receiving end of underdevelopment.
But not many see Senator Johnson's boycott from the perspectives of Kou and Wiah.
For some, Johnson was at the cutting edge of a new political dispensation that will steer Liberians and Liberia away from that which they hated most of past administrations: patronage politics.
"Prince Johnson may have been controversial on many instances in the past, but the nation needs to listen to him this time around," said Abraham A. Alliou of Paynesville.
Alliou, who said he was not politically or otherwise connected with Mr. Johnson, said his decision to boycott the Nimba celebration was a natural apolitical response to the sum total of the actions of some leaders of Nimba, the timing of President Sirleaf's project assessment, and her decision to accept a political endorsement during or around the time of the holding of a solemn national occasion.
"Senator Johnson was seeing what the rest of the nation did not see: the political violation of the nation's solemn celebration and the de facto reintroduction of patronage and caucus politics. Unless the nation acts, whole counties will soon begin petitioning President Sirleaf for second term during so-called rotational July 26 celebrations," noted Alliou, who said he did not favor a Prince Johnson presidential bid.
"I do not support the man for president; but even if a devil reports danger, you don't ignore it. President Sirleaf has no business receiving or planning to receive a political endorsement during this celebration. That, plus her extensive assessment and dedication of development projects prior to the day were illegal acts of electioneering and it was this that Mr. Johnson saw," he said.
He said where elders and the legislative caucus of the county connived to turn the celebration into a UP sideshow somebody with presidential ambition, like Senator Johnson, should not be expected to endure such betrayal of the people's trust in the name of county solidarity and so-called patriotism.
"Those who stand ready to condemn the senator must rather watch out for the reemergence of caucus politics and the political redistribution of the nation's wealth. The government must not base the nation's recovery on the President's selective delivery method, lest some counties get more than their share of the tax dollar while others settle into mass poverty for failing or refusing to fall in line," Alliou said.
Alliou wondered what else would be the point of mulitpartyism if one party, using the political feedback system of development completed the establishment of electoral cells in the counties through what UP seemed to have begun.
"What are the chances of the opposition? Nothing, absolutely. We saw that under previous administrations including even the Doe administration, which, like that of Tubman's, decided to use the birthday method to build electoral cells in the counties. Had Taylor not used force to remove Doe, it would have been difficult for the opposition to build sufficient arguments to win elections in Liberia," he said.
He said then Liberia was headed for a one-party NDPL state as it was headed for a one-party UP state unless Liberians mustered the courage to stop President Sirleaf and her lackeys in their tracks to borrow from the political chapters of Tubmanism.
Unless the President was stopped, according to him, the only difference between Tubman and Doe's use of Tubmanism would be the alternate use of mutual benefit and quiet arm-twisting rather than brute force and political banishment.
Analysts say how far Alliou's conjectures are true cannot be gauged immediately, but what they say is clear is that Prince Johnson is likely to suffer the effect of his keen foresight alone for quite a while before the nation comes to grip with the reality – if it ever will.
Views from the Law
This, they say, takes the argument to a completely new ground: the ground of law and constitution. Did Johnson violate any laws by boycotting the celebrations?
Again Alliou: "If he did not violate the constitution or any laws of Liberia requiring him to go wherever the President goes, then he is vindicated."
Analysts agreed with Alliou, noting that there was a big difference between law and expediency, which sometimes makes all the difference between patriotism and sycophancy.
Just as not everything that glitters is gold, they said, so are most things that are politically expediency are not legal and do not work for the benefit of the nation however enticing they appear.
For instance, they said, while it was proper for the all state officials to following the President wherever he or she went in the name of the nation, it was not a legal requirement for which any official should be branded 'unpatriotic or troublemaker'.
In the case of Prince Johnson, they say, he saw a breach of the law or protocol and that justified his boycott since 'above all else' must be 'the law'.
"In fact, most acts of expediency undermine the law and create political monsters out of modest presidential candidates who rode to power promising reforms and preaching equality and rule of law," says one analyst who notes that given the presidency undue attention and leverage may embolden it to usurp other functions not constitutionally assigned.
For instance, attaching development initiatives to the county, which won the presidential preference to host the annual Independence Day Celebration, was one of the advantages that the no laws assigned the President.
According to law, the Executive Branch is to plan development initiatives, attach monetary values to them through a system of verifiable budgetary appropriation, and send the budget to the National Legislature for approval and enactment into law prior to implementation.
This arrangement takes its marching orders from Article 34 (d-ii) of the Constitution of Liberia, according to research conducted by this paper.
Meanwhile observers say while blaming Prince Johnson for boycotting the July 26 Celebration may the stylish part of Liberia's bootlicking politics, it was important to examine his claims vis-à-vis President Sirleaf emerging practice of personalizing the nation's recovery program for political ends.
In that case, they say, Senator Johnson must be considered a political maverick that stands aloft of bandwagon politics, except that he erred by failing to alert the nation about what harm he thought the Nimba endorsement may do the nation's new democratic dispensation.
Liberia: 'Stop Garbaging Senator Johnson'
3 August 2010
Source: allAfrica.com
A group of student under the banner “Concern Nimba Universities Student” says they are condemning and garbaging recent statement made by their County Junior Senator, Adolphus Dolo against his colleague to the National Legislature, Senator Prince Johnson.
The group through it spokesman, Victor Kpaseh, said they were cautioning senator Dolo alone with eight others lawmaker from the County, who, the students claimed have already crossed to the ruling Unity Party, to immediately withdraw or retract their statement and at the same time do away with what they called the name of lawmaker Johnson as a conduit or scale goat in pursuing their bid for re-election, by misleading some of the citizens in the County to forcibly petition Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for the second term.
The student group in a press release issued Yesterday, to the Analyst, said they were concerned that Senator Dolo, in this new political and democratic dispensation could dream of making a great mistake ever in his life by preaching high level of divisive politic among Nimbains, especially against Senator Johnson who, according to them, is loved by everyone in the County.
At the same time the group which is comprise of men and women from diverse disciplines and who are also from a cross section of Universities in Liberia, noted that they would remain very focus and concern in respecting the propose for which the Peace Tree was planted in the County during the July 26, Independence Day celebration in Sanniquellie, the capital city of Nimba County.
Quoting the July 26, celebration theme “Dialogue is the way forward” the student’s group stressed that they were wondering how, Nimba County Junior Senator, would reconcile what they termed as his destructive statement to that of the covenant signed during the planting of the Peace Tree.
According to the release, the student’s group claimed that for them, to prove that Senator Dolo was inconsistent and incompatible, he (Senator Dolo) misled the Nimba citizens, informing them that the Zoe-Geh medical centre, which according to them, was built by Peter Weato, who they said is a son of that soil in Yao Glaley, was built by President Sirleaf. The action of the lawmaker to misinform the public, they students noted is highly untrue and counterproductive to the people of the areas.
Meanwhile, the student’s group has warned citizen of Nimba County, not to listen to Senator Dolo, who they claimed has given his farewell treat to serve as campaign manager for the ruling Unity Party. And at the same time he (Dolo) requesting them (Nimba Citizen) to put all of their eggs into one basket during the 2011 election, which they say has been demonstrated by the eight lawmakers, considering
Senator Johnson as an opposition, the group noted is frustrating and inconsiderable to the peace and tranquility in the Country.
In a swift contrast, Mr. Kpaseh who is the group spokesperson stressed that Senator Johnson is not considered as been described by those he called “certified bell driven and evil geniuses” who he claimed are doing everything to ensure that they and their political god mother who’s named they did not mentioned, are re-elected to power.
“Senator Johnson is a road model, liberator and the pride of Nimba as well as the society at large.” The group concluded.
Source: allAfrica.com
A group of student under the banner “Concern Nimba Universities Student” says they are condemning and garbaging recent statement made by their County Junior Senator, Adolphus Dolo against his colleague to the National Legislature, Senator Prince Johnson.
The group through it spokesman, Victor Kpaseh, said they were cautioning senator Dolo alone with eight others lawmaker from the County, who, the students claimed have already crossed to the ruling Unity Party, to immediately withdraw or retract their statement and at the same time do away with what they called the name of lawmaker Johnson as a conduit or scale goat in pursuing their bid for re-election, by misleading some of the citizens in the County to forcibly petition Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for the second term.
The student group in a press release issued Yesterday, to the Analyst, said they were concerned that Senator Dolo, in this new political and democratic dispensation could dream of making a great mistake ever in his life by preaching high level of divisive politic among Nimbains, especially against Senator Johnson who, according to them, is loved by everyone in the County.
At the same time the group which is comprise of men and women from diverse disciplines and who are also from a cross section of Universities in Liberia, noted that they would remain very focus and concern in respecting the propose for which the Peace Tree was planted in the County during the July 26, Independence Day celebration in Sanniquellie, the capital city of Nimba County.
Quoting the July 26, celebration theme “Dialogue is the way forward” the student’s group stressed that they were wondering how, Nimba County Junior Senator, would reconcile what they termed as his destructive statement to that of the covenant signed during the planting of the Peace Tree.
According to the release, the student’s group claimed that for them, to prove that Senator Dolo was inconsistent and incompatible, he (Senator Dolo) misled the Nimba citizens, informing them that the Zoe-Geh medical centre, which according to them, was built by Peter Weato, who they said is a son of that soil in Yao Glaley, was built by President Sirleaf. The action of the lawmaker to misinform the public, they students noted is highly untrue and counterproductive to the people of the areas.
Meanwhile, the student’s group has warned citizen of Nimba County, not to listen to Senator Dolo, who they claimed has given his farewell treat to serve as campaign manager for the ruling Unity Party. And at the same time he (Dolo) requesting them (Nimba Citizen) to put all of their eggs into one basket during the 2011 election, which they say has been demonstrated by the eight lawmakers, considering
Senator Johnson as an opposition, the group noted is frustrating and inconsiderable to the peace and tranquility in the Country.
In a swift contrast, Mr. Kpaseh who is the group spokesperson stressed that Senator Johnson is not considered as been described by those he called “certified bell driven and evil geniuses” who he claimed are doing everything to ensure that they and their political god mother who’s named they did not mentioned, are re-elected to power.
“Senator Johnson is a road model, liberator and the pride of Nimba as well as the society at large.” The group concluded.
Liberia: Citizens Gang Up Against Threshold Resolution
3 August 2010
Source: allAfrica.com
Former Press Union of Liberia (PUL), Mr. Abraham G. Massaley has announced that Liberia at home and in the United States have teamed up to challenge in the Supreme Court of Liberia the constitutionality of the controversial Threshold Resolution if signed into law by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
Massaley who said he would lead the crusade in the interest of his people, who have made huge contributions, also announced that they will file a petition for a Writ of Prohibition against the National Elections Commission (NEC) to bar the commission from re-apportioning constituencies under the so-called resolution, if the commission attempts to do so.
A statement quoted the former PUL as saying that the Resolution is unconstitutional because "it contravenes Article 80 D and C, and it seeks to deprive thousands of Liberians of approximately equal representation in the National Legislature as required by the constitution.
Article 80 (d) of the Constitution states that "each constituency shall have an approximately equal population of 20,000, or such number of citizens as the legislature shall prescribe in keeping with population growth and movements as revealed by a national census; provided that the total number of electoral constituencies in the Republic shall not exceed one hundred."
Mr. Massaley indicated that a key point in their argument is that the legislature failed to prescribe population threshold for each constituency consistent with the 2008 census result, as required under Article 80 (d) and (c), but rather chose to arbitrarily dish out nine legislative seats without any constitutional basis.
He said the provision in the Threshold Resolution for counties to retain their number of house seats grossly violates Article 80 (c) which unambiguously requires the NEC to "re-apportion the constituencies immediately following a national census and before the next election in accordance with the new population figures so that every constituency shall have as close to the same population as possible.
According to Massaley, without clearly establishing population threshold, the Elections Commission will have no national criteria to constitutionally re-apportion constituencies in counties in counties that were arbitrarily assigned the nine extra seats, and added, "even more importantly, it is simply undemocratic and unconstitutional for some less populated areas of the country to enjoy more representation in the legislature than other populated areas."
For instance, the former PUL president said Porkpa and Gola Konneh in Grand Cape Mount County with the population of 42,000 and 23,000 respectively (2008 census) will have only one representative under the Threshold Resolution while Tewor District in the same county with the population of 27,000 will have a representative. He said Porkpa and Gola Konneh districts have a combined population of 65,000 which is approximately equal to the population of the entire River Gee County but River Gee will have three representatives.
Similarly, he said, Grand Kru County with a population of 57,000 will have two representatives while Kolahun District in Lofa County with a population of 60,000 will have only one representative. He said Rivercess County with a population of 71,000 will have two house seats as compare to River Gee with a population of 66,000 with three house seats.
He said Foya District in Lofa County with a population of 84,000, Gbarpolu County with the population of 83,000 and Sinoe County with a population of 102,000 will share the same number of house seats (three) each with Grand Cape Mount County which has the population of 127,000. Mr. Massaley feared that these less populated counties which already have two senatorial seats each will enjoy comparative advantage in the legislature because of their numerical strength.
According to him, the Supreme Court under Article 2 of the Constitution, "pursuant to its power of judicial review, is empowered to declare any inconsistent laws unconstitutional," noting that the legislature does not have unlimited powers that cannot be checked under our system of checks and balances. He said the resolution even defies President Sirleaf's constitutional arguments for vetoing the Threshold Bill on two separate occasions that the bill undermines Article 80 d and c. He said it is a sad for our democracy when 22 out of 64 house members can have so much "power" to pass the landmark legislation with far reaching political and economic consequences for the people.
"We must not only stop at criticizing the legislature for acting unconstitutionally, but we must send a clear message that their act of political expediency at the expense of the constitution undermines peace and stability in the country contrary to River Gee Senator Frederick Cherue's assertion that the threshold is based on political expediency to maintain peace in Liberia," he said.
He said the counties of Speaker Alex Tyler, President Pro Tempore Cletus Wotorson and Senator Cherue stand to benefit from this unfair distribution of power, noting this is why these three men are strongly backing the Threshold Resolution.
The former President said Senators and representatives cannot strive to maintain peace in Liberia by grossly undermining the constitution, pointing out that lawmakers do not have constitutional power to arbitrarily assign legislative seats or deprive other counties of seats, in the name of political expediency.
"While we support the holding of general elections on time, we must not being the electoral process by undermining the constitution as this sends a terrible message about the rule of law and sets the stage for unfairness in the upcoming election," Massaley indicated.
He said if the Supreme Court grants the petition, it will be a victory for "our people in the rural areas who are being deprived of fair representation in government and wish their educated children would advocate on their behalf. And that if the court chooses otherwise history will be kind to them for standing up when the constitution and the rule of law were under assault by the legislative and executive branches."
Source: allAfrica.com
Former Press Union of Liberia (PUL), Mr. Abraham G. Massaley has announced that Liberia at home and in the United States have teamed up to challenge in the Supreme Court of Liberia the constitutionality of the controversial Threshold Resolution if signed into law by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
Massaley who said he would lead the crusade in the interest of his people, who have made huge contributions, also announced that they will file a petition for a Writ of Prohibition against the National Elections Commission (NEC) to bar the commission from re-apportioning constituencies under the so-called resolution, if the commission attempts to do so.
A statement quoted the former PUL as saying that the Resolution is unconstitutional because "it contravenes Article 80 D and C, and it seeks to deprive thousands of Liberians of approximately equal representation in the National Legislature as required by the constitution.
Article 80 (d) of the Constitution states that "each constituency shall have an approximately equal population of 20,000, or such number of citizens as the legislature shall prescribe in keeping with population growth and movements as revealed by a national census; provided that the total number of electoral constituencies in the Republic shall not exceed one hundred."
Mr. Massaley indicated that a key point in their argument is that the legislature failed to prescribe population threshold for each constituency consistent with the 2008 census result, as required under Article 80 (d) and (c), but rather chose to arbitrarily dish out nine legislative seats without any constitutional basis.
He said the provision in the Threshold Resolution for counties to retain their number of house seats grossly violates Article 80 (c) which unambiguously requires the NEC to "re-apportion the constituencies immediately following a national census and before the next election in accordance with the new population figures so that every constituency shall have as close to the same population as possible.
According to Massaley, without clearly establishing population threshold, the Elections Commission will have no national criteria to constitutionally re-apportion constituencies in counties in counties that were arbitrarily assigned the nine extra seats, and added, "even more importantly, it is simply undemocratic and unconstitutional for some less populated areas of the country to enjoy more representation in the legislature than other populated areas."
For instance, the former PUL president said Porkpa and Gola Konneh in Grand Cape Mount County with the population of 42,000 and 23,000 respectively (2008 census) will have only one representative under the Threshold Resolution while Tewor District in the same county with the population of 27,000 will have a representative. He said Porkpa and Gola Konneh districts have a combined population of 65,000 which is approximately equal to the population of the entire River Gee County but River Gee will have three representatives.
Similarly, he said, Grand Kru County with a population of 57,000 will have two representatives while Kolahun District in Lofa County with a population of 60,000 will have only one representative. He said Rivercess County with a population of 71,000 will have two house seats as compare to River Gee with a population of 66,000 with three house seats.
He said Foya District in Lofa County with a population of 84,000, Gbarpolu County with the population of 83,000 and Sinoe County with a population of 102,000 will share the same number of house seats (three) each with Grand Cape Mount County which has the population of 127,000. Mr. Massaley feared that these less populated counties which already have two senatorial seats each will enjoy comparative advantage in the legislature because of their numerical strength.
According to him, the Supreme Court under Article 2 of the Constitution, "pursuant to its power of judicial review, is empowered to declare any inconsistent laws unconstitutional," noting that the legislature does not have unlimited powers that cannot be checked under our system of checks and balances. He said the resolution even defies President Sirleaf's constitutional arguments for vetoing the Threshold Bill on two separate occasions that the bill undermines Article 80 d and c. He said it is a sad for our democracy when 22 out of 64 house members can have so much "power" to pass the landmark legislation with far reaching political and economic consequences for the people.
"We must not only stop at criticizing the legislature for acting unconstitutionally, but we must send a clear message that their act of political expediency at the expense of the constitution undermines peace and stability in the country contrary to River Gee Senator Frederick Cherue's assertion that the threshold is based on political expediency to maintain peace in Liberia," he said.
He said the counties of Speaker Alex Tyler, President Pro Tempore Cletus Wotorson and Senator Cherue stand to benefit from this unfair distribution of power, noting this is why these three men are strongly backing the Threshold Resolution.
The former President said Senators and representatives cannot strive to maintain peace in Liberia by grossly undermining the constitution, pointing out that lawmakers do not have constitutional power to arbitrarily assign legislative seats or deprive other counties of seats, in the name of political expediency.
"While we support the holding of general elections on time, we must not being the electoral process by undermining the constitution as this sends a terrible message about the rule of law and sets the stage for unfairness in the upcoming election," Massaley indicated.
He said if the Supreme Court grants the petition, it will be a victory for "our people in the rural areas who are being deprived of fair representation in government and wish their educated children would advocate on their behalf. And that if the court chooses otherwise history will be kind to them for standing up when the constitution and the rule of law were under assault by the legislative and executive branches."
A PLATE OF RICE FOR SEX? Poor Conditions In Monrovia Prison Cells
08/02/2010 - J. Rufus Paul
Source: FrontPage Africa
Monrovia –
Owing to the lack of adequate food supply, a plate of rice has become a commodity traded for homosexuality at the Monrovia Prison Cells.
Prisoners in Liberia suffer malnutrition, overcrowding, grossly inadequate medical care, and the risk of rape or torture. Some of them are detained for years in such conditions even before they are brought to trial. According to prison compound source, food provided by the government for prisoners has been redirected into personal use by Correction and Rehabilitation officials at the Ministry of Justice thereby rendering inmates supplies inadequate. Our sources noted that owing to the lack of adequate food supply, a plate of rice has become a commodity traded for homosexuality at the Monrovia Prison Cells.
Bobby Brown, 29, who has been serving a prison sentence at the Monrovia Prison Compound on Center Street for committing an armed robbery offense has died as a result of poor health condition. He was pronounced dead on July 29, 2010 by medical doctors at the John F. Kennedy hospital where the Ministry of Justice took him for treatment after months of severe sickness in his prison cell.
Another inmate, Lucky Ben told FrontPageAfrica on his sick bed at JFK “I got sick and nearly died in prison that is the reason I’m here undergoing treatment. The doctor said I need to take an operation on my heart, but such operation cannot be performed here only out of the Country. I got sick right in the prison compound owing to the poor conditions in the cells. No good treatment for inmates. Human beings cannot live the way the prisoners are living. You need to go and see for yourself”.
Ben is one inmate at the Monrovia Central Prison accused of theft of property but has not appeared in court. According to him, he has been in jail for over five months without seeing his accuser. He is currently suffering from a heart disease he apparently developed in prison.
The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) has failed to provide basic nutrition, sanitation, and decent housing facility for prisoners, and of the criminal justice system to ensure speedy trials and appeals. Poor conditions and minimal medical care for inmates has contributed to the death of at least six prisoners from the Monrovia Prison Compound in recent times while many others have fallen sick.
Liberian prisoners are starved, packed into cells unfit for human habitation, and face beatings at the hands of certain guards or fellow inmates. Children, pregnant women, pre-trial detainees, and convicted criminals are condemned to brutal treatment including not eating on time at prison centers across the Country.
The Ellen Johnson Sirleaf government and its partners have failed to establish improvements in prison conditions and medical care, and the criminal justice system has failed to respect the rights of prisoners.
Prisoners frequently spend years in prison awaiting resolution of their case. Hundreds of prisoners are not serving time following a conviction but are in prison on remand, awaiting trial or other legal action. They frequently have no access to a lawyer or to bail and may wait months even for an initial appearance before a judge.
Apart from Correction or Rehabilitation centers where inmates are kept, many police station cells in Monrovia are so overcrowded or tight that some prisoners are forced to sleep seated or in shifts. Police officers have been accused on many occasions for routinely beating prisoners, or force them naked into small, dark cells where they are kept far above the statutory period before sending them to court.
However, according to Brown’s mother, Mary Jones, her son’s condition had already gotten horrible in his prison cell before he was handcuffed and brought to JFK amidst counts of bureaucracies from the Ministry of Justice. “When I saw Bobby, I knew he was already a dead man. I saw death in his face; he could not stand, eat nor talk”.
Aging madam Junes noted that “I suggested that I take my son for treatment and turn him over to the MOJ thereafter, but I was pushed around many times in vain. As I speak to you now, his body is deposited at the JFK morgue and MOJ has also refused to turn his corpse over to me for burial”.
Source: FrontPage Africa
Monrovia –
Owing to the lack of adequate food supply, a plate of rice has become a commodity traded for homosexuality at the Monrovia Prison Cells.
Prisoners in Liberia suffer malnutrition, overcrowding, grossly inadequate medical care, and the risk of rape or torture. Some of them are detained for years in such conditions even before they are brought to trial. According to prison compound source, food provided by the government for prisoners has been redirected into personal use by Correction and Rehabilitation officials at the Ministry of Justice thereby rendering inmates supplies inadequate. Our sources noted that owing to the lack of adequate food supply, a plate of rice has become a commodity traded for homosexuality at the Monrovia Prison Cells.
Bobby Brown, 29, who has been serving a prison sentence at the Monrovia Prison Compound on Center Street for committing an armed robbery offense has died as a result of poor health condition. He was pronounced dead on July 29, 2010 by medical doctors at the John F. Kennedy hospital where the Ministry of Justice took him for treatment after months of severe sickness in his prison cell.
Another inmate, Lucky Ben told FrontPageAfrica on his sick bed at JFK “I got sick and nearly died in prison that is the reason I’m here undergoing treatment. The doctor said I need to take an operation on my heart, but such operation cannot be performed here only out of the Country. I got sick right in the prison compound owing to the poor conditions in the cells. No good treatment for inmates. Human beings cannot live the way the prisoners are living. You need to go and see for yourself”.
Ben is one inmate at the Monrovia Central Prison accused of theft of property but has not appeared in court. According to him, he has been in jail for over five months without seeing his accuser. He is currently suffering from a heart disease he apparently developed in prison.
The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) has failed to provide basic nutrition, sanitation, and decent housing facility for prisoners, and of the criminal justice system to ensure speedy trials and appeals. Poor conditions and minimal medical care for inmates has contributed to the death of at least six prisoners from the Monrovia Prison Compound in recent times while many others have fallen sick.
Liberian prisoners are starved, packed into cells unfit for human habitation, and face beatings at the hands of certain guards or fellow inmates. Children, pregnant women, pre-trial detainees, and convicted criminals are condemned to brutal treatment including not eating on time at prison centers across the Country.
The Ellen Johnson Sirleaf government and its partners have failed to establish improvements in prison conditions and medical care, and the criminal justice system has failed to respect the rights of prisoners.
Prisoners frequently spend years in prison awaiting resolution of their case. Hundreds of prisoners are not serving time following a conviction but are in prison on remand, awaiting trial or other legal action. They frequently have no access to a lawyer or to bail and may wait months even for an initial appearance before a judge.
Apart from Correction or Rehabilitation centers where inmates are kept, many police station cells in Monrovia are so overcrowded or tight that some prisoners are forced to sleep seated or in shifts. Police officers have been accused on many occasions for routinely beating prisoners, or force them naked into small, dark cells where they are kept far above the statutory period before sending them to court.
However, according to Brown’s mother, Mary Jones, her son’s condition had already gotten horrible in his prison cell before he was handcuffed and brought to JFK amidst counts of bureaucracies from the Ministry of Justice. “When I saw Bobby, I knew he was already a dead man. I saw death in his face; he could not stand, eat nor talk”.
Aging madam Junes noted that “I suggested that I take my son for treatment and turn him over to the MOJ thereafter, but I was pushed around many times in vain. As I speak to you now, his body is deposited at the JFK morgue and MOJ has also refused to turn his corpse over to me for burial”.
Monday, August 2, 2010
President Sirleaf signs threshold bill into law
Written by Vivian Gartyn & Julius Kanubah
Monday, 02 August 2010
Source: Star Radio Liberia
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has signed into law the joint resolution prescribing an electoral threshold for representation in the House of Representatives.
Star Radio gathered the resolution was signed on July 29, upon the president’s return from the Independence Day celebration in Nimba County.
Presidential Press Secretary Cyrus Wleh Badio told reporters, the president has sent the resolution to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to be printed into handbill.
Mr. Badio said the joint resolution may not be the best document, but the President sees it as a guide to the 2011 elections and sustenance of Liberia’s democracy.
The joint resolution retains the current number of representative seats and creates additional nine seats to be divided among some hugely populated counties.
The counties include Montserrado, Nimba, Bong, Grand Bassa, and Lofa.
The President calls on all citizens especially those with different views on the resolution to look at what she considers the greater picture and lend their support.
Several civil society groups earlier opposed the passage of the joint resolution describing it as a mentally impoverished leadership and called on the president not to sign it.
‘lawmakers react to President’s decision’
Meanwhile, mixed reactions have emerged from the Legislature over the decision of President Sirleaf to sign into law the joint resolution prescribing an electoral threshold.
Two ranking members of the Senate hailed the judgment of the President, describing it as a fulfillment of her constitutional duty and in the national interest.
Senators Joseph Nagbe of Sinoe and Abel Massaley of Grand Cape Mount said the signing of the joint resolution into law puts to rest the controversial threshold bill.
The two Senators also condemned the offensive comment of civil society groups that claimed the approval of the resolution reflected an impoverished leadership.
Meanwhile, Grand Bassa Representative Samuel Page who was critical of the joint resolution has cautiously reacted to the final signing of the document into law.
Representative Page said the action of the President reflects what he calls the bypassing of the Constitution and a political expedient move.
Our Legislative reporter said lawmakers who opposed the joint resolution including Rufus Neufville have shied away from commenting on the President’s decision.
Monday, 02 August 2010
Source: Star Radio Liberia
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has signed into law the joint resolution prescribing an electoral threshold for representation in the House of Representatives.
Star Radio gathered the resolution was signed on July 29, upon the president’s return from the Independence Day celebration in Nimba County.
Presidential Press Secretary Cyrus Wleh Badio told reporters, the president has sent the resolution to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to be printed into handbill.
Mr. Badio said the joint resolution may not be the best document, but the President sees it as a guide to the 2011 elections and sustenance of Liberia’s democracy.
The joint resolution retains the current number of representative seats and creates additional nine seats to be divided among some hugely populated counties.
The counties include Montserrado, Nimba, Bong, Grand Bassa, and Lofa.
The President calls on all citizens especially those with different views on the resolution to look at what she considers the greater picture and lend their support.
Several civil society groups earlier opposed the passage of the joint resolution describing it as a mentally impoverished leadership and called on the president not to sign it.
‘lawmakers react to President’s decision’
Meanwhile, mixed reactions have emerged from the Legislature over the decision of President Sirleaf to sign into law the joint resolution prescribing an electoral threshold.
Two ranking members of the Senate hailed the judgment of the President, describing it as a fulfillment of her constitutional duty and in the national interest.
Senators Joseph Nagbe of Sinoe and Abel Massaley of Grand Cape Mount said the signing of the joint resolution into law puts to rest the controversial threshold bill.
The two Senators also condemned the offensive comment of civil society groups that claimed the approval of the resolution reflected an impoverished leadership.
Meanwhile, Grand Bassa Representative Samuel Page who was critical of the joint resolution has cautiously reacted to the final signing of the document into law.
Representative Page said the action of the President reflects what he calls the bypassing of the Constitution and a political expedient move.
Our Legislative reporter said lawmakers who opposed the joint resolution including Rufus Neufville have shied away from commenting on the President’s decision.
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