Law & Order

Government
TOP
News
pg 8
STORIES

pg 8

147K
THEFT

DUAL
CURRENCY
GLITCH

CENTRAL BANK OF LIBERIA

MARKET BUYING AND SELLING RATES
LIBERIAN DOLLARS PER US DOLLAR

Female LBDI Employee

Goes On Trial

DILEMMA, CALLS MOUNT

FOR DE-DOLLARIZATION

BUYING

FrontPage

L$84.00/US$1

L$85.00/US$1

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

L$84.00/US$1

L$85.00/US$1

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2015

L$84.00/US$1

L$85.00/US$1

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2015

These are indicative rates based on results of daily surveys of

the foreign exchange market in Monrovia and its environs. The
rates are collected from the Forex Bureaux and the commercials
banks. The rates are not set by the Central Bank of Liberia.

www.frontpageafricaonline.com

Source:
Research, Policy and Planning Department,
Central Bank Liberia,
Monrovia, Liberia

PRICE L$40

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015

VOL 9 NO.36

SELLING

GOVERNMENT SET TO MOVE ON UREY,

ANNOS, SENATE SECRETARY, OTHERS

INDICTMENT LOOMS IN

NOCAL BRIBERY SAGA

"That Defendants Clemenceau B. Urey, Sr., then Chairman, Board of Directors of the National Oil Company of Liberia
(NOCAL), Cllr. Stephen B. Dunbar, Jr., Peter B. Jallah, Jr., D. Evelyn Kandakai, Albert T. Chie, all then members Board
of Directors, NOCAL, Dr. Fodee Kromah, former President/CEO, NOCAL, Fulton Reeves, Comptroller, NOCAL, Timothy
G. Wiaplah, then Senior Accountant, NOCAL authorized, approved, paid and/or caused to be paid US$50,000 captioned as
lobbying fees to members of the 52nd Legislature ......" - Excerpt from unsealed indictment obtained by FrontPageAfrica

I AM GUILTY

LOVER KILLER
ADMITS TO MURDER

p 7

FORCEFUL
EVICTION

leaves thousands homeless in

Battery Factory Community

p 7

Corruption Watch- pg.6

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Page 2 | Frontpage

at her farm on New Years Day, a tradition, but was apparently

rebuffed by the President or her close confidantes. Mr. Tweah
has complained privately about the treatment meted out to him
and his colleagues.
Clearly, the presidents Party that gave her two successive
presidential elections is only a shelf of itself, with prominent
members, such as Musa Hassan Bility and Madina Wesseh,
publicly challenging the presidents sons bid to be senator and may
be signaling their independence to create a political configuration
that would make them relevant in the choices in 2017.

Rodney D. Sieh, rodney.sieh@frontpageafricaonline.com

arely twenty two months before the momentous year

2017 arrives, already the presidential configurations
are beginning to take shape.
Several factors will
determine the winners, losers, king makers and also
those who will contest in Liberias most important election in the
post war period. The 2017 election will determine if Liberians are
shedding their international image from a country perpetually on
the verge of implosion or as contributors to a peaceful democratic
order within the international system. Domestic politics based
upon one man one vote should be the decisive factor in the 2017
presidential elections, but certainly, with so much riding on the
countrys future, regional and geopolitical factors will also come
into play.
Liberia is no longer just another poor African nation situated on
the continents West Coast. It is a special project supported by the
international system in peace building and consolidation. With
billions of dollars poured into the country since the end of the
war in 2003, the international community cannot stand by idly
as Liberians make choices that could return the country to its
ugly and painful past. Therefore, the international community
will in no small way try to influence the outcome of the countrys
election by sending clear signals on those presidential candidates
and political configurations acceptable to the international
system. That would be a tall order, considering the fact that the
international system operates under the doctrine of not interfering
in the domestic politics of member states. That is only in theory.
Both regional and international considerations will determine
the outcome of the 2017 presidential elections and the amount
of support and cooperation that will be granted by the countrys
development partners to the new leaders in Monrovia. Therefore,
political groupings in Liberia will be looking for clear signals
from Washington, D.C, Abuja and Brussels. Already, Washington
is reordering the transition by attempting to strengthen the exit of
President Sirleaf on a positive note. Before the onset of Ebola, it
was clear that relations between the two countries were strained
due to the negative narrative coming out of Liberia which seemed
to indicate deepening poverty and lack of social cohesion as a
result of unchecked corruption in all branches of the government.
Transparency International rates Liberia the 2nd most corrupt
country in Africa based upon a perception survey of Liberians.
But with the Ebola virus waning and the Obama administration
in need of a foreign policy triumph in contrast to the difficulties
in Iraq, Yemen, Libya and Afghanistan, Mrs. Sirleaf and Mr.
Obama have developed a sort of synergy, with both presidents
as lame ducks desiring to leave office on a positive note. The
American support to Liberia in fighting Ebola with more than
2800 troops and hundreds of millions of dollars clearly requires
a victory lap by both presidents, and on Thursday of this week in
Washington, D.C, fortuitously for President Sirleaf, she will be
sharing the dais with President Obama, with both declaring their
fight against Ebola an unqualified success. The photo op would be
irresistible. For President Sirleaf, it would be an opportunity to
dispel the widespread belief in Liberia that disagreements existed
between the two counties mainly on issues of corruption and
lack of accountability in governance and for President Obama;
it would signal Americas support to an African country in its
victorious fight against the scourge of Ebola. President Sirleaf

could strategically use the rekindling of relations with the Obama

administration to reconsolidate her foreign policy credentials
which could help in giving her some leverage in influencing the
presidential election in 2017. Her two recent political losses,
Robert Sirleafs rebuff by voters in Montserrado County during
the senatorial elections last December and repudiation of Joseph
Nagbe, her choice for Senate Pro Temp should be instructive on
her loosening grips on power.
The elections in Nigeria between incumbent Good Luck Jonathan
and former Military Leader Muhamudu Buhari could also
determine the sway Nigeria, the regional economic and military
power has in the 2017 elections. It is clear that Good Luck Jonathan
and President Sirleaf have cordial relations, but lately, the political
tide has been turning in Nigeria, with her other friend, Olusegun
Obasanjo endorsing Buhari. A Buhari win would improve
Obasanjos influence, but if Jonathan wins, it might undermine the
intermediary role Obasanjo has been playing with the Nigerian
power elite on behalf of President Sirleaf. The Nigerians have to
be courted by anyone who wants to be the president of Liberia in
2017 and beyond. Some have already begun doing so, but the
latest election in that country and its unknown outcome has placed
everyone on pause for the moment.
The political configurations for 2017 are becoming clearer as
the time approaches. The major players in the field are mostly
well known and are positioning themselves to build coalitions
that could give them state power in 2017. Clearly, the incumbent
President, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the person with the most to gain
or lose will certainly try as hard as possible to determine her
successor. The president is still playing it very close to her chest,
although in private she is telling confidantes she supports Vice
President Joe Boakai for the presidency in 2017, but the signal
has been blurred by the actions of the presidents key operatives.
There is brewing tension between supporters of the Vice President
and some of the Presidents key operatives. The Vice president
has been complaining that he gets minimal budget support from
the government and there is some tension over the lack of clarity
on the presidents support of the Vice presidents ambitions.
What is clear is that earlier prediction that the President would
resign a year or two before her term ends in order to provide the
advantage of incumbency to Joe Boakai is now highly unlikely as
President Sirleaf is making it clear she intends to finish her term.
Additionally, the President is being urged to finish her term by her
closest friends and allies fearing that Boakai could bring in his
own team, sidelining many of them, and thus it would be best they
just ride out President Sirleafs last term.
The Presidents Unity Party is all in tatters, with a faction loyal
to newly elected Senator Varney Sherman, mostly led by the
Secretary General Wilmot Paye as the remaining piece in a
fully dismembered political arrangement. The Party has been
coming apart at the seams since early 2012, immediately after the
inauguration, with members of the Auxiliary, Youth Wing, Rural
Women and other constituents feeling alienated, from lack of a
credible plan to provide jobs and opportunities for the partys
supporters. Instead, they claim, the administration provides jobs
and opportunities to her friends and cronies.
The Chairman of the Youth Wing, Assistant Minister Amos
Tweah led a group of county youth leaders to meet the President

Vice President Joe Boakai is in a precarious position politically.

The Unity Party is dismembered into its constituent parts, with the
LAP/LUP configuration mostly under the command and control of
Varney Sherman, newly elected senator from Grand Cape Mount
County, and indeed a potential kingmaker in presidential politics,
now running the party.
Boakai has not consolidated forces and cannot seem too anxious
to be aiming for the countrys top leadership position. It would
be entirely up to Mrs. Sirleaf when and if Joe Boakai can
publicly indicate his ambition to be president. Under current
circumstances, Joe Boakai is stuck in a political wonderland,
wondering if and when President Sirleaf will introduce him as her
potential successor. Boakai must also deal with the presidents
closest operatives, including Robert Sirleaf, Amara Konneh,
Eugene Nagbe, Medina Wesseh, and Musa Hassan Bility who
are suspicious of the vice presidents alliances. Some feel the
Vice President has not built a coalition and might be tribalistic
as most of his confidantes are Kissi or people from Lofa, with
the arrow clearly pointed to the countrys very powerful Defense
Minister Brownie Samukai, who calls the VP Uncle Joe and who
has privately indicated his willingness to support him for the
presidency. With tensions between Samukai and Konneh, and
with Konneh expressing fears to confidantes that he would be the
first casualty of Boakais ascendancy to power it does seem there
needs some repair work to be done between the factions ahead of
2017. Some of the VPs critics say he has not built any coalition
during his time as tie breaker in the senate and neither has he
sought to build a multiparty political base. To some observers,
these criticisms are unfair to a VP who has to live in a shadow
of an overbearing president and who must keep his ambitions in
check.
Boakais fortunes are directly tied to the sentiments the electorate
feels towards Mrs. Sirleaf and her closely knitted circle of friends
and ministers. Lately, the Presidents sliding grip on power and
status as a lame duck with limited ability has been manifested in
two seminal events, the loss of the Montserrado senatorial election
by her son, Robert Sirleaf and the failure of operatives to land
Joseph Nagbe as Pro Temp in the Senate. Joe Boakai is clearly
a contender, but his chances of winning the presidency are tied
to the actions of Mrs. Sirleaf and how ultimately the electorate
views her legacy. If within the next two years, the presidents
development agenda can be realigned to the aspirations of the
Liberian people, and if she consolidates her foreign policy
credentials by riding the wave of post Ebola good will that seems
to be coming from the international community, as is manifested
by her visit to the White House this week, then she could be
in a position to influence the outcome of the 2017 presidential
elections. If, on the other hand, she and her key operatives keep
their eyes off the ball, and the country sinks into more discord
from egregious cases of corruption and the post Ebola economic
recovery is not well managed to accrue significant benefits to a
broad spectrum of Liberians, the country could slide back into
the negative narrative, and if this narrative makes the international
wires, the presidents external good will could evaporate, forcing
international leaders to distance themselves from her, which could
cause the transition in 2017 to be a nasty quest for power that
might risk instability.
There are other potential candidates who will provide stiff
competition and counter the presidential ambition of Vice
President Joe Boakai. In addition to Joe Boakai, there are four
leading potential presidential candidates according to analyses
of constituencies supporting each of them:
George Weah,

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Benoni Urey, Charles Brumskine and Mills Jones. Although the
presidential succession line may be deeper than the four leading
candidates, with others like Simeon Freeman, Kennedy Sandy,
Kwame Clements, and the nativists led by Emmanuel Nuquay in
the newly formed People Unification Party (PUP), but it is clear
that unless there are dramatic shifts in the current Liberian political
configurations, these four leading candidates will continue to be
the key figures to watch.
One potential candidate who cannot win a national race, but
can always serve as premier king or queen maker is Nimbas
irrepressible Senator Prince Y. Johnson, who came in third in the
2011 elections ahead of Charles Brumskine of the Liberty Party,
and whose support assured Mrs. Sirleaf the presidency. Nimba
county will continue to be the swing county in presidential politics
due to its demographics (the second largest voters roll in Liberia)
and Prince Johnsons role as the God father of the county is
expected to remain consequential for the foreseeable future with
2017 being no exception.

Frontpage
political baggage, including his ties to former President Taylor,
but he appears to be overcoming that by his popularity with key
segments of the electorate, and it doesnt hurt that Mr. Urey has
the financial resources to make himself relevant in the quest for
power in 2017. He is rumored to be a 20 percent shareholder in
Lonestar, with a thousand plus rubber plantation, owner of several
radio stations and with strong allies in the Media.
Already, Friends of Urey organizations are springing up all
over the country and around the world. Mr. Urey appears to be
rebuilding the winning coalition that brought the NPP to power in
1997. He spends most of his time in Bong and Nimba counties
and recently has sought to finance the reburial of former late vice
president Enoch Dogolea to his county of birth.

Page 3

But Brumskine has disappointed his wells wishers in the last two
elections. In fact he came in fourth place in 2011 after Prince
Johnson. While he played the role of a king maker in 2005
unwittingly by not supporting any candidate after he lost to Sirleaf
and Weah in the first round, he played no significant part in the
2011 elections.
Brumskine has the opportunity to build a winning coalition.
There are talks between his camp and some operatives of the
president who are designing an insurance policy just in case the
Boakai presidential ambition falters. Brumskines Liberty Party
came alive in the 2014 senatorial race, by wresting a seat from
Gbezongar Findley, the presidents closest ally in the senate
and by propelling Steve Zargo to victory in Lofa. The Partys
Chairman Fonati Koffa is a strong ally and business partner with
Medina Wesseh, the presidents close allies, although relations
have thawed over Ms. Wessehs repudiation of the Robert Sirleaf
campaign. Chairman Koffa is the key Brumskine operative who
is the link to the ruling party, negotiating terms and conditions for
2017 and opportunities in the interim with the countrys Finance
Minister Amara Konneh, probably the closest political ally and
functionary to the president, besides her son Robert Sirleaf.
Odds: If Charles Brumskine wants to be president, he needs to
build a national coalition. He must go beyond the influence the
Liberty Party wields in Grand Bassa County and start to behave
like an opposition and not as an appendage to the ruling party.
People miss the old Brumskine who provided credible analysis on
issues of national concern during the first term of President Sirleaf,
but has now gone into political hibernation, serving mostly as a
legal counsel for business interests. Liberians seem to want the
old Brumskine back.
Joseph Mills Jones

George Weah
Chances: George Weah, the political leader of the Congress for
Democratic Change, and recently elected Montserrado County
Senator is a leading contender for the presidency in 2017, and
he could also be the biggest king maker. While Weah has not
demonstrated any winning formula in national elections, yet the
CDC is still the largest political opposition force in the country,
but with mainly an urban following that has not made much of an
impact in elections outside of Montserrado Country. Nevertheless
the countrys youth has demonstrated its love for its biggest ever
sports sensation, which may be George Weahs enduring appeal.
Whether that kind of popularity can be transformed into a winning
combination for a presidential contest is unclear.
Odds: What is clear is that the Liberian people may be unwilling
or unable to give state power to Mr. Weah when he has not
demonstrated political leadership by extending the CDCs reach
to other important constituencies, and in fact the CDC has been
badly fractured with key operatives fleeing the party. Eugene
Nagbe, Jacob Kabakole, Jackie Capehart, Geraldine Doe-Sheriff
and many other functionaries left the party and for now it seems the
radical wing of the party is exerting leadership through Jefferson
Koijee, Mulbah Morlu and the iconoclastic representative Acarous
Gray.
The recent leadership imbroglio within the party that saw some
members brutalized and led to the expulsion of Chairman George
Solo seems to validate the feeling that the party is overburdened
with youthful indiscretions and immaturity in the political
leadership. Many observers says Weahs inability to rein in some
of his young and aggressive supporters has made it difficult if not
impossible to bring in more moderate partisans, with professional
experience that could serve as the foundation for leadership in a
CDC led national administration.
Moreover, George Weah has not consolidated his credentials as a
political leader with any foreign policy reach, except for friends in
FIFA, who cannot do much to influence regional or international
politics. The proximity of Mr. Weah to Mr. Mohammed Bin
Hammam in the Qatari FIFA scandal could also impact the
former world best footballers attempts to gain broader appeal
internationally that could increase his credibility as a successor to
Mrs. Sirleaf in 2017. Mr. Weah has limited experience and reach
in the international system and no one in the CDC is stepping up
to the plate to provide him the external links necessary to be a
successful president of Liberia.
Benoni Urey
Chances: Benoni Urey seems to riding the wave of popular
dissatisfaction with the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Administration
and is one candidate working on building a coalition across
the political spectrum. The fact that a strong supporter of jailed
President Charles Taylor has positioned himself as a potential
successor to Madam Sirleaf indicates some of the failings of
the current administration and could portend difficult days for
people tied to the Unity Party. Benoni Urey comes with lots of

Odds: Despite his successes, Mr. Urey must still face the demons
of Charles Taylor and his ties to a government widely considered
bad neighbors in the Sub-region. One person Mr. Urey has to
convince within the region is Alasane Outtara, a good and dear
friend of President Sirleaf, who is highly suspicious of anyone
with links to Mr. Charles Taylor. Mr. Urey would have to

also convince regional and international leaders that his quest
for the presidency is his own ambition, has nothing to do with
resuscitating the NPP or the influence of Charles Taylor and he is
a man of his own standing. A tall order, but Mr. Urey is a product
of the American school system from grade school through high
school at the American Cooperative School, graduate school at the
University of Southern California with two masters degrees has
the pedigree but must still overcome the deep seated suspicious
against people with ties to Charles Taylor. Mr. Urey says he is
very confident that his popularity and influence with Liberians can
overcome any perceived deficiency he has with the international
community. He is quick to remind anyone listening that he has
been cleared by the UN system lifting sanctions on him almost
two years now. In that report, it said he did not pose any threat to
Liberia or the region.
Charles Walker Brumskine

Chances: Charles Walker Brumskine, political leader of the

Liberty Party who had allegedly resigned from politics during the
last campaign season has most of the characteristics acceptable
to the West, but the learned counselor has been unable to pull
substantial votes in two national contests, in 2005 and 2011.
Failure to pull high numbers certainly might indicate that he
lacks a national constituency. People within the international
system are comfortable with him, meaning he is a not a significant
departure from the style and tempo of the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
administration, minus the political will to fight corruption. Pundits
say if he could develop a winning coalition, his administration
would signal some sort of continuity in democratic governance.

Chances: Joseph Mills Jones is the dark horse in the race. While
the Central Bank governor has been slow to indicate his political
ambitions, his actions and those of his supporters clearly indicate
he has presidential ambitions. He has been quietly supporting
political operatives, including people like Jewel Howard Taylor,
Oscar Quiah and others with resources. Undoubtedly the
relationship fashioned with the Liberia Business Association
(LIBA) is no accident, and the associations president, Dee
Maxwell Kemayah is clearly set to be one of the potential
campaign organizers for Governor Jones in 2017.
Governor Jones has raised suspicions in certain circles with his
micro finance scheme being run under the canopy of the Central
Bank. While the theoretical arguments have been simmering
over whether the Central Bank has the mandate to directly loan
money to consumers, the governor has also embarked on his
village savings and loan scheme around the country, arriving in
county capitals as a prince riding a white horse. In one instance,
he sought to upstage Vice President Joseph Boakai in Lofa County
by having billboards announcing his arrival.
Odds: Clearly Governor Jones ability to use the resources of the
Central Bank to do public good while cashing in on the political
capital from such a move is masterful. It remains to be seen if
the Central Bank governor has the political will, endurance and
patience to build a winning coalition and to be able to undergo the

skullduggery
in politics. Most people who know him say he is a
very serious man, loves his country and has strong desires to see
improvements in the lives of Liberians.
Finally, the political configurations for 2017 are by no means
complete and changing circumstances in economic development
and other variables could change the dynamics. No matter how
the dynamics change, it is clear that Liberias 2017 elections
will be hardly fought but ultimately, whoever wins must fashion
a relationship with the international system in order to support
the countrys development agenda and keep regional peace and
stability.

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Page 4 | Frontpage

FrontPage COMMENTARY
EDITORIAL CORRUPTION REJOICES.AS
Commentary

POLICE MUST PROVE ITS

WORTH WITH A REPORT
IN ALLISONS DEATH

SINCE THE DEATH of Atty. Michael Allison more than

a week ago, the Liberian National Police announced
that it immediately commenced investigation to
ascertain the circumstances that led to the incident but
it seems all is now tied to an autopsy report from a
Sierra Leonean Pathologist.
ON THE DAY of the incident, eyewitnesses confirmed
that the police was alerted about the incident when the
late Allison was accordingly rescued from the water
where he was allegedly found drowning.
ONE EYE WITNESS account narrated that the police
failed to remove the body of the deceased on the day of
the incident despite arriving on the scene, resulting to
mutilation of the dead body the next day.
THE CIRCUMSTANCES SURROUNDING the death
of Allison has led to widespread speculations that
something sinister took place and that he did not die
under normal cause.
AN INCIDENT OF such nature requires prompt
investigation in order to dispel the looming fear that
people fighting corruption are at risk especially when
the deceased was part of an ongoing investigation into
an alleged corruption saga.
EVEN A FAST preliminary report is necessary while
full scale investigation continues, as it will help to calm
tension and restore some level of confidence in the
police force.
WHENEVER, THE SECURITY force such as police
fails to perform its functions; it leaves the public with
no options but to continue to speculate that something
went wrong in Allisons death.
AT THE BACKDROP of all the rumors and
speculations, the Liberian National Police, responsible
for investigating such mysterious incidences including
deaths is under obligation to investigate and produce a
report for public consumption.
IT NOW SEEMS all the questions and suspicions
surrounding the death of Allison are now tied to an
autopsy report which is yet to be released by a Sierra
Leonean, Dr. Koroma.
THE POLICE MUST perform its statutory mandate
to investigate and produce a report not relying on an
autopsy conducted by a foreign doctor before releasing
a report.
OVER THE LAST few years the police has proven
incapable of conducting investigation as there are
numerous instances where it has assured the public
of conducting investigation into events but in the end
these reports are never released to the public.
IT IS A shame for a force trained with the help of the
international community including the United Nations
Mission in Liberia where experts were brought into
the country and some police officers sent abroad
for training to prove unable to perform such duty as
conducting investigation.
THERE ARE COUNTLESS instances where the
Liberian national Police has failed to live to up
expectation in conducting investigation and the Allison
case must not be another one this time around.
IT IS A compelling duty of the police to utilize the
trainings conducted using thousands of dollars by
performing it duties including conducting investigation.
LIBERIA CANNOT CONTINUE to spend millions on

WHISTLE-BLOWER DEMISED

Abraham M. Keita, VI keitaabrahamvi@gmail.com

n spite of the creation of anti-corruption entities

including the General Auditing Commission
and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission,
corruption and other economic crimes remain on
the rampage. In fact, corruption is wining and dining
with President Sirleaf and other high government
officials. Corruption is rejoicing today simply because
one of its antagonists has fallen prey to the cold hands
of death. Corruption makes a minority to remain at the
echelon of wealth, and makes the ordinary and hopeless
majority to perpetuate in poverty, hunger and disease.
Corruption has rejuvenated and is rejoicing due to an
uninformed war that was declared on transparency and
accountability. Micro-felons and bandits are now singing
songs of ecstasy and have been rejuvenated from their
corrupt catacombs. They are re-enforcing their corrupt
tentacles into our state coffers and pillaging our resources
and tax-payers money. It is an open secret that economic
vultures and vampires took an oath to humiliate and trick
down reputable individuals who are vociferous against
corruption.
Corruption is not only an immoral act, but also, it
devastates the economy; it widens the economic gap
between the haves (rich) and the have-nots (poor); and
serves as an obstacle to the building of good infrastructure,
and the transformation of the livelihoods of our people.
Throughout the pages of the annals of history, corruption
has been gate-crashing the path to genuine national
development and an impediment to the scramble for the
eradication of poverty, hunger and inequality.
Under the regime of President Sirleaf, a lady who spoke
vigorously against this very corruption, economic
sabotage is the hall-mark of the day. Every corner of our
country has been affected by this menacing enemy that is
dangerous than diseases Corruption. For too long, the
theory of impunity has overwhelmed our judicial system.
Bribery and loss of jobs have been used by our leaders
as a medium of preventing corruptors from facing the
law. Our judges and lawyers are rapid in taking bribes.
Economic embezzlers have made the nation and its people
gullible that even prosecutors of economic crimes can no
longer uphold their integrity. Instead, their stomachs are
being controlled by money.
Despite of the rejuvenation of corruption, we will continue
to combat it. The journey to eliminating this faceless and
societal virus may seem gigantic and vacillating, but
we must remain chronic in our quest; we must not be
deterred by the words of morally-deficit characters; we
must make transparency, accountability and integrity our
basic formula. This journey requires uncompromising,
morally-disciplined and unwavering individuals who
are prepare to give away their lives in order to sustain
this fight. It is not an easy task to do, because economic

bandits have agglutinated and placed themselves at the

peak of our three (3) Branches of government.
Cllr. Michael Allison, where ever your soul might be
right now, I say to you, your fight against corruption will
be maintained, your memories will live on and justice
will be served in due course. The death of Cllr. Allison,
who was the conduit in an ongoing corruption case of
US$25,000.00 involving Rep. Alex Tyler-Speaker of the
House of Representatives and Rep. Adolph A. LawrenceRepresentative of District #15- Montserrado County, is
an inspiration to me and many other young people and an
urgent call to intensify our joint effort against economic
crimes. We have become more proactive fighters against
corruption. We can safely say, you are the father of anticorruption in Liberia. And, we are awaiting the autopsy
reports.

a police force that cannot investigate and establish the

cause of death peaceful citizens.
WHILE THE DR. Koroma is still conducting his
autopsy, the police has a responsibility to the public to
release a report into the death of Atty. Allison.
IN THIS CASE, if the police is incapable of conducting
an investigation in this particular one, it must come out
bluntly to enable the government of Liberia looks out

for competent Liberians to investigate.

WHAT GOOD IS a police force that cannot investigate
when investigation is one of key functions of policing
all around the world?
THIS TIME AROUND, the police must step up and
prove its worth with a credible investigation into the
death of Atty. Allison, not waiting for report from a
foreign pathologist.

OUR TEARS SHOULD SERVE AS A CHANGE

-A TRIBUTE TO CLLR. MICHAEL ALLSON
Oh! Cllr. Michael Allison, I am completely sad and
astonished
Because you demised without telling us a good-bye
If only I had the power to take lives, you wouldnt have
died
The cold hands of death took you away, without
considering the struggle ahead
Your death has proven to the world that corruption
Is our government common denominator
Now that you have died, we are inspire to continue your
fight
Defeating corruption is not an easy task, but with the
guidance
Of your soul, we will achieve it
For many days we have cried, but our tears cannot bring
you back
Our promise to you is to fight corruption to the last drop
of our blood
So dedicated and compassionate, you did not compromise
You did all you could to protect your integrity and save
our nation from continues bankruptcy
As we wipe our tears, the change has got to start
With a sorrowful heart, I say rest in peace, Cllr. Allison,
rest in peace
In your memory and honor, the struggle continues

About the writer: Abraham M. Keita Child and

Youth Advocate is a young Liberia who resides in the
densely-slum community of West Point, a home to over
30,000 marginalized Liberians. He can be reached at
keitaabrahamvi@gmail.com and keita21a@yahoo.com

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Frontpage

FrontPage

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING

ABOUT OUR STORIES ON THE
WORLDWIDE WEB

COMMENTS FROM
FPA ONLINE

NOCAL LAWYER
WHISTLEBLOWER IN
25K OIL SAGA DEAD

GEORGE K. FAHNBULLEH TOP COMMENTER

Let me guess, there will be no autopsy. No forensics. No nothing. The
government of Liberia is a Continuing Criminal Enterprise.
GBANAY BAI ROBERTS COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICER
AT LIBERIA PETROLEUM REFINING COMPANY
Why should there be an autopsy in this case Fahnbulleh? The cause of
death is very known. He died from drowning. He has gone to swim.
DAH-NU MIANYEN CUTTINGTON UNIVERSITY GRADUATE
SCHOOL
Hmm..... Day will still break! Light overcomes darkness and so will this
case be.
BENJAMEN QUAYE TOP COMMENTER UNIVERSITY OF
LIBERIA
How is this a homicide when an eye witness says he drowned? "...
according to accounts from a woman whose identity is sealed claiming
to be a girl said, she came out with the decease on beach around late
evening hours adding that after a while he [Cllr. Allison] decided to swim
in the ocean. According to the young lady, after few minutes she saw him
drowning adding that she cried out for help and the security next door
came to her aid and called a Brazilian man who had a speed boat to get
him out of the water which they did but he did not survive." Don't get me
wrong. This could have been a homicide if the eye-witness saw people in
the water who inflicted the drowning. Short of that, how have we jumped
from a supposed accidental drowning to an alleged homicide?
SAMUEL COLE TOP COMMENTER WORKS AT UNIVERSITY
OF MINNESOTA MASONIC CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
Exactly, the writer quotes an eyewitness but yet describes it as a murder. I
am confused! Are people reading the story or just commenting.
ALEXANDER TROKON SHELTON TOP COMMENTER
The death of Cllr. Allison should raise more concern at this time then
never before relative to dealing with NOCAL and Legislature. No one
is above the law and if said event have occurred during an ongoing
investigation, it should place both parties concerned in the spotlight. If
our lawmaker and NOCAL will not be transparent at this time were we
at laying the foundation for the discovery of what could be a blessing or
a curse to our country, Liberia this singular to a gray future and we as a
people must do all we can to straighten things now before this plug us into
another civil unrest in the future! WE NEED OPEN TRANSPARENCY
NOT SECRECY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF OUR NATURAL
RESOURCES.
GBANAY BAI ROBERTS COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICER
AT LIBERIA PETROLEUM REFINING COMPANY
I am sure that you are not suggesting that NOCAL/ members of the
Legislature Killed the lawyer.
LAR-YOME Z. GOBAH AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL
UNIVERSITY
While we regret this untimely situation, we can only hope that
investigation into his death be made known to the larger society through
a transparent- forensic and investigative process
BENJAMIN ART TOP COMMENTER
This murder like such others before it in recent years will prove to be
a turning point if this government finds any reason, any excuse for not
finding and prosecuting the culprits involved. Otherwise, this would be
the beginning of restoring the mandate of state power to warlords in
Liberia. If law abiding citizens are murdered because of honoring their
civic duties under a civilian government, warlords might find room of
accommodation in the hearts of a scared society. This is very unfortunate!
This is very sad! This is very retrogressive! Watch out, Liberians!
GBANAY BAI ROBERTS COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICER
AT LIBERIA PETROLEUM REFINING COMPANY
Is it a murder?
SYLVESTER MOSES TOP COMMENTER WORKS AT SELFEMPLOYED
A homicide is committed. One promising family man had his life snuffed
out violently and prematurely by, or on behalf of, a person or persons who
seemingly believed he was a threat; therefore, his demise should deprive
of a star witness any likely prosecution of the so - called corruption
prosecution. But commonsense wouldve avoided this tragedy; the
case doesnt have a leg to stand on in spite of the noise. It will have
embarrassing unintended consequences.
For the talked about loose ends of the issue is that the whole rigmarole
was a calculated act to frame others. Obviously, poor Cllr. Michael
Allison wasnt a whistleblower, because he didnt expose corruption
between the company that contracted with him, NOCAL, and the named
legislators. Rather he was allegedly a willing participant in the companys
game to bribe, and expose targeted legislators whove been lately proving
difficult to toe their line.

DISCLAIMER

The comments expressed here are those of our online readers and
bloggers and do no represent the views of FrontPageAfrica

The Reader's Page

Page 5

Send your letters and comments to:

editor@frontpageafricaonline.com
YOU WRITE; WE PUBLISH; THEY READ!

COUNTERING THE CONTRADICTIONS: AN

OPEN LETTER TO MR. ABRAHAM D. DILLON

Dear Mr. Dillon:

n 1912, former United States President Woodrow Wilson, in

support of the concept of constitutions being living and breathing
documents, said, Society is a living organism and must obey
the laws of life, not of mechanics; it must develop. All that
progressives ask or desire is permissionto interpret the Constitution
according to the Darwinian principle; all they ask is recognition of the
fact that a nation is a living thing and not a machine. Ninety years
later in Atkins v. Virginia, the United States Supreme Court, using
the evolving standard of decency measurement, ruled that it was
in violation of the Eighth Amendment to execute a mentally retarded
person. This evolving standard of decency and the understanding
that constitutions are living and breathing documents have served as
the foundation for fundamental constitutional interpretations ranging
from the overturning of Pleasant v. Ferguson to the adaptation and
expansion of the Exclusionary Rule and major Fourth Amendment
rulings.
Now, it is worth noting that while this article deserves uncompromising
due diligence as far as contextualization is concern, it is also necessary
to note that the doctrines being discussed are not ancient to Liberia.
As a matter of fact, at least one of them constitution as a living and
breathing document- served as the arguable foundation for the Liberia
Supreme Courts decision in ruling against Simeon Freemans Writ of
Prohibition during the 2011 electoral period. With such understanding,
it is perfectly justified to use those arguably interchangeable concepts
to counter the arguments of opponents of Dual Citizenship, of which
you are the ring leader.
Speaking of the 2011 Supreme Court decision, the late Chief Justice
Johnnie Lewis, writing for the majority in that ruling stated, on
account of the civil war and its devastating impact on the lives of
the Liberian people at different periods of the nations history,
which necessitated the flight of citizens from the country, it is our
opinion that the framers of the 1986 constitution could neither have
contemplated nor intended that Liberians faced with the state civil
crisis be 'resident' because at some point in the future they may want
to run for the office of president. Mr. Dillon, you have consistently
argued that the only way in which the constitution can be changed
is through a national referendum. Do you know that the decision
in 2011 was a legal change to the constitution that did not require
ANY referendum? Moreover, the deceased Chief Justices statement
reflects an understanding, acceptance and situational application of
the living and breathing document doctrine. In addition to not only
accepting the doctrine, the decision established a solid precedent
upon which the Liberian Supreme Court can rely to rule in favor of
Dual citizenship.
Knowing you, you may want to limit the ruling to just the issue it
dealt with. Unfortunately, doing such would not only deprive you
the opportunity to expand your understanding of the mobility of
constitutions. It would amount to a total disregard for the very
constitution and laws of Liberia- a country you LOVE dearly.
On the issue of disregarding the laws of Liberia, it is difficult to
categorize this second argument from opponents of Dual citizenship,
which is: Liberians with foreign citizenships can still invest in Liberia
(i.e., build house and establish businesses, etc.). What is difficult to
understand is the fact that on one end, you are advocating for adherence
to the constitution and laws of Liberia yet, on the other end, you are
encouraging people to violate these laws by virtue of your claim.
According to Chapter III, Article 22A of the Liberian Constitution,
Every person shall have the right to own property alone as well as
in association with others; provided that only Liberian citizens shall
have the right to own real property within the Republic. Now, to
avoid argument, let us agree that given the construct of this section,
every person has the right to own some kind of property in Liberia.
But what we cannot argue is the fact that ONLY Liberians can own
REAL PROPERTY. And, by definition, REAL PROPERTY means
lands, houses, business establishments (not leased but built) and a
host of other tangible properties within the context of the law. So,
based on that indisputable fact, it is accurate to conclude that such
disregard for the law as being pushed by you and your cohorts is
highly clandestine and not nationalistic. The most plausible reason

is to eventually lay national claim to these individuals' properties in

the near future, which is not entirely impossible judging from the
manner in which the countrys affairs are being conducted. As if this
contradiction is not enough, you and your fellow opponents of Dual
citizenship decided it is OK to project yourselves as defenders of the
constitution while at the same time using the Alien and Nationality
Law to argue against Dual Citizenship. The issue here is that the
Alien and Nationality Law contradicts the constitution in many ways,
two of which include: the Due Process provision and the citizenship
definition.
According to Article 20A of the Liberian Constitution, due process
is required before one can be deprived of their right to "life, liberty,
security of the person or property or ANY OTHER RIGHT..." Now,
according to Section 22.2 of your beloved Alien and Nationality Law,
"the loss of Citizenship under Section 22.1 of this title (I.e., Alien and
Nationality Law) shall result solely from the performance by a citizen
of the acts or fulfillment of the conditions specified in such section,
and WITHOUT THE INSTITUTION BY THE GOVERNMENT
OF ANY PROCEEDINGS TO NULLIFY OR CANCEL SUCH
CITIZENSHIP." On one end, you have the constitution calling for
DUE PROCESS and, on the other end, you have a title calling for
AUTOMATIC loss of citizenship. What is even more disturbing is
the fact that Section 22.1A of the Alien and Nationality Law states
that "voting in a political election in a foreign state..." are grounds for
AUTOMATIC loss of Liberian citizenship.
This means, a LIBERIAN , WITHOUT naturalization, can lose
his/her Liberian citizenship since it is on the verge of becoming
possible to vote in some state and local elections in these UNITED
STATES with just a GREEN CARD. In furtherance of highlighting
the contradictions and the loss of Citizenship without naturalization,
it is necessary to draw your attention to Section 20.1B of the Alien
and Nationality Law. According to this section, citizenship by birth
extends to "a person born outside (of) Liberia whose father (i) was
born a citizen of Liberia; (ii) at the time of the birth of such child, and
(iii) has resided in Liberia prior to the birth of such child." Now, of
the three conditions, the last one is interesting given the history of our
nation over the last two decades plus; this is why.
Mr. and Mrs. Brown, two CURRENT Liberians, who were born in
Liberia, had a son (Kofa) while in exile in Ghana. Kofa is a Liberian
by virtue of the laws of Liberia. But because of the war, Kofa was
unable to go to Liberia or establish residency in Liberia before
immigrating to Australia. Now, Kofa, who is seventeen years old, has
a daughter. Based on the construct of Section 20.1B, that daughter is
not a Liberian by birth and, by extension, not a Liberian at all because
her father did not satisfy the third requirement. This provision directly
contradicts Article 28 of the Liberian Constitution, which states that
Any person, at least one of whose parents was citizen of Liberia at
the time of the person's birth, shall be a citizen of Liberia If Kofa
decides to challenge this law, he has the Late Chief Justices argument
to back him.
Now, it is common knowledge that constitutional provisions take
precedent over any law/legislation that contradicts those provisions.
Given such, there is a clear need for the repealing of the Alien and
Nationality Law. Sadly, such need will not hold water with you
because you are fully cognizant of the fact that repealing the Alien
and Nationality Law would deal a serious blow to your ANTI dual
citizenship position given the construct of Article 27A of the Liberian
Constitution. Be as it is, we know the argument continues beyond
this article. We also know that despite the inarguable contradictions,
the chances of you recognizing these constitutional violations are
slim because such recognition DOES NOT serve your interest and
argument. But what this article intends to do is to expose the lack of
reconciliation in your defense of the Constitution and your support of
the Alien and Nationality Law. The reality is we ALL are Liberians;
it is a fact that you cannot deny. We all understand the issues at stake
and the risk and rewards associated with them. We also understand
that come what may, DUAL CITIZENSHIP will become the law of
the land. As always, stay safe and be blessed.
Sincerely,
Alfred J. Johnson, a staunch proponent of DUAL CITIZENSHIP
jahcalvin@yahoo.com

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CRIMINAL CONSPIRACY?
Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Page 6 | Frontpage

INDICTMENT LOOMS IN NOCAL BRIBERY SAGA

Monroviahe
Liberian
government
is
poised to move in on
several
individuals
including the former Chairman
of the Board of Directors of the
National Oil Company of Liberia
(NOCAL), Mr. Clemenceau
Urey,
former Montserrado
County Representative Alomiza
Ennos Barr and a host of others
the government is accusing of
economic sabotage, bribery and
criminal conspiracy.
The indictment comes as
President
Ellen
Johnson
prepares to meet U.S leader
Barack Obama to forge a new
cooperation on Liberias post
Ebola recovery efforts.
According to the unsealed
indictment
obtained
by
FrontPageAfrica, the
Grand
Jurors for the county of
Montserrado,
Republic
of
Liberia, upon oath found
more probably than not,
that the following officials
were indicted. They include:
Clemenceau B. Urey, Sr., former
Chairman, Board of Directors
of the National Oil Company of
Liberia (NOCAL), Cllr. Stephen
B. Dunbar, Jr., Peter B. Jallah,
Jr., D. Evelyn Kandakai, Albert
T. Chie all former members
Board of Directors, NOCAL,
Dr. Fodee Kromah, former
President/CEO, NOCAL, Fulton
Reeves, Comptroller, NOCAL,
Timothy G. Wiaplah, former
Senior Accountant, NOCAL,
Alomiza Ennos Barr, former
member,
52nd
Legislature
and J. Nanborlor F. Singbeh,
Sr., Secretary of the Liberian
Senate
The indictment states that the
individuals committed the crime
of Economic Sabotage, a felony
of the first degree in violation
of Chapter 15, Subchapter F,
Section 15.80(a) (b)(c)(e) of the
New Penal Law of Liberia, Title
26 of the Liberian Code of Laws.
The unsealed indictment states
that between the period May
2006 to May 2007 Urey then
Chairman, Board of Directors
of NOCAL and Cllr. Stephen

B. Dunbar, Jr., Peter B. Jallah,

Jr., D.Evelyn Kandakai, Albert
T. Chie, all then members
Board of Directors, NOCAL,
Dr. Kromah, President/CEO,
NOCAL and the other indictees
knowingly, willfully, purposely,
intentionally,
collude to
defraud the Government of
Liberia of US$120,400.00,
by engaging themselves into
the solicitation, payment and/
or receipt of money for the
alleged purpose of ratification
by the 52nd Legislature of oil
contracts entered into by and
between NOCAL and several oil
companies.
States the indictment: That
Defendants Clemenceau B.
Urey, Sr., then Chairman, Board
of Directors of the National Oil
Company of Liberia (NOCAL),
Cllr. Stephen B. Dunbar, Jr.,
Peter B. Jallah, Jr., D. Evelyn
Kandakai, Albert T. Chie, all then
members Board of Directors,
NOCAL, Dr. Fodee Kromah,
former President/CEO, NOCAL,
Fulton Reeves, Comptroller,
NOCAL, Timothy G. Wiaplah,
then Senior Accountant, NOCAL

authorized, approved, paid and/

or caused to be paid US$50,000
captioned as lobbying fees to
members of the 52nd Legislature
whose names you the Defendants
have deliberately, intentionally,
willfully, and purposely, refused
and failed to reveal.
The unsealed indictment states
that Dr. Kromah, Reeves and

approved, paid and caused to be

paid US$25,000 and US$15,000
respectively totaling US$40,000
as lobby fees to members of the
52nd Legislature for the purpose
of ratification of oil contracts.
The indictment notes that the
amounts were received by
Defendant Ennos Barr, a former
member of the 52nd Legislature

Wiaplah, while serving in their

individual capacities stated and
for the period from June 2006
up to and including April 5, 2007

for onward transmission to the

52nd Legislature and she issued
receipts without the approval
of the Board of Directors of

MCSS SCHOOLS GET EBOLA

PREVENTION TRAINING
Massa F. Kanneh masskanneh@yahoo.com or 0886848625

Monrovian continuation of the

fight against the deadly
Ebola virus, especially
with the resumption
of schools, the Monrovia
Consolidated School System, a
conglomerate of public schools
in collaboration with Lone
Star cell MTN Foundation is
currently conducting a three
day workshop in Monrovia on
Ebola prevention.
Speaking during the start of the
workshop, the Superintendent
of the MCSS School system,
Benjamin Jacob said the
workshop is aimed at providing
training for employees and
staffs of the MCSS to enable

NOCAL.
Defendants Urey, Dr. Fodee
Kromah, Reeves and Wiaplah
in their respective positions at
NOCAL authorized, approved,
paid and/or caused to be paid
without the approval of the full
board or the majority thereof,
the amount of US$26,900
which they named and styled
as lobby fees to members of
the 52nd Legislature, states the
indictment.
The unsealed indictment accused
the defendants of refusing to
reveal the names of those the
monies were paid to at the
time thereby defrauding the
Government and creating an
opportunity for others to defraud
the Government.
States the Indictment: That
the amounts of US$50,000,
US$40,000 and US$26,900
named and styled lobbying
fees which are mentioned in
paragraphs 2, 3, and 4 above,
were paid out in the form of
three checks in the name of
Co-Defendant
Timothy
G.
Wiaplah, which he claimed he
en-cashed and remitted to his
bosses for the payment of lobby
fees to members of the 52nd
Legislature.
The indictment notes that
though Co-Defendant Kromah
denied knowledge of the check
of US$26,900 written in the
name of Wiaplah, the check for
this amount bears his signature
and that Defendant Singbeh, Sr
received from NOCAL check #
00757917 dated April 1, 2008 for
US$2,000 on voucher/Request #
0426 which purpose is said to be
Ratification Bill.
States the indictment which is
expected to be unsealed today
(Tuesday):That though you the
Defendants individually and/
or collectively claimed that
US$120,400.00, was disbursed,
paid and received by members of
the 52nd Legislature as lobby
fees for the ratification by the
52nd Legislature of oil contracts
entered into by and between the
National Oil Company of Liberia
and several oil companies there
is only evidence of receipt of

them deal with any possible

Ebola related cases.
We are trying to run safe
schools in the midst of
Ebola
by
enlightening
teachers, principals and other
administrators. Doctors will be
talking about the preventative
methods, to all those people
who are in the MCSS schools
Jacob said.
Participants are drawn from
MCSS schools and at the
completion of the workshop,
they will be aware of what to
do, in a situation where a pupil
falls sick on campus.
Lone Star cell MTN chairman,
Massaquoi M. Kamara said
it has been the priority of the
Lonestar cell MTN to buttress
government efforts in the fight
against Ebola.
Said Kamara; We have been
very active in the fight against
Ebola. We have made some
significant contributions to
the national government but
we thought that we should do

US$40,000, US$2000, and

US$1500, by Alomiza Barr
Ennos, J. Nanbolor F. Singbeh,
and James Kabah respectively,
leaving
the
amount
of
US$76,900.00 unaccounted for.
The indictment states that the acts
of the Defendants are in violation
of Chapter 15, Subchapter F,
Section 15.80(a) (b)(c)(e) of
the New Penal Law of Liberia,
Title 26 of Liberian Codes which
states that A person is guilty of
a first degree felony, if he: (a)
Knowingly conspires or colludes
to defraud the Government of
Liberia; (b) Knowing makes
an opportunity for any person
to defraud the Government of
Liberia or another; (c)
Does or omits to do any act
with intent to enable another
to defraud the Government of
Liberia; (d) Demands greater
sums than authorized by law or
receives any fee, compensation
or reward for the performance
of any duty except compensation
from the Government of Liberia.
The indictment further states:
That Defendants Alomiza Ennos
Barr, former member, 52nd
Legislature and J. Nanborlor
F. Singbeh, Sr., Secretary
of the Liberian Senate did
knowingly, willfully, purposely,
intentionally, and criminally
solicit and accept from the
NOCAL management money for
the ratification of oil contracts
and did receive US$40,000 and
US$2,000 respectively.
A person has committed
bribery, a second degree felony,
if he knowingly offers, gives
or agrees to give to another, or
solicits, accepts or agrees to give
to another, or solicits, accepts or
agrees to accept from another, a
thing of value as consideration
for: (a) The recipients official
action as a public servant; or
(b) The recipients violation of a
known duty as a public servant.
It is unclear when the
government to enforce the
indictment but a senior official
told FrontPageAfrica Monday
that the former officials could be
brought in for inquiry any day
now.

more by providing training

for the MCSS Schools since
our children will soon be in
school.
According to Kamara, the
GSM Company is spending
more than US$8,000 to carry
out the training.
MCSS called upon us and we
are aware that the population
concentration in Monrovia
is high, and there is a need
to make sure that the MCSS
school system is free from
Ebola, Kamara said.
Besides the schools the
company said it has made
some material donations to the
health sector in continuation of
the fight.
We are not going to relent
until we eradicate Ebola from
Liberia. We want to make sure
that our children go through a
safe school year he vowed.

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Frontpage

Page 7

DUAL CURRENCY GLITCH

LIBERIAN STAKEHOLDERS DISCUSS DUAL CURRENCY DILEMMA, CALLS MOUNT FOR DE-DOLLARIZATION

A
Monrovia -

mid
increasing
challenges
facing
many Liberians as
a consequence of
the prevailing dual currency
regime, a high level roundtable
dialogue gear toward addressing
the economic and constitutional
implications of Liberias dual
currency has taken place in
Monrovia, with calls from
several stakeholders for dedollarization of the Liberian
economy with recommendations
for a single currency system.
At the roundtable conference
organized by the Governance
Commission in collaboration
with the Constitution Review
Committee
held
at
the
Monrovia City Hall on Monday,
February 23, 2015, discussants
brainstormed
on
several
measures that could lead the post
war country transition from a
dual currency regime to the use
of the Liberian dollars as the
single legal tender.
Expressing his opinion on why
the Liberian dollar must be the
lone legal tender, University
of Liberia Vice President for
Financial Affairs, Professor
Wilson Tarpeh said he believes
the Government of Liberia has
over the years marginalized and
neglected the Liberian dollars.
Professor Tarpeh told the
gathering that the process of
moving to a single currency is
not a new argument because
its nearly one hundred seventyeight years since the discussion
started.
According to him Liberia must
carefully go through the process
of moving from a dual currency
to a single currency system by
allowing adequate time to review
the process.
Said Prof. Tarpeh: On that
faithful day in 1837, the country
council headed by Governor
McGill in the state of Maryland
now Maryland County had to
make that decision. The decision
was whether to use the silver
Spanish coin or they bring their
own money. The vote was three,

Buying in US dollars from the importers and coming to sell in Liberian dollars then at the end of the day you have to change again to go and
buy, it drops the profit margin. We actually want the government and those that are in charge to look at this carefully. We are selling in Liberian
dollars and some schools are charging in Liberian dollars. Madam Lusu K. Sloan, President, Liberia Marketing Association.

Stephen D. Kollie, Stephen.kollie@frontpageafricaonline.com 0776329124

three and Governor McGill

broke the vote in favor of a local
currency. The way I think we
should go is to go carefully and
careful situation takes a lot of
time. So are we suggesting that
we rush? No!
The UL Professor noted that
the quest for a single currency
regime must be market driven
through a process in which
Government must increase
demand for the Liberian dollar
and provide strategic capacity
to the Central Bank to ensure
that portion of exports are made
available to the Government.
For Dr. Mounir Siaplay,
Deputy Minister for Economic
Management at the Ministry
of Finance and Development
Planning, the process of moving
from a dual currency to single

currency system must be evident

based and could crumble
the Liberian economy if not
carefully implemented.
Said Dr. Siaplay: This is not
an adhoc exercise and this can
crumble your economy very fast.
It can create chaos. We have to
also look at the budget deficit.
We also have to stimulate the
economy specifically domestic
production in order to put less
pressure on the exchange rate.
Dr. Siaplay revealed that
countries that graduated from a
dual currency to a single currency
system adopted a market based
approach which looks at the
transactional de-dollarization as
a stepping stone to a financial
de-dollarization.
Its a gradual process and its
not just a constitutional issue

WE SOMETIMES FAIL FLAT

IN
IMPLEMENTATION
-Vice President Boakai concedes Policies shortfall

V
Monrovia-

ice President Joseph

N.
Boakai
has
admitted that in
some instances good
policies caved by government
are not implemented falling
short of achieving the desired
objectives.
Delivering the closing remarks
at the Deconcentration Platform

launch and local officials

orientation workshop in Gbarnga,
Bong County, he said although to
weave, design, fashion and plot
strategies, tactics, methods in
the theoretical sphere is a critical
thinking but the challenges lies
in applying those strategies to
derive anticipated outcomes.
The Vice President conceded
that Liberia have had very little

difficulty in showing prowess in

implementation of policies.
More often than not, we have
had very little difficulty in
showing our prowess in the
construction of nice-sounding
and superbly looking theories,
but then falling flat in the sphere
of implementation, said VP
Boakai.
This the vice president blamed

to just say let it be a single

currency. The transactional dedollarization takes around four
to five years depending on the
micro stability, he said.
For her part, the President of the
Liberia Marketing Association
(LMA) said marketers are
yearning for a single currency
to be used for all transactions
in Liberia due to the many
difficulties they are facing
with importers when buying
wholesale products.
Madam Lusu K. Sloan narrated
that many marketers are often
forced to buy United States
dollar at a higher rate just to
buy wholesale products because
importers always refuse to
accept Liberian currency for
transaction.
Said Madam Sloan: Buying in
on what he termed distraction,
neglect laziness or sheer lack of
commitment.
Said VP Boakai We often get
distracted from the main track,
either by neglect, laziness,
avarice, or sheer lack of
commitment.
He pledged the commitment of
the government in ensuring that
the deconcentration platform
becomes a success.
Let me underscore how firmly
this Administration is committed
to this program, undergirding
our belief in the correctness
and imperative of taking the
Government to the people, he
furthered.
According to the Vice President
the government resolve in
impacting the citizenry has no
bounds.
He further said This evidences
the firmness of our courage
in pursuing courses that go to
directly impacting the citizenry.
Our resolve in this regard knows
no bounds. Count on us to
always be there whenever you
need an extra push to get over
a hurdle. But we give you this
responsibility, accompanied by
the authority it demands for its
successful execution.
The Decentration platform is
a policy intended to give more
power to local authorities.

US dollars from the importers

and coming to sell in Liberian
dollars then at the end of the
day you have to change again
to go and buy, it drops the profit
margin. We actually want the
government and those that are in
charge to look at this carefully.
We are selling in Liberian dollars
and some schools are charging in
Liberian dollars.
Madam Sloan described what
she calls danger, the perpetual
behavior
of
wholesalers
determining the profits of
retailers.
They will tell you how much
profit you will make instead of
you knowing how much profit
you suppose to make. That is
also dangerous to us. You cannot
tell me how much I will have.
Let me know as a business

woman how much money I will

earn, she said.
At the same time, the Chairperson
of the Constitution Review
Committee Cllr. Gloria MusuScott disclosed that based on
several suggestions gathered by
the commission, many Liberians
are calling for a single currency
system.
Said Cllr. Scott: They said [that]
everybody in Liberia should
be paid in Liberian dollars and
the transactions in the country
should be in Liberian dollars.
The business people in Liberia
say when the importers bring in
their goods, there is no protection
on the margin of their profits.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of
the Governance Commission
Dr. Amos C. Sawyer said
many Liberians feel that
the reform agenda has not
taken into consideration their
empowerment thus, creating fear
and skepticism about the entire
reform process.
Speaking about the public
sector reform, Dr. Sawyer
noted that some of the people
who are opposed to the public
sector reform believe that by
streamlining the public sector, it
will render them jobless because
they are not sure that the private
sector is providing sufficient
space for them.
So government jobs become
an important element to those
who may be resisting the reform
initiatives, he said.
The high level discussion
brought together Ministers
of the Ministry of Finance
and Development Planning,
Commerce and Industry, as well
as officials from the business
community, members of the
National Legislature amongst
other officials.

509TH PATIENT RECOVERED

FROM EBOLA IN ELWA 3

Monroviaor the 509th time an

Ebola survivor has left
ELWA3, the Ebola
centre managed by
Mdecins
Sans
Frontires/
Doctors Without Borders (MSF)
in Monrovia.
A thirteen years old boy was
driven home by a MSF vehicle
on 19 February to be reunited
with his big sister and two
younger brothers.
He has been our only confirmed
patient for a few weeks. The
entire medical team was caring
for him, said Gloria Lougon,

head nurse in ELWA3. All our

energy and determination was
put into helping this boy fight the
virus and recover.
As the young patient is a football
lover, the team organized the
screening of a legendary football
game (Brazil Germany at the
world cup 2014). Three days
later his blood sample finally
tested Ebola-negative, meaning
the kid could be brought home.
Before leaving ELWA3, the last
survivor left his tiny handprint
on the walls to remind everyone
an important message: yes, it is
possible to beat Ebola.

Page 8 | Frontpage

Monroviahe trail has commenced

at the Criminal Court
C at the Temple of
Justice involving a
female employee assigned at
the Gardnerville Branch of the
Liberia .Bank for Development
and Investment (LBDI) barely
four years after her indictment.
Defendant Magarette Dorbor an
Account Officer at the banks
local branch was indicted by state
lawyers on three -count in 2011
after the banks management
accused her in 2010 of allegedly
stealing over L$147,000.00
deposited on behalf of a local
saving
organizationthe
Gardnerville People Club.
She faces charges of theft
of property, forgery and
counterfeiting but denied the
claim during a brief appearance
in court late 2011 where she
pleaded not guilty to the charges.
I am not guilty said defendant
Dorbor shortly after the Clerk
of the Court read the indictment
before the panel of jurors, a
statement that means that she is
challenging the state to prove its
case against the accused.
The indictment against defendant
Dorbor stated that the period
between January to-December
2010 she allegedly stole the
money from various customers
accounts in currencies including
United States and Liberian
dollars.
According to the indictment one
of those customers from whom
the defendant allegedly stole
the money was the Gardnerville
Savings Club with the account
number #009LR40870017101
and that said saving club had in its
previous account LD$70,000.00
balance when on November
19&24, 2010 surrendered to the
defendant LD$56,000.00 and
LD$ 21,000.00 respectively

147K THEFT
F

PAGE
RONT

LAW & ORDER

Female LBDI Employee Goes On Trial

Kennedy L. Yangian kennedylyangian@frontpageafricaonline.com 0777296781

for deposit of which the total

amount became LD$147,000.00
as recorded in the clubs saving
bank book by the defendant.
In the indictment, the State
further alleged that the balance
of LD$147,000.00 appeared in
the saving book of the club but
did not appear on the account of
the Gardnerville Saving Club in
the system of the LBDI.
The indictment further states
that when this was discovered

the defendant allegedly went

ahead to refund US$1,000 for
the LD$70,000.00 withdrawn
with receipt issued to her by
the bank leaving the balance of
LD$77,000.00.
According to the indictment the
Management of the LBDI further
observed that the defendant
did not only steal from the
Gardnerville Savings Club but
from other customers accounts
as well as to include the following

Lover Killer Admits to Murder

Liberian dollars accounts,(a)

009LRD40180843701,
(b)009LRD47170008601,
(C)
009LRD401180861901
(d)009LRD40120041602,
$
009LRD40180851601.
Amid defendants Dorbor denial
of the charges, the states second
witness is expected to take the
stand on Monday in continuation
of the trial.
Francis Juma told the court
and jury that the defendant was

employed at the bank in the

capacity as new Account Officer
assigned to the banks local
branch in Gardnerville.
In his general testimony, witness
Juma said that the defendants
responsibility was to open
potential customers account and
assist to verify tellers work at
the end of the day and as a new
account officer her job was not a
teller.
Witness Juma also stated that on
December 7, 2010 in keeping
with the banks line of duty
there was a complaint from the
Officer In-Charge (OIC) at the
Gardnerville Branch Debbeh
Blakson that there was some foul
play in the Gardnerville Saving
Club deposit and there was a
need for the Internal Control and
Risk Management to verify the
claim.
He stated it was observed that
defendant Magarette Dorbor was
the one that signed the deposit
of LD$56,000.00 as well as
21,000.00 by the Gardnerville
Saving Club.
By way of the banks policy
every staff except senior and
executive managers, all other
staffs signed the attendance
log, in that log we traced it and

he was one of the investigators

on the crime scene at where the
suspect committed the act.
Inspector Whymah narrated
November 30, 2014 which was
on Sunday, we were informed
that a decomposed body was
discovered in his (Suspect) father
house adjacent his (suspect)
room; based upon this we went to
where the body was discovered
which is Clara town Paity town
community; when we got on the
scene a decomposed body to be
identified as Sianneh Tipayson
was seen folded in a blue barrel
in the unfinished room.
However, we did what we
called physical examination
and also found witnesses to tell
us what has happened ; from
our investigation we got the
information that the deceased
boyfriend Sylvester Tarpeh
Davis and the suspect mothers
uncle by the name of one Kortu
and two little children were
left at the house and we also
discovered that the uncle Kortu
who was very sick and has taken
Amodiquine overheard the
deceased and the suspect arguing
out of the sudden he could not
see the deceased and that of the
boyfriend, he said.
The Police witness in the trial
further said that investigation on
the scene revealed that the two
children were sent on the main
road to buy bread (rice kalla),
which the defendant used to
harm the victim.
He said after the suspect
committed the act he fled the
house and area and was later
picked up in Grand Cape Mount
County after security tip off.

During that time a search was

done to find the boyfriend, we
carried on a massive search
from Sunday Nov 30 to Dec 7,
2014 information came that the
boyfriend was in Grand Cape
Mount county in Sinje. We found
him hiding under a bed in Damba
and Sandee, he was arrested
brought into Monrovia on Dec7,
2014 and on the 8th of December
he was brought out and given his
constitutional right and Atty.
Jallah Zumo represented the
suspect, Col. Whymah narrated.
Work of Devil
Prosecution witness also revealed
that during investigation, suspect
Tarpeh Davies told investigators
that the act committed was done
through the work of the devil
and he should be forgiven. He
(suspect) said that he was used
by the devil to kill the girl and
put her in the barrel.
During
Cross
examination
by defense council he was
questioned if his investigation
established the cause of death
on ground that the indictment
attributed the death of the victim
to a stick striking the neck of the
victim and another report stating
that the victim was choked to
death.
Responding to defense question,
the LNP investigator said he was
not the author of the indictment
and he could not speak to what
was written but told the court
that the suspect told them during
investigation that he (suspect)
hit the victim on her neck with
a stick and later choked her and
placed her in the barrel in the
room with the hope that no one
would see.

Defendant leaves court with lawyer

I AM GUILTY
Bettie Johnson /betty.johnson@frontpageafricaonline.com

Monroviaylvester Tarpeh Davis,

30 was seen Monday
at
Criminal
Court
B in tears when the
indictment on charges of murder
was read to him by the clerk of
court.
The suspect was indicted for
murder by the grand jurors for
Montserrado County on 8 counts.
When the indictment was read,
the suspect pleaded guilty
and requested the court not to
proceed with the trial on grounds
that the indictment was right,
admitting that he committed the
act.
But the presiding judge of
criminal Court B Roosevelt
Willie said the case will proceed
based on the constitutional right
of all as granted by the Liberian
constitution that calls for trial if
one pleads guilty or not.
Under our criminal procedure
law section 16.2, it states that if
the defendant may plead guilty
or not guilty but set on a capital
offence or caption of the case;
Although the word may as used
herein in this section also grants
the court discretion and it is left
with the Prosecution to prove the
guiltiness of the suspect, Judge
Willie said

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Judge Willie Continued By

order of the organic law of the
land which is the constitution of
Liberia in article 20A provides
that No person shall be deprived
of life, liberty, security of the
person, property, privilege or any
other right except as the outcome
of a hearing judgment consistent
with the provisions laid down
in this Constitution and in
accordance with due process
of law. Justice shall be done
without sale, denial or delay;
and in all cases not arising in
courts not of record, under courts
martial and upon impeachment,
the parties shall have the right to
trial by jury.
The trial Monday at the court

brought
together
family
members of the deceased and
sympathizers among others.
During the juror selection for
the trial proceeding, three jurors
were denied from presiding on
the panel based on information
provided the lawyers in the case.
The defense team is represented
by Cllr. Elijah Cheapoo, James
Flomo and Atty. Edwina Edjerah
Barchue, while the Prosecution
includes Cllr. Serena Garlawolu,
Atty. Arthurlyne Cooper, Atty.
Lafayette Gould and Atty.
Abraham Mitchell.
Prosecution first witness on the
direct, Col. Jerry Whymah of
the Crime Scene Division of
the Liberia National police said

realized that it was the signature

of defendant Magarette Dorbor
said witness Juma when he
was questioned by the defense
lawyer as to how he established
that the signature belongs to the
defendant.
Also in his testimony witness
Juma indicated that in the process
of taking inventory at the desk of
the defendant it was discovered
that a sizeable carton with a bag
popularly known as Ghana must
go bag was under the desk of the
defendant.
Witness Juma continued that
in the carton there was a black
plastic bag and some withdrawal
slips and while turning the
carton upside down an amount
of LD$23,715.00 in various
denominations was discovered
along with counterfeit value
US$20,000,00.
The witness further narrated
that when the defendant was
asked on the status of the two
currencies she indicated that the
LD$ currencies were given by
someone to exchange into bigger
denominations
of
Liberian
dollars banknotes denied having
knowledge of the counterfeit
currency under her desk.
Meanwhile the court adjourned
the case to resume Tuesday at
8:00 a.m. where witness Juma
will continue his testimony to be
followed by cross examination.
Inspector Whymah said his
testimony was in affirmative
to the indictment against the
defendant.
The defense also questioned
the LNP investigator on
distinguishing the barrel that the
victim was placed in from other
barrels around and he said As
you can see this barrel can be
distinguished from other barrels
by looking at the splitting mark
that we put on it, this barrel was
split carefully to have chance
to remove the victim/deceased
from in it.
Most of the defense questions
were objected to by the
Prosecution on grounds that the
questions were irrelevant and
immaterial to pose to the witness.
Meanwhile, the presiding judge
granted an application filed by
Prosecution who prayed the
court to allow their witness to
present his identity to the court.
The request of the prosecution
followed a question posed to
the witness by the defense team
to present his identity to prove
that he is an officer of the Liberia
National Police.
Mr. Witness if you say you
are an employee of the Liberia
National Police can you present
your identity to the court and the
jury to show that you work with
them?
But in reply, Inspector Whymah
said he did not have his
identification card and had left it
in his office.
The trial is expected to resume
today at Criminal Court A at the
Temple of justice.

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Frontpage

Republic of Liberia

Page 9

Office of the Registered

Public Land Surveyor
Gbarnga City, Bong County
February 14, 2015

SURVEY NOTICE

The Public in General is hereby informed that by the order of

Hon. C. Fahnlon King, Sr. Land Commissioner, Bong County,
the undersigned registered Public and Private Land Surveyor,
Mr. Roland Banda has been ordered to conduct a re-survey of
five hundred (500) acres of land commencing from the SouthEastern corner of Nathaniel B. Massaquoi, Property on the
left hand side of Melekie-Phebe Highway, Jorquelleh District,
Bong County in favor of Mr. Lloud E. Goll. The said survey will
commence on Friday, 27 of February A.D. 2015 at 10:00AM.

Therefore, anyone having claims/deeds, diagrams or tribal

certificate in this area adjacent, Parallel or opposite this
property are requested to be present with their deeds/diagrams
along with their technical representatives to substantiate their
claims to avoid any form or encroachment.
This notice goes to the following personalities:

FORCEFUL EVICTION
leaves thousands homeless in Battery Factory Community

Government official

Hon. Clan Chief Melekie

Hon. Town Chief Melekie
Chief Elders Melekie Town
Hon. Paramount Chief Mary Latai
Hon. District Commissioner Edward Yarkpawolo
Hon. City Mayor Gbarnga City

Adjacent Parties

The Dahn Family

Nathaniel B. Massaquoi
Francis Tiabo Family
Jalabah Family
Morris Dowah Family

Signed

Roland M. Banda

Registered Public Land
Surveyor,

Bong County

DEATH ANNOUNCEMENT

MS. THEOLINE CRYSTAL SONPON

THE SONPON, FREEMAN, GIBSON, STUBBLEFIELD,

GREAVES & RANDALL FAMILIES ANNOUNCE THE FUNERAL
ARRANGEMENTS OF THEIR DAUGHTER, MS.THEOLINE
CRYSTAL SONPON WHO DIED ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2015
AT 12:25A.M. AT SOS CLINIC IN CONGO TOWN.
ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2015 AT 4P.M. HER BODY WILL BE
REMOVED FROM THE SAMUEL STRYKER FUNERAL PARLORS
TO THE ST. THOMAS EPISCOPAL CHURCH ON CAMP JOHNSON
ROAD FOR WAKE KEEPING FROM 6P.M. TO 9P.M.
AFTER THE CHURCH WAKE THERE WILL BE A SILENT WAKE
AT HER HOME ON CALDWELL ROAD NEAR THE CALDWELL
BRIDGE FROM 10P.M. ON THE 27TH TO 6AM ON THE 28TH.
FUNERAL SERVICES WILL BE HELD ON THE 28TH OF
FEBRUARY AT 10A.M. AT THE ST. THOMAS EPISCOPAL
CHURCH ON CAMP JOHNSON ROAD AND THE INTERNMENT
WILL FOLLOW AT THE BREWERVILLE CEMETERY.
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT WAS BROUGHT IN BY HER MOTHER,
CLLR. CHRISTINE SONPON FREEMAN, HER GRANDMOTHER,
MRS. ANGELINE GIBSON SONPON AND HER AUNT,
ADELINE N. SONPON FOR THE FAMILY.

R
Monrovia-

Massa F. Kanneh masskanneh@yahoo.com or 0886848625

esidents
in
the
swampy
Plank
Field Community in
Battery Factory said
they have been forcefully evicted
from their homes and they lack
money to defend themselves in
court.
The government is using this
woman to evict us, because the
president told us in 2009 that
the land belongs to government,
so how come an individual will
just come to claim it Serina
David an affected resident told
FrontPageAfrica.
According to residents, on
Friday February 20, group of
armed officers from the Liberian
National Police special unit-the
Police Support Unit (PSU) and
some unidentified men moved
into the community to forcefully
evict them from their homes.
Serina said since 2009 she
and her families settled in the
area and got spots, which she
explained that she and other
residents have worked tirelessly
to dry, dumping dirt to get rid of
the water.
She said on Friday, about thirty
armed PSU and some group of
men arrived in the community
and started breaking their homes
throwing out their personal
belongings, something they
said has left more than 4,000
residents homeless.
We had nowhere to go
yesterday, we slept in an opened
place, and they destroyed our
things, and it should not have
been that way. They broke our
doors, threw our things outside
and started bursting the place
Serina said.
Serina told FrontPageAfrica, that
a lady-Massa Coffy is claiming
that that the place was given to
her by President Ellen Johnson
Sirleaf to establish a market
ground.
The residents said the lady
started giving out land to people
and that is how they got spots to
build their houses.
Serina narrated that the lady who
claimed she owns the land said
she got authorization from the
court to evict them.
We are all aware that swamp
land belongs to government,
maybe the government is using
her to move us because we have
heard that a Chinese company
wants to take the place she
added.
Said Serina; Initially the lady
has been going to court and the
community dwellers did not
have anyone to represent us and

the lady that gave us this place,

did not even speak for us, and
this is how the woman grew edge
over us.
Serina said she is pleading with
well-meaning Liberians and
other institutions to come to their
aid.
There are about 5,000 residents,

to look into this matter and tell

us who owns the land, if that the
woman we can buy the land or
she give us time to leave. I know
if it is the government it will
not treat the people like this, the
government will tell the people
the time to move or even settle us
to move different place Diallo

including women and children.

And we are asking government
entity, private entity and the
international community to
come to our aid because we have
been made homeless.
Ibrahim Diallo who also has
a concrete house in the area
that he said is worth more than
US$20,000, said it is sad to see
Liberians suffering in their own
home like what he saw when
they were thrown out of their
homes.
He said last week some officers
from the court visited the place
informing residents that the
place belongs to a lady.
Yesterday, what I saw, I almost
cried, the people came with
yellow machine and started
breaking the poor people homes,
it was really sad, Diallo said.
I want to tell the government

added.
Francis Carmoh, Secretary
General for the plank dwellers
in the affected community
said he is in sympathy with the
community.
He said they are not sitting and
are working out modality with
the court, the area lawmaker
and the Justice Ministry to put
halt to the demolition and said
fortunately there has been stay
order on the process.
But my concern has to do with
the claiming of swamp land, if
you say you own the land, you let
the people to buy the place, dried
the place, you didnt come out to
speak, after the people have fully
settled you are now claiming the
area. And my understanding,
is that swampland belongs to
government Carmoh said.
Carmoh said government is only

protecting one side which is the

woman claiming that the land
belongs to her, adding that it is
not supposed to be so and that
the government should provide
protection for the both side
Landowner claims property
Roseline Toe who is claiming
ownership of the four acre of land
in the area told FrontPageAfrica
that since three years ago, she had
been informing the occupants on
the land to move but they have
played deaf ears.
She said after so many requests
the residents have refused to
leave her land prompting her to
go to the court at which time she
was granted the right to evict the
dwellers on the land.
She said based on the refusal
from the occupants of the land,
she decided to go to the Civil
Law court and it is the court that
is carrying out the eviction.
According to Mother Toe she
bought the land from one Joe
Young since 2006 due to the
encroachment on her land and
she decided to build two zinc
structures but the residents broke
it down.
On the 10th of February,
when she attempted the first
demolition, Roseline said heavy
tension mounted resulting in the
death of a Nigerian national.
According to her the day
after the death of the Nigerian
national another lady, Mother
Toe home got attacked and her
husband was badly injured in
the head with several properties
were damaged
She explained that Toes home is
currently being guarded by LNP
officers because she fears attack.
They attacked my home for land
business, I really scared now,
the police will leave, when the
police leave I dont know what
they will do next said Roseline

Page 10 | Frontpage

IN BRIEF

BANGKOK POLICE DETAIN

THREE OVER STREET
DEMONSTRATION

BANGKOK (Reuters) hai police arrested three

people on the streets of
the capital on Sunday
after they held a small
gathering to "exchange views"
with the country's military junta.
Thailand's military has severely
restricted public gatherings since
seizing power in a coup last May.
Taking a hard line on dissent, it has
detained more than 300 people,
including activists, journalists and
politicians.
The leader of a group of four
people, Akkarakit Noonchan, was
dragged away by plainclothes
officers shortly after the beginning
of the event at Bangkok's
downtown Victory Monument,
according to a Reuters witness.
Akkarakit told reporters that the
group, calling itself Serichon
Thailand 58, did not intend the
gathering to be a protest.

REBELS ORDER WEAPONS

PULL-BACK AS UKRAINE
SAY ARMOR ARRIVING

NIZHNYAYA KRYNKA, Ukraine

(Reuters) ro-Moscow rebels said
they would start to
withdraw heavy weapons
from the front line in
eastern Ukraine on Sunday but the
government in Kiev said armored
columns had crossed the border
from Russia to reinforce the
separatists.
The Ukrainian military said the
rebels were pressing on with
attacks on government forces near
Mariupol, a port in government
hands that is seen as the rebels'
next major target.
Spokesman Andriy Lysenko said a
military train carrying 60 armored
vehicles including tanks had
arrived in the town of Amvrosiivka
from Russia on Saturday. A
convoy of military equipment
had later crossed the border near
Novoazovsk, east of Mariupol on
the Sea of Azov.

KERRY AND IRAN'S ZARIF

TO TRY NARROW GAPS
IN NUCLEAR TALKS

GENEVA (Reuters) .S. Secretary of State

John Kerry and his
Iranian
counterpart
Mohammad
Javad
Zarif will try to narrow gaps in
another round of nuclear talks in
Geneva on Sunday as they press
to meet a March 31 deadline for a
political framework agreement.
The talks will be joined for the
first time by U.S. Secretary of
Energy Ernest Moniz, who agreed
to attend after Iran's nuclear chief
Ali Akbar Salehi said he would
take part.
A close aide and the brother of
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani,
Hossein Fereydoon, will also be
part of the meetings, Iranian media
reported.
Kerry was due to arrive in Geneva
in the early afternoon, then
immediately meet with the U.S.
delegation, which has been in
Geneva since Friday. After that
he planned to meet Zarif and the
Iranian delegation.

ccording to a recent
poll, an equal
number of Nigerian
voters41%fell
on either side of the debate
surrounding the postponement
of presidential elections. It is
perhaps no coincidence that
those numbers almost perfectly
overlap with the results of a
December 2014 presidential
voting survey, in which each
of the two main parties racked
up 42% of the total tally. By
a rule of thumb, supporters of
the ruling Peoples Democratic
Party (PDP) and president
Goodluck Jonathan backed the
postponement, while those of
the All Progressives Congress
(APC), the main opposition
party, opposed it.
The oppositions candidate is
Muhammadu Buhari, a former
military ruler, and three-time
presidential contender, who has
since his emergence undergone
what is arguably the most
impressive political rebranding
in the history of Nigeria. A
man once given exclusively
tobabarigastraditional dress
favored
by
Hausa-Fulani
men from northern Nigeria
now poses for photographs
bow-tied and besuited, or
in the traditional outfits of
southeastern Nigeria and the
oil-rich Niger delta, regions
in which he has consistently
recorded meager votes in his
three previous attempts at the
presidency.
Buhari and his supporters
insist that the PDP forced the
postponement to undermine
the APCs unprecedented
momentum, and to buy more
time to work out a way of
rigging an election it looks
set to lose. The PDP has
denied
those
allegations,
focusing instead on querying
the preparedness level of the
Independent National Electoral
Commission (INEC).
By all accounts, the INEC has
not lived up to its responsibility.
Going by several indices
(distribution of biometric
voter-cards, accreditation of
observers, training of election
personnel) the preparations
have been shoddy, and a
February 14 election, had
it gone ahead, would have
beennot uncharacteristically,
it must be saidchaotic.
The PDP is also increasingly

PAGE
RONT

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

WORLD NEWS

CAN STRONGMAN BUHARI

MEND A BROKEN NIGERIA?

voicing its opposition to

the planned deployment of
handheld card-readers that the
INEC wants to experiment with
during the coming elections.
The fingerprint technology
on which the card readers are
based is designed to produce
greater transparency in the
elections by ensuring that no
one is able to vote more than
once. (One of the commonest
of conventional voter-fraud
methods in Nigeria has been
through the mass thumbprinting of ballot papers.)
On the surface, the PDPs
argument is that the card
readers are untested, and that
it would be imprudent to
attempt an experiment using
the all-important presidential
election as a catalyst. The
actual reason, in my opinion,
is not far-fetched: by insisting
on the use of non-biometric
cards, the PDP will be able to
throw open the elections for
the sort of rigging that earned
it landslide victories in the last
four presidential elections.
Between insisting on the use
of card-readers and biometric
cards, and that the rescheduled
elections must on no account
be postponed again, the APC
has its hands full. If it wins
these two battles, its chances
of forming the next central
government are significant.

The party, a merger of Nigerias

three leading opposition parties,
has been fighting against-allodds battles even before it
was formally registered by the
electoral commission in July
of 2013. The first hurdle was a
court case by an organization
presumably sponsored by the
PDPthat called itself the
African Peoples Congress
and laid claim to the APC
acronym, insisting it had
filed for registration as a
political party before the All
Progressives Congress.
Having been registered, the
APC wasted no time firming
up its position, attracting a
raft of high profile defectors
including five governors
from the ruling party. The PDP,
sufficiently jolted, let go of
Bamanga Tukur, the divisive
chairman under whose watch
the defections happened, and
replaced him with Adamu
Muazu, a former governor
with a knack for political
strategy.
The next big hurdle for
the APC was the selection
of presidential and vice
presidential
candidates.
Considering its origins as a
coalition of disparate political
movements, it seemed unlikely
that it would manage the
process of selecting flagbearers that everyone felt were

NIGERIAN PRESIDENT ADMITS HE

UNDERESTIMATED BOKO HARAM

in their interest.
It spectacularly disappointed
pessimists. In the days that
followed, tensions swiftly rose
over the choice of a running
mate to Buhari. Again the
party smoothed over a looming
dissension, and presented a
cerebral professor of law as
Buharis deputya necessary
contrast to the former military
mans gruff, blunt demeanor.
This
carefully
structured
campaign-organogram helped
bring on board the influential
interests who had lost out up
until then.
Events over the last several
months would then conspire
to ensure that incumbent
president Jonathans most
formidable opponent would
not even be the APC, or Buhari,
but instead the terrorist group
Boko Haram, and, to a lesser
extent, the Nigerian currency
(the naira).
The abduction by Boko Haram
of more than 200 schoolgirls
in Chibok last April, and the
belated, incoherent response of
the Jonathan government, dealt
a huge blow to his reputation at
home and abroad. Since then,
Boko Haram has marched on
confidently, seizing and holding
towns and villages, keeping
the military consistently on
defense. Last year alone, the
groups onslaught claimed

Lagos (AFP) igerian President

Goodluck
Jonathan said he
underestimated
Boko
Haram
Islamists
who have overrun swathes
of the country's northeast
and defended an election
postponement in an interview
published Sunday.
Jonathan, facing a tight reelection bid against ex-military
ruler Muhammadu Buhari, has
faced criticism over the vote
delay, which critics argue was
designed to give him time to
shore up his campaign.
The military pushed for the sixweek delay eventually granted
by the electoral commission to
allow it to secure the country
for the vote, though Boko
Haram's insurgency has raged
for six years.
Presidential and parliamentary

the lives of more than 4,000

persons; and more than 1.5
million Nigerians have been
displaced as a result.
Around October of last year,
at a time when Boko Haram
was stepping up its attacks
and seizing increasingly larger
swathes of territory, the naira
began to slump, thanks to
crashing oil prices. If Boko
Haram was mainly affecting
people in the countrys remote
northeastern
region,
the
devaluing naira took its own
fight straight to the economic
heartlands of the country
the southern cities that are the
hubs of Nigerias banking and
manufacturing industries.
The net effect of terrorism
and the economic downturn
has been devastating for
the presidents re-election
prospects. Boko Haram has
depleted his northern support
base so profoundly that he
spent quite a bit of time on
the campaign stump trying to
convince northerners that he
is not, in fact, a Boko Haram
sponsor.
The nairawhich has now
fallen by about 20% against
the US dollaris undermining
his support among the business
community (manufacturers and
merchants heavily dependent
on
dollar-denominated
imports of raw materials and
machines), and among the
multitudes of Nigerians paying
for education and healthcare
abroad. Linked to the currency
crisis is a budgetary one.
Nigeria,dependent on crude
oil for as much as 75% of
government revenues(and 90%
of foreign exchange earnings),
is earning much less now than
it did a year ago. It is not a
pretty picture at all. External
reserves are down to about $33
billion, the lowest in several
years. This itself raises an
important question: what did
the Jonathan government do
with three years of record-high
oil prices?
elections are now set for March
28.
"Probably at the beginning,
we, and I mean myself and
the team, we underrated the
capacity of Boko Haram,"
Jonathan said in an interview
with influential newspaper
ThisDay.
He said that the military has
recently acquired more arms
and ammunition to do battle
with the Islamists, vowing
that their suppression and the
capture of the group's leader
were near.
"God willing, we will catch
(Abubakar) Shekau before the
elections," he said.
Asked why six more weeks
would make a difference in
the years-long conflict that
has killed more than 13,000
people, Jonathan said the
military could make reasonable
progress in that time.

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Frontpage

Sports

LACK OF RUTHLESSNESS MAKES WENGER

UNLIKELY TO WIN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

ose Mourinho can rarely

resist a dig at Arsene
Wenger and he hit his
mark with calculated
precision over the weekend as
he claimed the Arsenal manager
has a dream job because he is
afforded so much more patience
than his rivals.
As Wenger prepares for the first
leg of Arsenals Champions
League last-16 tie against
his former club Monaco on
Wednesday, even he might
be inclined to agree with
Mourinhos assessment.
Wenger may have ended
Arsenals nine-year trophy
drought with last seasons FA
Cup, but the Gunners look as far
ever from winning one of the top
prizes in club football.
Any hopes of a challenge for the
Premier League this season are
long gone with the Gunners 12
points behind leaders Chelsea,
while success in the Champions
League would simply be to reach
the quarter-finals for the first
time since 2010.
Because we all know how it ends
with Arsenal in Europes elite
competition.
As soon as they come up against
a leading side - whether its
Bayern Munich, Barcelona,
Real Madrid or Chelsea - their
elimination is all but guaranteed.
Arsenal have qualified for the
Champions League for 17
seasons in a row but in recent
years they have looked ever less
likely to win the tournament.
Football should be about glory,
but too often for the north
London club have been happy
with the top four and the status
quo.
It wasnt always this way.
Wenger guided Arsenal to the
final in 2006 when they were
beaten by Barcelona, and missed
a huge chance in 2004 as the

Invincibles were knocked out by

Chelsea in the year Mourinhos
Porto were crowned Kings of
Europe.
And when the Frenchman looks
back on his career, he will regret
those missed opportunities to put
a star above the Arsenal crest.
Wenger has been in charge
of Arsenal for more than 180
Champions League matches but
boasts the unenviable record
of being the manager who has
played the most games without
ever winning the competition.
Since the last 16 stage of
the Champions League was
introduced in 2003-04, the
65-year-old has overseen an
incredible 109 matches, almost
twice the amount of any other
manager to have never lifted the
trophy.
Roberto Mancini has managed
61 games in Europes elite
competition and lost at least two
jobs - Inter and Manchester City
- because of his failures, while
the likes of Manuel Pellegrini

(54) and Jurgen Klopp (35) are

still some way behind Wenger.
It is the sort of ammunition used
by Mourinho when he describes
Wenger as a "specialist in failure"
or, as he did on Sunday, suggests
Arsenal should be challenging
for titles.
"At this moment [Wenger] has
a dream job that we would all
love to have, Mourinho told
Goals on Sundayon Sky Sports .
He has the stability and has the
time to buy and sell and wait for
success... and wait, and wait... I
think he has the dream job.
"What he did to get so many titles
in a certain period gives him
the credibility that he deserves.
Obviously he is a fantastic
manager but he's in a fantastic
position to be successful. When I
look at the players, I really think
they have to win."
And that is the nub of it. Arsenal
should be doing so much better.
Ignore the 150 million-plus
in cash reserves to strengthen
the squad, Arsenals squad is

brimming with attacking quality

in the likes of Alexis Sanchez,
Mesut Ozil, Santi Cazorla, Aaron
Ramsey and Theo Walcott.
Yet the same old problems
emerge - and they are exposed
most ruthlessly by the best
teams, whether domestically or
in Europe.
If Arsenal are to have any chance
of winning the Champions
League this season, they need
Alexis in inspired form and to
follow the blueprint of their 2-0
victory at Manchester City in
January.
For once, Wenger went into a big
match with a sensible gameplan.
It has been painful to watch
Arsenal hopelessly attempt to
go toe-to-toe with sides that
are technically and physically
superior to them over the past
few years.
But against City they were solid,
organised and used their quality
with speedy counter-attacks.
There are, though, too many
chinks in the armour that Wenger

hasnt addressed. The spine of the

squad is weak and despite their
bulging ranks Arsenal still need
a top class goalkeeper, centreback, defensive midfielder and
striker.
You cant win titles with Olivier
Giroud leading the line, Mikel
Arteta protecting the back four
and Wojciech Szczesny throwing
the ball into his own net.
Wenger is admirably loyal to
his players but that is just the
problem. He lacks the ruthless
touch of a real winner like
Mourinho, who has sent the likes
of Juan Mata, David Luiz and
Andre Schurrle out of Chelsea
in the process of building a titlechallenging side.
Unlike Wenger, Mourinho is also
a manager who usually gets it
right with his tactical set-up for
big matches.

Wenger has a win record of
50.5 per cent in the Champions
League since 2003-04 but his
record is dragged right down by
the fact he has won just 35.1%
of knockout matches in that time.
Mourinhos overall win record
is comparable at 55.4% but the
Portuguese has won 50% of
his knockout matches - and has
two Champions League winners
medals to show for it.
Likewise, other Champions
League-winning managers like
Rafael Benitez (53.3%) and Sir
Alex Ferguson (55.7%) have
similar overall records to Wenger
but have continued their form
when it matters, winning at least
half of their knockout matches.
This years last 16 tie against
Monaco offers the opportunity
for Wenger to marginally
improve his record - but dont
count on it continuing when
Arsenal come up against the big
guns.

BARCELONA NOT AS TOUGH AS STOKE AWAY - KOMPANY

incent Kompany
insists Manchester
City
have
no
reason to fear
Barcelona and believes an
away trip to faceStoke City is
more intimidating than a clash
with the Catalan giants.
City renew hostilities with
Barca at the Etihad Stadium in
the Champions League round
of 16 on Tuesday, having been
eliminated 4-1 on aggregate by
them at the same stage of the
tournament last season.
Manuel Pellegrini's men,
however, head into the match
on the back of two resounding
league victories: a 4-1 win at
Stoke City and a 5-0 drubbing
of Newcastle United.
Barca, in contrast, suffered
a shock 1-0 loss at home to
Malaga in La Liga on Saturday
but will likely line up at the
Etihad Stadium with Lionel
Messi, Neymar and Luis
Suarez up front.

Page 11

SPORTS
FRED: MY BRAZIL
CAREER IS OVER

he
Fluminense
hitman's fine recent
form has led to
speculation of a
return to the Selecao but the
31-year-old has confirmed his
international career has come
to an end
Former Brazil striker Fred
has confirmed he no longer
has aspirations of returning to
international football.
The Fluminense striker became
a stalwart of former coach Luiz
Felipe Scolaris side ahead of
the World Cup, cementing his
place by finishing joint-top
scorer of the Confederations
Cup 2013 with five goals.

RONALDO IS GREAT, BUT

MESSI IS BETTER - HENRY

hierry Henry has

heaped praise on
Cristiano
Ronaldo
for his consistent
performances over the last four
years, but stresses that Lionel
Messi is the better player.
Ronaldo was voted the Fifa
Ballon d'Or winner for the third
time in January, having won the
award for the first time in 2008
before Messi went on to win it
four times in a row.
Despite the Real Madrid star
having pipped the Argentine to
the accolade in each of the last
two years, Henry still feels his
former Barcelona team-mate
is the better player, but says
people should enjoy watching
both of them.

HAPPY AT CAMP NOU

The Belgian insists he has faced more challenging assignments at the

Britannia Stadium than taking on Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez

"I think their ability is not about

hurting you all game - you can

have tougher games when you

go to Stoke City - it's about the

fact they can decide a game

within a second," Kompany
told reporters.
"They're a special team with
special players. They have
more players than anyone else
in the world who can finish
games with a touch of magic.
"But I've come into football to
play these games. The moment
I'm feeling reluctant to play in
these games I'm not in the right
place. This is what I want.
"The next game is a massive
one now and it's one of those if you have a good day it can be
a special night.
"So we have to prepare and I
think everyone is ready for
it. We don't fear them. You
don't go in at this level fearing
strikers.
"We want to play against
them.

It's the fourth time in a year
now. There's nothing new to

worry us, it's a case of having

the whole team at a very high
level."
City trail Chelsea by five points
in the Premier League title race
and are yet to reach the last
eight of the Champions League
since
Sheikh
Mansour's
takeover in the summer of
2008, but Kompany insists he
and his team-mates are capable
of scaling even greater heights
in the coming seasons.
"Our team's been proving our
determination in recent years,"
he added. "We've always come
back. We're putting in a fight
again for the Premier League
and we'll put in a fight for the
Champions League too.
"The history of this club tells
you that in the past six years
we always keep progressing.
It's only a matter of time."

ergio
Busquets
believes his attributes
make him a perfect fit
for the Premier League
- and admits he would like to
sample life in England at some
point in his career.
The Spain international is
a key cog in the Barcelona
midfield and is likely to start
for Luis Enriques men in
their Champions League clash
against Manchester City at the
Etihad Stadium on Tuesday.
The 26-year-old has won
Europes elite club competition
twice with Barca, in addition to
four La Liga titles, and is happy
at Camp Nou but refused to rule
out the possibility of moving to
England in the future.
He told The Guardian: "I
admire the Premier League for
the quality and style of football.

ADVANCING TO SINGLE CURRENCY

Governance Commission holds high level discussion on economic and constitutional implications of Liberias dual currency regime

Officials of government at the high level discussion

Liberia Senate Pro-tempore Armah Jallah makes remarks

Governance Commission Chair Dr. Amos C. Sawyer makes opening statement

UL Vice President for financial affairs Professor Wilson Tarpeh, (First From right-left)

House of Representatives Speaker Alex J. Tyler

at the one day dialogue.