Liberia: Bomi County Senatorial Aspirant Raises Red Flag on Voters Trucking ahead of December 8 Election
Monrovia – Ahead of the much-anticipated mid-term senatorial elections in Liberia, Bomi County Senatorial aspirant Dr. Zobong Bomi Norman has alarmed over the alleged trucking of those he called “commercial voters” into the county. Dr. Norman claimed that the current situation of trucking voters is increasingly eating the foundation of the country’s struggling democracy. He added that voter trucking has become a “big threat” to the legitimate electoral will of citizens of Bomi County. He added that as one of the most under-developed counties in Liberia, voters’ trucking will only cause greater underdevelopment and backwardness of the region. “Democracy has the potential to accelerate the development of our country, but voter trucking will prevent us from achieving this potential”.
Source:Front Page Africa
September 03, 2020 06:11 UTC
CDC Opens Trust Fund to Combat Rape in Liberia, Support Survivors
Monrovia – The Coalition for Democratic Change lauds the formation of an inter-ministerial taskforce on SGBV, which was constituted by the President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency George M. Weah. Inspired by this patriotic call, the National Executive Committee of the Coalition for Democratic Change, which convened recently at its National Headquarters in Congo Town, has acted to create a TRUST FUND to ERADICATE RAPE & Boost Support for VICTIMS of SEXUAL ASSAULT. Subsequently, an Afriland account #0201650102-73 (US$ account), and Liberian dollar account #0101650102-25 has been created and dedicated to supporting victims of rape and sexual assaults. On the other hand, on August 31, 2020, the National Elections Commission ruled restricting the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) to field an NPP candidate in Maryland County in the Mid-term Senatorial election. Lastly, the Coalition for Democratic Change calls on all its partisans across the country to remain focused and fully engaged with all delegated tasks and obligations in line with the party’s victorious agenda towards December.
Source:Front Page Africa
September 03, 2020 06:11 UTC
Liberia: Civil Society Council Condemns Just Ended Nimba County’s ‘Flaw’ Council Sitting
Sanniquellie, Nimba County – The National Civil Society Council of Liberia (CSCL)- Nimba chapter, has denounced the just ended Nimba County council Sitting for what it called the wrongful procedures and undemocratic tendencies exhibited by officials during the event. In the wake of the event, the CSCL- Nimba chapter says the entire process was marred by flaws. RecommendationsIn its recommendations, the CSCL-Nimba Chapter said in order to reduce the ambiguity and the political nature of the county council sitting, article 10 sub section E of the 2019-20 National Budget law should be amended to include an independent person presiding over the County Council Sitting. It furthered: “That each District Project Management Team is immediately reactivated to include civil society representatives and disable community. “The Council in this light volunteer to contribute its members’ professional expertise to the process at no cost to the PMC and the County.”
Source:Front Page Africa
September 03, 2020 06:11 UTC
Open Letter To The Liberia Telecommunication Authority (LTA)
Dear Chairman Crump Zackpah:The Leadership of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), the representative body of journalists and media institutions in Liberia requests a meeting with the Full Board of Commissioners of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) and your technical broadcast leads. We are referring you to our position of 26th December 2019 in which the PUL urged the Liberia Telecommunications Authority and all broadcast stakeholders to organize a validation session on the draft LTA FM Radio Policy which this entity suddenly announced had gone into force. In regard to all of the above, the Press Union of Liberia is urging caution on the part of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority as we return around the table. Monrovia FM 88.7; FM 101.5; FM97.9, etc) to ensure businesses will not broadcast on the same frequency as their competitors. Charles B. Coffey, Jr.PresidentPress Union of Liberia
Source:Front Page Africa
September 03, 2020 06:00 UTC
Following The Sale Of More Than 500 Acres Of Land, Goghen Citizens Order A Halt To Land Sale
Klay District, Bomi County – Following the sale of more than 500 acres of land to various individuals in Liberia, citizens of Goghen Town, Klay District in Bomi County, have advised their elders to refrain from the sale of land. As a result of their negotiations, 500 acres of land was sold that led to the realization of $70,000.00 USD. Unfortunately, the surveying cost was $67,000.00 USD, leaving only $3,000 USD to the town. Aside from this huge cost, not all of the land was surveyed and the deeding, which was the objective for the land lands, was also not achieved. A suggestion to sell additional land to conclude the surveying and deeding was therefore rejected by all citizens, calling for a review of the process and a halt to the entire sale of land.
Source:Front Page Africa
September 03, 2020 06:00 UTC
Liberia: Senate Judiciary Committee Drags Feet over Probe of Cllr. Nwabudike’s ‘Illegal Stay’ at LACC As Chairman
Monrovia – It’s been more than two months since Plenary of the Liberian Senate mandated its Committee on Judiciary to investigate a concern raised by Senator Abraham Darius Dillon over the “Illegal stay” of Cllr. On many occasions when the Judiciary committee was being asked to report its findings and recommendations to the Senate plenary, there has always being an excuse about lack of attendance for meeting by committee members. The Senate Judiciary Committee members include; Senator Sherman (UP-Grand Cape Mount County) Chair, Senator Morris Saytumah (UP-Bomi County) Co-chair and Steve Zargo (LP-Lofa County) amongst others. Cllr Nwabudike who currently heads the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), faced a a tough examination for confirmation before the Senate Committee. Nwabudike’s Liberian citizenship.
Source:Front Page Africa
September 03, 2020 06:00 UTC
Liberia: LMHRA Commends LRA For Collaboration
MONROVIA – The Liberian Medicines & Health Products Regulatory Authority (LMHRA) is commending the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) for the level of collaboration in recent especially in helping combating the illicit flow of pharmaceutical products in the country. In recent, the LRA has been instrumental in confiscating thousands of dollars illegal pharmaceutical products smuggled in the country by some unscrupulous individuals. The Customs Department of the LRA turned over to the LMHRA huge consignment of pharmaceutical products illegally imported in Liberia from Guinea, by an individual identified as Abdulla Kamara. The pharmaceutical products, according to LRA officials were intercepted by Customs Anti-Smuggling Officers along the Somalia Drive following a tip-off. Presenting the confiscated medicines to the LMHRA, LRA Manager of Anti-Smuggling& Investigation Unit (ASIU), Masu Fahnbulleh noted that the LRA will remain steadfast and engaged in ensuring effective border security and protection under its border management strategy.
Source:Front Page Africa
September 02, 2020 17:48 UTC
Liberia: Council of Patriots Distances Itself from Youth Wing Withdrawal from CPP
MONROVIA – The National Leadership of the Council of Patriots (COP) wants to make it abundantly, emphatically and categorically clear that it did not authorize the pronouncement made on August 31, 2020 in Monrovia by some members of its Youth Wing withdrawing their support from the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP). It is the sole authority of the National Leadership to determine and decide with whom it engages or affiliates in the interest of the Liberian people, and not its Youth Wing. The COP wishes to reaffirm its commitment to the solid relationship and cooperation existing between itself and the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP). Accordingly, the COP National Leadership wants to assure all of its members in Liberia and around the world to be assuredly confident with serenity that the situation is well under control. Meanwhile, a swift internal investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances that led to the unfortunate pronouncement.
Source:Front Page Africa
September 02, 2020 07:41 UTC
Liberia: CDC’s Phil Dixon Says Thomas Fallah Selection Was A ‘Mistake’ But Party Calls Him A Deviant
Thomas Fallah. Thomas Fallah. He confirmed to FrontPageAfrica that he would contest the Montserrado County Senatorial election as an independent candidate. Dixon, the CDC Montserrado County Chairman, Atty. The process, according to him, led to Thomas Fallah winning the slot with over 14,000 valid votes.
Source:Front Page Africa
September 02, 2020 07:30 UTC
Liberia: National Elections Board of Commissioners Nullifies CDC Primary Result
MONROVIA – The Board of Commissioners of the National Elections Commission (NEC) has ruled that the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) had no legal standing to conduct primary in Maryland County where they selected James Biney as the coalition’s senatorial candidate for the December 8 Special Senatorial Election. Senator Dan Morais of the National Patriotic Party (NPP) a constituent member of the CDC contested the CDC primary in the County before the NEC, claiming that the process was a deviation of the agreement that formed the Coalition. He called for the interpretation of the coalition agreement that the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), the National Patriotic Party (LPDP), the National Patriotic Party (NPP) submitted to the NEC in connection with their request for coalition status. The NEC Board’s ruling comes as final ruling after the NEC Investigative Board had ruled into the matter. The NPP, relying on the agreement of the Coalition, had through its Maryland County chapter nominated Sen. Morais to re-contest the Coalition’s ticket in the December 8 senatorial elections.
Source:Front Page Africa
September 02, 2020 07:18 UTC
Liberia: Pres. Weah Urges CPP Officials to Cooperate with Grand Gedeh Violence Probe
Toby said the refusal of the two opposition politicians to participate in the process is stalling ongoing investigation into the matter. Meanwhile, Toby said the committee set up by President Weah to investigate situation at the National Public Health Institute of Liberia, (NPHIL) has completed its investigation and has made several recommendations, which the President will act upon. In the wake of these political tensions, couple with the coronavirus pandemic, which has scale down activities in Liberia, Toby noted that the Ministry of Public Work is making some gains in implementing projects. At the same time, he said the 14 Gobachop Market in the Omega Community, Paynesville, is expected to be officially dedicated this September. Toby furthered stated that all work on the project has been completed on the market building under the supervision of the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment, (LACE).
Source:Front Page Africa
September 02, 2020 07:07 UTC
GUEST EDITORIAL: A Warning For Nigeria & West Africa To Heed Popular Aspirations
In that country, democracy suffered a huge setback when on August 18, the military seized power and truncated civil rule. AS NIGERIA PROVIDES leadership in Africa, we must ensure that both ourselves and other countries learn lessons from the Mali experience. President Buhari must use the Edo and Ondo elections to demonstrate Ecowas’ commitment to credible electoral process. MALI HAS SHOWN the dangers that arise when we fail to protect the electoral process. The talk in other parts of the world is whether west Africa is about to suffer a relapse towards military rule.
Source:Front Page Africa
September 02, 2020 07:07 UTC
Liberia: Mid-Term Election Budget Likely to Increase Pending Two By-Elections in House of Representatives
It is not yet clear how much could be added but the two by-elections come with additional cost to the budget for December special Senatorial elections. “We feel comfortable that we will be able to use this US$ 13.5 million to do this election. As it is, the NEC has made good on all international procurement with the USD$ 3 million received from the government of Liberia. After rigorous reviews by the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning and development partners, the budget was reduced by US$ 5.2m or 23.%. “In my little experience, I do not believe we can achieve all that we should be doing by now effectively in keeping with transparency that should characterize the Special Senatorial Election in October of this year.
Source:Front Page Africa
September 02, 2020 06:56 UTC
Liberia: Legislative Staffers Accuse Lawmakers of Unfairly Cutting Salaries, Demand Just Pay
During the meeting, Rep. Koung explained that the salaries of staff earning above US$500 were cut by six percent owing to the Government’s salary harmonization program. Capitol Hill, Monrovia – Aggrieved employees of the Legislature including personal staff of lawmakers and central administration staff have accused the Legislature of unlawfully slashing their salaries and benefits. During meeting, Rep. Koung explained that the salaries of staff earning above US$500 were cut by six percent owing to the Government’s salary harmonization program. The Committee will be assisted by some imminent members of the House including Representatives Johnson Gwaikolo (District #9, Nimba County), Rosana G.D.H. Schaack (District #1, Rivercess County), Richard Koon (District #11, Montserrado County) and Dixon Wlawee Seboe (District #16, Montserrado County).
Source:Front Page Africa
September 02, 2020 06:56 UTC
Liberia: Pro Women Group Rallies Signatures for Petition Seeking Harsh Punishments for Rapists, Accomplices amid Rise In cases
However, the Sherah Young Women Initiative and its collaborating partners, in the petition called on the Legislature to enact laws instituting the death penalty and other severe punishments against perpetrators. “We, the people of Liberia; the mothers, fathers and children of Liberia can take no more this evil against our children and women. For any lawyer, judge, or police officer caught demanding money for bribes or fees for prosecuting or investigating rape cases or proven to have recommended the compromise of rape cases should be fined US$5000 or put in prison for three years without bail. According to the founder of Sherah Young Women Initiative, Mrs. Miatta Sonii-Jarry, the petition is expected to be presented to House Speaker Bhofal Chambers through the House Committee on Claims and Petition on Tuesday 8, 2020. Mrs. Jarry, speaking to FrontPageAfrica, said the reason behind the recommendations of the harsh punishment stems from the increasing wave of rape cases in recent times.
Source:Front Page Africa
September 02, 2020 06:56 UTC