Liberia: EPA’s Nat Blama’s Dismissal Raises Eyebrow on Why NTA’s Managing Director’s Similar ‘Offense’ Was Ignored by Pres. Weah
Unlike the NTA’s MD who committed similar act, Blama’s action was equated to fraud by the Executive Mansion. Where EPA Blama Went Wrong? Mr. Blama signed on behalf of the Government of Liberia while Ronald J. Wilkins signed on behalf of CO2BIT LLC. In a telephone interview with Mr. Blama challenged the government to prosecute him with evidence if he did any wrong. We have had this discussion with the finance minister before, I’ve had the discussion with the Minister of State and they are aware,” he said.
Source:Front Page Africa
August 06, 2020 05:47 UTC
Cop Vows To Stage Protest Over Government’s Refusal To Issue Registration Certificate
He maintained that the alleged refusal of the government to register the COP has the proclivity of stirring chaos in the nation. Yesterday I contacted the Director of the LBR, Mr. Sampson Dee and he had nothing to say”. The IRCL is a conglomeration of the National Muslim Council of Liberia (NMCL), and the Liberia Council of Churches (LCC). Mr. Costa continued: “We are coming for y’all; we are getting ready to make that town hot; we will not accept this. Following nearly an hour, Mr. Dee refused to call, something which prompted this writer to place a phone call to him on his personal cell number 0886764901.
Source:Front Page Africa
August 06, 2020 05:26 UTC
Human Rights Organizations in Liberia Alarm Over Being Targeted by Government’s Security, Call for Protection
Monrovia – At least nine human rights organizations have called on the Government of Liberia to ensure that human rights defenders in Liberia are protected from harassment and threats by individuals within the Government security services. They include the Center for Justice and Accountability, Centre for Civil and Political Rights, Civil Society Human Rights Advocacy Platform, Civitas Maxima, Human Rights Watch, Independent Human Rights Investigators, Advocates for Human Rights and the Global Justice and Research Project as well as Aaron Weah, a researcher. Also in the statement, the groups stated that credible threats have also been made against Adama Dempster, secretary general of the Civil Society Human Rights Advocacy Platform of Liberia, in connection to his human rights work and advocacy for a war crimes court. The Government of Liberia has an obligation to protect human rights defenders, the groups said. The groups also reminded the Government of Liberia of the United Nations Human Rights Committee’s Concluding Observations, issued in 2018.
Source:Front Page Africa
August 06, 2020 05:15 UTC
A Plea To President Weah: Avoid Tendencies Of Dictatorship
IT HAS BEEN NEARLY two years now since Talk Show icon Patrick Honnah’s struggles to launch his Punch FM and TV station fell through the cracks. WELL, TWO YEARS LATER, Punch FM has not taken off. The government wasted no time in appealing against the decision of Civil Law Court to restore the broadcast license of Punch FM. THE CONTINUED failure of the government to allow Punch FM to go on the air goes contrary to the tenets of a democratic society. DENYING PUNCH FM a license and keeping COP from being registered are only temporary means to an end for the powers of the day.
Source:Front Page Africa
August 06, 2020 05:15 UTC
Liberia: National Elections Commission Announces Readjusted Dates for December Elections
For the purpose of the 2020 SSE [Special Senatorial Election], the Commission will carry out a Voter Roll Update (VRU). Importantly, the current manual captures all necessary coronavirus Health Protocols, as mandated by the National Public Health Institute of Liberia and ECOWAS. “Prior to the outbreak of the coronavirus, we, along with UNDP, oversaw a dialogue whereby the political parties deliberated and finalized the Political Parties Code of Conduct,” she said disclosing that NEC has completed inspection of all political parties headquarters. All of which prepare our Data Center ahead of the Voter Roll Update and the polls,” she said. “We want to recognize the efforts of our major stakeholders the 28 registered political parties for their continued engagement within and outside of the Inter-Party Consultative Committee (IPCC).
Source:Front Page Africa
August 06, 2020 05:03 UTC
Liberia: Got Your Back International Foundation Donates US$500 to AFL Soldier Who Suffered Severe Burns from Electrocution
Kaifa was rushed to the John F. Kennedy Medical Center in Sinkor, where he stayed for a little over four months seeking medical treatment. On Wednesday, August 5, the non-governmental and non-political humanitarian foundation, Got Your Back International Foundation, based in the United States presented the cash to Sgt. Mr. Thomas Kaine, a resident of the United States, who was touched by the story and decided to make an intervention. On behalf of Got Your Back International, through its President Mr. Thomas Kaine, we want to present this amount to you to help you go through your medical treatment,” said Suah. Kaifa would be sent abroad for advance medical treatment following the review of a medical report from the doctor.
Source:Front Page Africa
August 06, 2020 04:52 UTC
Liberia: Party Chairman Zargo Accuses Partisan Musa Bility of Plotting to Unseat Executive Committee Members
Chairman Zargo believes that the Party’s political leader has made no declaration for a convention, either through a written order or in a meeting of the Executive committee, as contained in Article VIII. When contacted, Mr. Bility denied the LP chairman’s allegation, claiming he has no authority to call for a convention. Mr. Bility was among several LP members who pledged support to the CDC in the runoff election of 2017. Chairman Zargo believes that the Party’s political leader has made no declaration for a convention, either through a written order or in a meeting of the Executive committee, as contained in Article VIII. He further informed journalists and partisans that it is now “Crystalized” in the action of partisan Bility that, he may have been working closely with some members of the CRC and the Executive Council planning committee, and a few members of the Executive Committee plotting the removal of the leadership that was elected in Voinjama in 2018.
Source:Front Page Africa
August 06, 2020 04:52 UTC
Action for Liberia’s Development Concerned About Delays In Budget Submission
Monrovia – A local civil society group, Action for Liberia’s Development (ALiD), says it is deeply concerned by the persistent delays in the submission of the country’s financial instrument – the national budget. Since its delayed submission, hearing on the draft budget is yet to commence. Additionally, the group says it has also observed that parallel to delay in the budget submission, the executive branch has consistently failed to submit the framework paper of the draft national budget. “As required by the constitution of Liberia, the draft budget for the succeeding fiscal year should be submitted on April 30, but this has not been the case since the inception of the current regime. Liberia’s fiscal calendar begins July 1 and ends June 30,” the Group said in a statement issued in Monrovia.
Source:Front Page Africa
August 06, 2020 04:41 UTC
Liberia: Two Dead, Six Missing as Ferry Capsizes in Bong’s Jor River
The residents of the area told FrontPageAfrica that the ferry capsized when the rope they were using to pull it towards the river bank cut. Eyewitnesses said two persons, who were on board, managed to surviveJorquelleh District Two, Bong County – Two persons have been confirmed dead and six others are still missing after a locally-made ferry capsized. The ferry capsized shortly after it departed the dock. The residents told FrontPageAfrica that the ferry capsized when the rope they were using to pull it towards the river bank cut. On Wednesday, police said the mission to locate the missing ferry had transitioned to a recovery effort.
Source:Front Page Africa
August 06, 2020 04:41 UTC
Liberia: ‘Weah-led Government Has Militarized Our Youth’ – ANC Alexander Cummings Blast Ruling Party
Mr. Alexander Cummings made the statement Wednesday when he addressed the nation on topical issues and his violent attack on his recent trip to the Southeast. “In the CPP, we are worried about our young people, and deeply concerned about the future of our country. Cummings: “In the CPP, we are worried about our young people, and deeply concerned about the future of our country. “173 years later, our country ranks amongst the poorest and most corrupt in the world. Our children, the future of our nation, are failing and falling behind other children in the region, and the world.
Source:Front Page Africa
August 05, 2020 14:15 UTC
Liberia: Pres. Weah Dismisses EPA Blama for Alleged Fraud, But He Insists He Did Nothing Wrong; Points Out Personal Vendetta
Weah Dismisses EPA Blama for Alleged Fraud, But He Insists He Did Nothing Wrong; Points Out Personal VendettaAccording to the Executive Mansion Blama on March 7,2020 unilaterally signed a US$20 million contract without the signatures of the ministers of Justice and Finance contrary to law and established governmental principles and procedures. MONROVIA – The Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Mr. Nathaniel Blama has been relieved of his post for an alleged act of fraud. According to him, it is a non-binding agreement signed on an environmental platform like all other environmental agreements which states that proceeds go the EPA for the use of environmental improvement in Liberia. Mr. Blama signed on behalf of the Government of Liberia while Ronald J. Wilkins signed on behalf of CO2BIT LLC. We have had this discussion with the finance minister before, I’ve had the discussion with the Minister of State and they are aware,” he said.
Source:Front Page Africa
August 05, 2020 12:59 UTC
Liberia: President Accepts Resignation of LAA Boss Nuquay; Ex-Speaker Mum on Margibi Senate Race
Mr. Nuquay, contacted Wednesday said he has not made a decision on whether or not he will contest. In a statement Wednesday, the President thanked Mr. Nuquay for his service to the nation as head of the LAA and also wished him well in his new endeavors. The Liberian Chief Executive appointed Mr. Nuquay to the position in 2018, few weeks after his inauguration. Mr. Nuquay was elected to the House of Representatives in the 2005 general elections representing, Margibi District No. Mr. Nuquay, contacted Wednesday said he has not made a decision on whether or not he will contest.
Source:Front Page Africa
August 05, 2020 11:26 UTC
Liberia: International Restrictions, EU’s Proximity Put Chinese Fishing Vessels License Quest in Limbo
Under the United Nations Fish Stock Agreement, any license granted now should be in line with the signed regulation. Granting licenses to the Chinese vessels put Liberia at risk with several international organizations. Fishing without a license comes with a fine of up to US$1,000 under Liberian Fisheries Regulations although illegal fishing has been going on for quite some time due to the lack of monitoring and policing. Liberia has secured funding to conduct a comprehensive stock assessment that may allow the country to license additional trawlers or even reducing the current licensed vessels. As the saga lingers, it appears the ongoing EU restrictions and the proximity to Liberia compared to faraway China is said to be complicating matters for the Chinese.
Source:Front Page Africa
August 05, 2020 08:26 UTC
With Only One Female in The Liberian Senate, Ruling CDC Puts Forth An All-Male Aspirants List; Eyes Now on Opposition Bloc
It is a problem, not just from the ruling party but the opposition as well, says Karweaye Sr. Seltue. Last August, Telia Urey, running on the ticket of the opposition All Liberia Party, part of the collaboration of Political Parties(CPP) in the District No. We must encourage strong women candidates to get involved and contest. The Coalition For Democratic Change, amongst the 15 candidates for the 2020 senatorial elections. “The Coalition For Democratic Change, amongst the 15 candidates for the 2020 senatorial elections.
Source:Front Page Africa
August 05, 2020 08:22 UTC
Liberia: Memo to Senatorial Aspirants – Stop Insulting Voters with Money & Rice
INSTEAD OF ASKING the right questions about how far this rice distribution has gone, candidates themselves have joined the rice and money distribution business, preying on the vulnerabilities of the various communities they are looking to represent. THOSE WHO are privileged to serve in these positions – either through an election or through the ballot box are not elected to divide money or distribute rice. THE CONSTITUTION SAYS nothing about rice or money distribution. They voted based on friendship, on rice, on money and on favors. How many are willing to do what is right instead of whining and crying without end to pain and suffering?
Source:Front Page Africa
August 05, 2020 07:41 UTC