Liberia: President Weah Declares Monday as National Day of Mourning Over Nimba Mining Tragedy
Monrovia – The President of the Republic, H. E. George Manneh Weah, has declared Monday, February 18, 2019 a Day of National Mourning in the aftermath of the tragic death of over 40 citizens in a mudslide in Gbanipea, Tappita District, Lower Nimba County. He also declared the affected area a “National Disaster Zone”, ordering the national security apparatuses to isolate the area, provide security and prevent illicit mining. Already, the Liberian leader has sent units of the Armed Forces of Liberia who have since been deployed in the disaster zone to assist with the rescue and recovery efforts. The President expressed condolences to families who lost loved ones during the incident and wished speedy recovery for those who sustained injuries. He assured that the Government will do all within its powers to provide every support and assistance that would be needed in the affected region.
Source:Front Page Africa
February 16, 2019 23:03 UTC
Liberia: Jefferson Koijee Distances Himself from Leaked Audio, Say He was Never Present
Jefferson T. Koijee, says he is taken aback by the mentioning of his name in a leaked audio believed to be the voice of Bong County Superintendent, Ester Walker. Had she been up to the task with her superintending job, she would not have made such a derogatory comment,” Mayor Koijee said. He added that President Weah is a very independent leader who has a unique style of leadership and very firm on his decisions. “The President does not need a Koijee, McGill, or Tweah to tell him what to do. Everything President does and all that we do is geared towards achieving this agenda,” Mayor Koijee said.
Source:Front Page Africa
February 16, 2019 23:03 UTC
President Weah Suspends Bong Superintendent
President of George M. Weah has suspended Bong County Superintendent, Esther Walker, with immediate effect, according to an Executive Mansion press release Friday, Feb. 15. She said she wanted to speak to the President when Samuel Tweah called her and she went and sat between the two men. She said Minister Tweah confronted her and claimed that Bong County had given the title ‘Dakpanah’ to Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor. She said Minister Tweah accused the Vice President of being wicked and noted that he had the evidence that could be used as an act of revenge on her for her alleged action. Madam Walker’s allegations have worried Liberians and have confirmed reports that the President listens to the three men mentioned in the audio regarding the running of the country.
Source:Daily Observer
February 16, 2019 04:01 UTC
Liberia: Remains of Fallen Senator Geraldine Doe-Sheriff Brought Back Home
MARGIBI COUNTY – The corpse of Senator Geraldine Doe-Sheriff was Friday brought back home through the Roberts International Airport (RIA) from Accra, Ghana where she passed. Report by Henry Karmo, [email protected]The cascade bearing the late Montserrado Senator remains was received by several sympathizers including; lawmakers, partisans, family members and well-wishers. Senator Doe-Sheriff died recently last weekend at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra. “She was a strong floor fighter, a very strong politician and a good-hearted Liberian,” the Pro-Tempore of the Senate described the fallen Senator. He also hoped that the death of Senator Sheriff will teach Liberians the spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation.
Source:Front Page Africa
February 15, 2019 21:56 UTC
Ja’neh’s Impeachment: Opposition Parties Frown on ‘Deliberate Attempt To Destroy Democracy’
Monrovia – Liberia’s top four opposition political parties say they “detest and frown” on the impeachment of Associate Justice Kabina Ja’neh, terming the process as “evil machination”. Report By Alpha Daffae Senkpeni, [email protected]In a statement released on Friday and signed by Unity Party, Liberty Party, Alternative National Congress, and All Liberia Party, the oppositions term the impeachment as a “deliberate attempt” by President George Weah to destroy the “foundation of democracy in Liberia”. The top four opposition parties also cautioned senators to avert colluding with the CDC-led government in committing “another treasonable act”, and stressed that the impeachment proceeding is “a politically-motivated ploy” against Liberia’s democracy. Instead of colluding to destroy it, you can strengthen it by respecting its independence as guaranteed under the Liberian constitution. Any vote in favor of impeachment is a vote against Liberia,.”
Source:Front Page Africa
February 15, 2019 20:37 UTC
Liberia: Dormeyan Agrees to Leaked Bong Supt. Tape of Alleged Overthrow of President Weah
According to Dormeyan, he has launched his personal investigation to acertain, who illegally did the recording and how it got out. “I am on my way to those who were in the Superintendent’s office when the conversation was done,” Dormeyan said. Superintendent Walker’s leaked recording in which he said that President Weah admitted that VP Taylor and Bong County Representative Marvin Cole want to assisnate him, has left citizens debating the issues in not only the county, but Liberia. The leaked audio reveals that President Weah is taking the matter beyond the dismissal of the chiefs. The Bong County Superintendent is heard explaining to her aides that she had attended a party organized by First Lady Clar Weah after President Weah delivered his second Annual Message.
Source:Front Page Africa
February 15, 2019 18:11 UTC
Chief Justice Asked to Recuse Self from Impeachment Trial
Senator Chie says trial of public officials are political mattersDrama ensued at the Legislature on Thursday, February 14, 2019, when the impeachment trial of Associate Supreme Court Justice Kabineh M. Ja’neh, which was scheduled for hearing, was subsequently adjourned by the request of lawyers representing him. Shortly afterwards, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate Albert T. Chie said that impeachment trial of public officials, including the current trial that involves Associate Justice Ja’neh as well as others all over the world, are political matters, though not judicial in nature. He was speaking at the commencement of the trial of Associate Supreme Court Justice Ja’neh in the Chambers of the Senate on Capitol Hill. It is my responsibility as the presiding officer to ensure that all parties, including the Justice who is on trial, are accorded due process. You will please yield in the event your question is disallowed.”Meanwhile, Chief Justice Korkpor has announced that a motion has been filed in the current impeachment case so that he can recuse himself.
Source:Daily Observer
February 15, 2019 03:22 UTC
JamCell Eyes “Pre 5G” Network for Liberia
Investing US$100 million; Begins Operations in 2021The Liberia Telecommunications Authority has issued an Individual/Universal License to JamCell to operate a Public Telecommunications Network providing voice, video and data services throughout the nation. According to an LTA press release, the network is partnering with Ericsson, a world leader in communications networking and technology. According to Digital Trends, 5G is the next generation of mobile broadband that will eventually replace, or at least augment, 4G LTE connection. LTA Board of Commissioners and JamCell representatives signed the license on February 8, 2019. The release said JamCell’s entry into the telecommunications market will bring to three the number of cellular mobile Network Providers in the country.
Source:Daily Observer
February 15, 2019 03:22 UTC
Former Pres. Sirleaf Witnesses Nigeria’s Election Peace Pact
A release from the Liberian Embassy in Abuja said the signing of the peace pact was held on Wednesday, February 13, 2019, at the International Conference Center (ICC) in Abuja, the Federal Republic of Nigeria. While signing the peace accord, President Buhari and the other candidates also pledged to ensure that the polls are conducted peacefully, according to the release. The event was organized by the National Peace Committee under the chairmanship of former Nigerian Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar. “My ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian,” he said, quoting the former Nigerian President. “Consequently, I also appeal to President Buhari to use his good offices to ensure that every eligible person who casts their vote is confident in the process and in the belief that their vote will count,” he added.
Source:Daily Observer
February 15, 2019 03:22 UTC
GoL, Stakeholders Brainstorm on Tax Reform
The workshop is part of several planned on the revision of the Liberian Revenue Code. Dr. Trautman suggested that a uniform tax rule should apply to all concessions, and agencies of government should checkmate these concessions to know whether they are creating jobs and are in compliance with the tax policy of the revenue code. Molley Kiazolu, LRA Assistant Commissioner for Revenue Policy, Statistics and Strategic Planning, said that the revenue code formed the basis of taxation. He noted that it was important for the investment incentives to remain in the revised revenue code. The need to undertake a holistic review of the Revenue Code of Liberia was also highlighted.
Source:Daily Observer
February 15, 2019 03:22 UTC
Judge Gbeisay Wants Drugs, Money Laundering Laws Strengthened
The Judge of the 13th Judicial Circuit Court in Margibi County Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay has called on the Legislature to strengthen the laws on money laundering and drugs, to enhance a smooth dispensation of the country’s drug laws. “It is in this view, we hereby call on our 54th Legislature to enact the appropriated legislation on drugs, money laundering and corruption in Liberia,” he said. The assigned Judge of the 13th Judicial Circuit Court said that the present laws on drugs, money laundering and corruption are weak and inadequate, to address this menace in our society. Judge Gbeisay said he has also observed that some insurance companies are undermining the effort of the government. He pointed specifically to the administration of the court in the dispensation of justice to those accused in drugs related cases.
Source:Daily Observer
February 15, 2019 03:22 UTC
Gbanepea Gold Mine “an Environmental Death Trap”
David Zubah, an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) inspector in Nimba County, says the Gbanepea Gold Mine is an “environmental death trap,” and therefore, the government should order its immediate closure, though no officials have visited the site since the disaster occurred few day ago. He has recommended to authorities of the Ministry of Justice to deploy armed police officers to the mining site to maintain law and order as a means of avoiding further disaster. Speaking shortly after he arrived at the gold mine on Wednesday, February 13, Zubah said there is an urgent need to close the mine without delay. “The miners have dug so many holes that are likely to cause the death of many of the miners if the mine remains open,” Mr. Zubah said. The proliferation of artisanal mining in Liberia, especially in Nimba County, with the huge presence of youngsters, is becoming alarming.
Source:Daily Observer
February 15, 2019 03:22 UTC
Awakened by Horror (Part 2)
By Edward BoakaiWhen our young baby cried, it was indeed a cry of victory after God rescued us from the carnage at Division Twenty-Five. Thus, fear gripped the entire inhabitants of Kakata and its environs that terrible Friday as everybody, including my young baby mother and I, was left in panic and uneasiness. For that reason, I did not have the occasion to go home but to stay at my baby mother’s place and spend the night. Soon, I would disguise myself as an ordinary man; a typical Liberian for that matter, struggling to make ends meet, with a young baby mother. How would I, not only I alone though, but my young baby and mother survive this imminent danger?
Source:Daily Observer
February 15, 2019 03:11 UTC
Liberia’s Role on the African Continent: A Historical Perspective
Liberia’s Role on the African Continent: Key ContributionsLiberia’s role in the struggle for African Independence was quite significant. For example, Liberia used its financial, diplomatic and human resources to contribute to the struggles for decolonization and Independence across the African Continent. Liberia’s Role in the Founding of OAU/AULiberia played a significant role in helping to laying the ground work for the establishment of the organization of African Unity (OAU) that later became the African Union. Making a Case for a Complete History of the African UnionDespite the many contributions Liberia has made both to the African Continent in general, as well as to the OAU/AU, it has not been recognized. But, Liberia has not received similar or comparable recognition for all it contributions to the African Continent in general, and the OAU/AU.
Source:Daily Observer
February 15, 2019 03:11 UTC
Liberia: Acute Water Shortage Makes Women Urinating in Buckets in GOL Ministries & Agencies
Report by Bettie K. Johnson-Mbayo, [email protected]Female staffers in some government ministries and agencies have resulted in another means of easing themselves when nature calls. One agency where this newspaper also observed the same thing was at the Center for Archive on 12 Street in Sinkor. It hasn’t been filled or recieved a drop of water for days as the spider webs were seen on its bottom. FrontPageAfrica also noticed that some women leave their places of work sooner so as to avoid them being embarrassed. Women are reluctant to talk about it or complain, but the world cannot continue to ignore this, according to WaterAid.
Source:Front Page Africa
February 15, 2019 02:26 UTC