One of the four Associate Justices of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Liberia, Cllr. Philip A. Z. Banks, has decried some Liberian judicial officers for what he described as their lack of former education.

The Associate Justice expressed serious dissatisfaction over what he claims is the inability of some judges and court workers to read and write. He then attributed the poor perfomance and unprofessional sub-standard status of the Liberian judiciary.

The former Minister of Justice/Attorney-General of Liberia during the administration of the Interim Government of National Unity (IGNU), of Dr. Amos Claudius Sawyer, blamed the continuous weakness of the judicial system on these “unqualified judicial officers.”

The Supreme Court Associate Justice made these starling revelations at the opening of a two-day National Judicial Conference (NJC), held at the Temple of Justice in the Liberian capital, Monrovia.

The former Attorney-General then challenged those who want to become judicial officers to pursue the path of education adding, “if you want to administer justice to people, then you need to go back to school, take the risk and prepare yourselves adequately.”

Continuing he said, “don’t be static.” He warned. “Get qualification.” He urged. “Take the initiative and improve yourselves.” He challenged. Go to the law school and develop the court system.” He pleaded with the gathering which comprised judges, magistrates and practicing lawyers.”

Speaking on the theme, “EQUIPPING LIBERIA’s JUDGES TO THE 21^ST CENTURY,” Justice Banks further pleaded with the National Conferees saying, “I beg you, do not be complacent. Go and develop yourselves for the 21^st Century.”

Justice Banks, who also served as Minister of Justice/Attorney-General, during the first term of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, warned the conference that “if Liberians must meet the challenges of the 21^st century, Judges must prepare themselves”

“For the legal system to move forward in the 21^st century,” Justice Banks noted, “judges need to take the initiative to improve themselves academically and professionally.”

“You need to improve the conditions of the courts.” He further advised. “You do not need to sit down and allow our foreign friends to tell us our problems; we must first take the initiative to identify our weakness and shortfalls.” He indicated.

“We want you to challenge us, the Supreme Court and take us to task. Tell us our responsibilities, which I believe will take the legal process of Liberia forward. The conference should come out with a proposal to challenge us to deliver more to the judicial system.”

“You need to also take the initiative to standardize and develop proposals that will improve the judicial system. Justice Philip A. Z. Banks concluded.

No sooner had Justice Banks taking his seat, then former Supreme Court Chief Justice, Cllr. Henry Reed Cooper expressed serious disagreement with Justice Banks’ assertions that the low level of education was partly to blame for the poor performance of judges.

The former Chief Justice instead laid the blame squarely at the door steps of the huge disparity among the three branches of government including the Legislative, Executive and the Judiciary.

Cllr. Cooper cited salaries disparity; pointing out that “salaries for the other  branches of government are different from the judiciary. How do you expect our judges to perform when those especially in the rural areas, are still living in court compounds?” He asked.

The former Chief Justice suggested that judges need to share knowledge, be people of integrity, be fair minded and exhibit transparency adding, “these were some of the strategies used by former judges to make the judicial system move forward.” “Most of them were not educated, but they provided fair justice in the country.” He maintained.

Also speaking at the occasion, Cllr. J. D. Baryogar Junius, a former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia, for his part blamed the poor performance of the judicial system, “on the manner in which judges are appointed within the Judiciary.”

Meanwhile, the third edition of the “YEAR 2011 IN REVIEW,” covering the first five months of the Independent Eye News since its birth in August of 2011, is expected to be published on Saturday, February 4. Watch out for it!

The Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News (IEN), welcomes feedback (comments/reactions) from our readership to any of our publications. We assure you, your feedback will be published without censorship.

THE INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), IS THE FASTEST AND LEADING NAME IN NEWS. WE REPORT, YOU DECIDE.

BY: TARNYON NYENON

PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR,

INDEPENDENT EYE NEW (IEN), WWW.INDEYE.ORG

TNYENON59@YAHOO.COM-(763) 226-3634-CELL

If Montserrado County 6^th District Representative Edwin Melvin Snowe thought a simple denial in his (US$1,000.00), naked woman striping at his residence on Thursday, December 30 was all over with, he needs to think again.

This is so because reports coming from the Liberian Capital, Monrovia now says the Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Gender & Development has commenced an investigation into the matter.

The reports also say the Ministry’s action is an apparent response a strongly worded petition issued on Tuesday, January 17, by a consultium of Human Civil Rights Group, demanding a full scale investigation into the entire episode.

The Rights’ Group include, Citizens United to Promote Peace & Democracy in Liberia (CUP & DL), Center for Traumatic Counseling & Conflict Resolution (CTC & CR) and Anti Crime Activists (ACA).

The Rights’ Group petitioned the Gender Ministry to conduct a full flesh thorough investigation into the matter and the Ministry has reportedly agreed to set up an Investigative Panel, as a result.

The Rights’ Group through its spokesperson, Nana Lartey, who also heads the Anti Crime Activists says their resolve to get to the bottom of the case was necessitated by many contradictions from Rep. Snowe.

The Rights’ Group maintains that in spite of Snowe’s denial, an announcement by Mr. Patrick Honnah, the Deputy Station Manager of Truth FM, on whose behalf Snowe held the Bachelors’ Eve night party at his residence, is of interest.

Mr. Honnah had announced that the lady in question was preparing to give the actual account of what happened and indeed she did. It was during that radio interview, she unvealed her identity as Tracy and confirmed the stripping allegation. She also acknowledged receiving payment from Rep. Snowe.

During Snowne’ hurriedly arranged January 10 news conference, he challenged his accusers to adduce evidence such as photographs to convince the public that indeed the incidence did occur.

However, this seems impossible because Snowe reportedly made sure no photographs were taken that night, during what is now being described as the unfortunate drama considered, “degrading to the pride and dignity of all Liberian women.”

Snowe even categorically denied ever offering any penny to Tracy.  He described the media reports as “false and misleading” adding, “I have never and will never do anything to womanhood to disrespect them, no matter their status in society.”

Although Snowe denied the incident ever took place, Tracy confirmed that indeed it did and that she performed that night at Snowe’s behest. She also confirmed receiving payment from Rep. Snowe as he promised.

Howbeit, the Rights’ Group sees this as sexual exploitation and an inducement of a young Liberian lady who fell for Snowe’s (US$1,000.00) bid, in the face of hash economic realities in the country.

Meanwhile, the third edition of the “YEAR 2011 IN REVIEW,” covering the first five months of the birth of the Independent Eye News in 2011, is expected to be published on Saturday, Saturday, February 4. Watch out for it!

The Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News (IEN), welcomes feedback (comments/reactions) from our readership. We assure you, your feedback will be published without censorship.

THE INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), IS THE FASTEST AND LEADING NAME IN NEWS. WE REPORT, YOU DECIDE.

BY: TARNYON NYENON

PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR,

INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), WWW.INDEYE.ORG

TNYENON59@YAHOO.COM-(763) 226-3634-CELL

The son of one of Liberia’s most notorious war lords, turned Senior Senator of Nimba County, “Field Mashall” Prince Yomie Johnson, Sr., Prince Johnson Jr. has reportedly committed suicide after his lifeless body was discovered hanging at his ELWA residence.

Officers of the Police Special Unit (PSU) of the Liberia National Police (LNP), who arrived at the scene after the body of Prince Johnson, Jr., was discovered, confirmed that he seemingly left behind a suicide note.

According to the PSU, the suicide note which was found near the body of the young Prince read, “I loved my mother and father. Please give all my belongings to my children and we will see on the other side.”

Police sources say the young Prince’s lifeless body was discovered at 6:45pm on the night of Thursday, January 27, hanged at the ELWA residence where he lived prior to the discovery.

Residents of the community say few hours before the discovery, the young Prince was seen in a heated argument with his sister, Shirley Johnson, who he accused of not giving him enough food.

A situation which might have provoked him into a rant, resulting into hauling  insults at her and his mother, Mary Woekie, who in turn naked herself in an apparent anger, while she, her daughter, Shirley and son, Prince Yomie Johnson, Jr., were engaged in trading insults and shouting at each other. A Police PSU Officer reportedly narrated.

According to other Police sources, prior to his death, Johnson Jr., had several bushes with the police. One of such incidents occurred in October of 2010, when Police launched a manhunt for Johnson Jr., after he allegedly robbed several people and injured others, at a Nigerian shop in the ELWA area.

During the Police manhunt, Johnson Jr., was apprehended and subsequently detained at the Zone 8, Police Station. Unfortunately according to Police, he reportedly escaped.

However, the Police did not say how he escaped or what was done to re-arrest him after the incident, to face the full weight of the law. It is unknown whether or not, Johnson’s alleged escape meant the police had automatically closed the case. Not withstanding, nothing was heard about him again unitilthe discovery of his lifeless body on Thursday, January 27.

Meanwhile, the third edition of the “YEAR 2011 IN REVIEW,” covering the first five months of the Independent Eye News since its birth in August of 2011, is expected to be published on Saturday, February 4. Watch out for it!

The Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News (IEN), welcomes feedback (comments/reactions) from our readership to any of our publications. We assure you, your feedback will be published without censorship.

THE INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), IS THE FASTEST AND LEADING NAME IN NEWS. WE REPORT, YOU DECIDE.

BY: TARNYON NYENON

PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR,

INDEPENDENT EYE NEW (IEN), WWW.INDEYE.ORG

TNYENON59@YAHOO.COM-(763) 226-3634-CELL

The National President of the Konobo Statutory District Association in the Americas (KSDA), Mr. Augustus Cisco Williams is urging Members of the District’s Association to remain resilient, in the wake of adversities.

President Williams made specific reference to what he referred to “unforeseen situation,” an apparent reference to the recent financial fraud involving former President Solomon Tardey.

Tardey reportedly stole all of the Association’s money from its account in the total sum of six thousand fifty two dollars, eleven cents (US$6, 052.11). Although he has since admitted to the crime and pledged to refund the money, KSDA has yet to decide his fate.

Despite this development, President Williams has pledged to honor all commitments made by the Youboty Administration including the payment of Teachers’ compensation in the District.

While reassuring KSDA Members of his administration commitment, President Williams also advised them to put aside their differences and fears, caused as a result of the recent scandal which rocked the Association’s foundation.

Williams’ pledge was contained in a prepared speech delivered during his first mass meeting to re-assure the Membership of his Administration’s commitment, to it (membership) and the people of the District.

In the speech, copy of which is in the possession of the Independent Eye News (IEN), President Williams urged all four ethnic groups the (Konobos, Putus, Tuwahbos and Gleos,) of the District, to work towards the collective needs of all.

“As President of KSDA,” Williams went on, “we want to assure you that my administration would not hesitate in working with the chapter leaderships and also seeking the advice and consent of the National Board and Elders.”

President Williams further pledged to always solicit and welcome any constructive advice, that would help strengthen and empower his administration in living up to its platform and in compliance with the Association’s Constitution.

He then praised what he described as those “sound and farsighted Elders” who according to him, prevail on and convinced Chairman Boley and Members of the National Board, to follow the constitutional path thereby avoiding the path of divisiveness.”

This comment is being viewing by Political Analysts as another reference to the feet dragging by Chairman Boley and some of his colleagues’ reluctance to allow then Vice President Williams to immediately succeed former President Tardey, in accordance with KSDA’s Constitution.

President Williams then vowed to ensure that the Konobo Statutory District Association’s Constitution is always used as the guiding tool over what he referred to as “personal opinion to promote selfish interests.”

The KSDA Chief Executive then concluded his speech by urging all the Association’s Members to join him and his administration, “in helping to build a viable entity in the Diaspora for the benefit of our District.”

Meanwhile, the second edition of the “YEAR 2011 IN REVIEW,” covering the first five months of the birth of the Independent Eye News in 2011, is expected to be published on Saturday, February 4, 2012. Watch out for it!

The Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News (IEN), welcomes feedback (comments/reactions) from our readership. We assure you, your feedback will be published without censorship.

THE INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), IS THE FASTEST AND LEADING NAME IN NEWS. WE REPORT, YOU DECIDE.

BY: TARNYON NYENON

PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR,

INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), WWW.INDEYE.ORG

TNYENON59@YAHOO.COM-(763) 226-3634-CELL

SIRLEAF REWARDS NPFL EX-GURU

The Liberian Government now has a new Minister of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT). He is Lewis G. Brown, II, a former czar of the disbanded rebel National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL).

Mr. Brown, a one- time critic and noted opposition of the Sirleaf administration, was awarded the coveted post of Chief Spokesman on January 24, 2012 by Mrs. Sirleaf. He replaces former Minister Cletus Sieh, who she fired on December 24, 2011for what the she then labeled as “His indiscretion in the manner he handled security information relating to the Monrovia unrest by vacation job students.”

Anti-Sirleaf Campaign                                                                                                                

 Before July 2011when the President and Mr. Brown, an ex-loyalist of former President Charles Taylor formed political alliance, he was one of her robust critics. He gained notoriety in Liberia and abroad for scolding Mrs. Sirleaf and functionaries of her government.

He did not mince or mumble his words in criticizing the government for what he then considered its “failed” socio-economic policies. The Information Minister-in-waiting was condescending and brash in dealing with the Chief Executive and her supporters.

His antipathy for the regime and the Liberian leader was conspicuous. Everywhere he went in Liberia and abroad, Mr. Brown was on the offensive verbally. He disparaged Mrs. Sirleaf and the Liberian government for reported shady deals, bad governance, and indifference to the “appalling” living conditions of the poor.

In one of his famous speeches titled “We Are Too Smart to Stubbornly Repeat the Wrongs of Yester Years,” delivered at a commencement convocation held at the University of Liberia in 2010, Mr. Brown, the self styled “man of the people” questioned the honesty of the Liberian government in catering to the economically deprived in Liberia when he cried out “Majority swim daily in a sea of poverty and hopelessness in a country blessed with plenty-a country where a few sacrificed with fabulous salaries and others are downsized because they come from another party, or from another parts of the country.”

In furtherance of his anti-Sirleaf campaign, Mr. Brown, a protégé of the one-time dreaded NPFL and the now incarcerated ex-President Taylor, on January 30, 2011, made national and international headlines when he slammed the President for declaring her bid on January 24, 2011 for a second term while delivering her annual message to the nation at the National Legislature.

He opined “No President, since the foundation of our Republic, has so diminished and disfigured the Office of the President and desecrated the sacredness of the duties thereunto assigned like President or Candidate Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.”

Brown-Sirleaf Alliance                                                                                                                                   

The Minister Designate pseudo crusade for a “just and honest” Liberia was short lived. As predicted by most of his critics including the author of this article that his advocacy for an “equitable” Liberia was fixated on gaining political relevance for appointment in the Unity Party led government, Mr. Brown proved them right when he and the President last year consummated a marriage of convenience where the both agreed to support one another politically.

As part of the deal, the Information Minister-in-waiting in July 2011 stunned Liberians at home and abroad, when he paradoxically mounted the podium at a political rally orchestrated by supporters of the Sirleaf Government in Monrovia, Liberia to throw his weight behind the President for a second term, a campaign which he had earlier condemned.

He remarked “My support to Mrs. Sirleaf is based on her consistence and commitment to the rebuilding of a vibrant nation.”Two months following his public display of support for the President, in September 2011, Mrs. Sirleaf and the UP also, reciprocated the political gesture.

She endorsed Mr. Brown’s candidacy for the Montserrado County Junior Senatorial seat. Even though, he lost the legislative race to Mrs. Geraldine Doe Sheriff of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), the relationship between him and the Sirleaf government remained inextricably linked. The former NPFL hero is now one of the loyalists and praise singers of the government he once despised.

Hypocrisy                                                                                                                                                             

 If confirmed by the Liberian Senate, the loud mouth Lewis G. Brown, II, who some Liberians salute for being “eloquent and smart” will become an embodiment of the same “failed” socio-economic policies that he once spoke against-what a contradiction of life. He will be the mirror of the government, its programs and policies. Mr. Brown will be responsible for taking the government to the door steps of Liberians and the International Community.

But how he intends to reconcile his current job description with his personal conviction about happenings in Sirleaf Liberia, especially issues regarding malfeasances remains to be seen. The complexity of his employment is he will be required to guide public information concerning the government and project a better of the administration and Liberia even if, things are the irony.

Political Vampire                                                                                                                                       

 Mr. Brown comes to the enviable post of Minister of Information with a blemished character. Those, who know him and his deeds in the public domain, strongly believe he will not make a good spokesman because he is not credible. He is inconsistent, shady, and unreliable. He is a gold digger; he is noted for vacillating and flip-flopping.

For Lewis Brown, there is nothing called principle or permanent friendship; what matters, is interest. That’s while he goes with the political pendulum. He chases the gravy train and the glamour associated with political prominence.

During the 2011 general and presidential elections in Liberia, Mr. Brown, the man known for shifting political allegiance on the basis of self-aggrandizement made another political transition when he in September fractured tie with opposition politicians of the National Democratic Coalition (NDC) to establish bond with the UP and Mrs. Sirleaf.

Despite his role as chairman and one of the architects of the NDC, Mr. Brown untied link with the group at the time his political expertise, leadership, and innovation were most needed. Appalled by the resignation, Bong County Senior Senator and Standard Bearer of the National Patriotic Party (NPP), Jewel Howard Taylor, described the move as egotistic. “Lewis Brown is just chasing greener pasture,” Senator Taylor spoke.

The NDC was a conglomeration of opposition political parties including the National Patriotic Party (NPP) and the New Deal Movement formed to put up a concerted fight in the 2011 legislative and presidential elections.

Over eight years ago when the erstwhile NPFL Leader and President, Charles Taylor governed Liberia, Mr. Brown was an NPP stalwart and a member of the government’s inner circle. He held some key positions in the administration including Minister of Foreign Affairs and Managing Director, Liberia Petroleum Refinery Corporation (LPRC).

While at the LPRC, he’s reported to have under dubious circumstances built a fabulous home (a mansion by Liberian standard) on the Roberts International Airport (RIA) Highway, Liberia. Given the fast pace at which the home, which value thousands of US dollars was built, the Liberian media and the public raise concern about the funding source of the project.

The people’s concern was predicated on the meager salaries public officials and civil servants at the time earned. But astonishingly, his boss, ex-President Taylor, who also has an overt record of dishonesty, he in Mr. Brown’s defense, brushed off the people’s doubt  when he callously remarked “The young man was investing in the country and that all the talk was about jealousy,”

Despite Mr. Taylor open manifestation of support for the new MICAT boss during the heydays of his administration, when his regime crumbled in 2003, Mr. Brown, few years following the fall, without remorse folded his association with the former President and the NPP, a political entity, which he helped procreate.

Role in the NPFL                                                                                                                                          

The new Minister of Information was a prominent player in the ended Liberian civil war. Mr. Brown was one of several University of Liberia students, who joined the former NPFL rebel movement in the early 1990’s. During the Front’s so-called military uprising, he was one of Mr. Taylor’s war propagandists and foot soldiers.

He was one of the rebel leaders, who shuttled regularly the world over to promote and championed the pillaging of Liberia’s natural resources. He defended the NPFL brutal murder and rape of Liberians at national and international peace conferences held on Liberia.

The NPFL was one of the biggest rebel factions in the ended Liberian civil war. The group was one of the most fearful and ruthless gangster organizations West Africa has ever produced in recent history.

About the author: Moses D. Sandy is a US based Liberian journalist. Mr. Sandy is former Editor-in-Chief of the state owned Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS). He holds a Masters in Social Work (MSW) from Temple University Graduate of Social Work based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He currently works as entry level social work manager in Philadelphia. He can be reached at mdogbasandy@aol.com / 302-494-4688(cell).

In fulfillment of our professional obligation to our readership as a medium institution, the Editorial Staff of the INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), is pleased to bring you the second edition of a little over the fourth quarter of the “Year 2011 In Review.”

This period covers the first five months (August, September, October, November & December, 2011) since the birth of IEN, and  since it began its investigative and analytical style of reporting in August of 2011.

The INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS, as its nomenclature connotes, is an independent investigative news organ, whose target readership is the entire Diaspora Liberian Community worldwide, with no attachment to any particular organization/institution.

The IEN, as it is commonly known, reports stories and events concerning the homeland (Liberia) and all Diaspora Liberian Community organizations. The IEN also lifts stories of public interest from some homeland media institutions, in fulfillment of our ardent desire to serve the Diaspora Communities.

As we enter the year 2012, the Editorial Staff of the IEN promises to expand its reporting capacity, by including U.S news items which affect the Liberian and other African immigrant communities.

We also intent to secure the services of Liberians and other nationals on a voluntary basis, as our correspondents in the various states of the United States, Canada, etc.

We bring you a chronological account of developments which shaped the first five months since the birth of the Independent Eye News in August, 2011, under the theme, “YEAR 2011 IN REVIEW.”

STATISTICS

Our statistics show that in the month of August only one (1) story was reported and it was on the Iowa Chapter of the GGAA. In the month of September, the number of stories increased from one to fourteen (14).

In the month of October, the number of stories dropped to eight (8) and in the month of November, the number increased to eighteen (18) and in  December, the stories came up to nineteen (19).

Sunday, September 18: We published a story captioned; “GWYAN SLAMS GEGEH MEDIA & IEN. In the story, we reported that GGAA former presidential Aspirant, Fred Tarlue Gwyan has unleashed his frustration on two Gedeh Media institutions and the Independent Eye News (IEN).

The two Gedeh media institutions include the MN Web and the Voice of Gedeh. The Independent Eye News; a privately owned independent media institution was not also spared by Mr. Gwyan, in what was described as a tirade of tongue lashing escape.

In his four-page dissertation, Mr. Gwyan accused the above named media institutions of not publishing his observations from the May, 2011 presidential elections in which he lost, but came second in the tripartite race.

Although an investigation by the IEN found out that Mr. Geyan’s claims of been granted “extensive interviews” by the three named media institutions, three months after the elections, could not be independently verified, the IEN published his four-page dissertation in which he bashed the media.

Tuesday, September 20: We published a story captioned, “I WILL RESCUE ULAA”-ZAWOLO. In the story, we quoted Mr. Isaac Saye Zawolo, Jr., then a ULAA presidential aspirant, vowed to rescue the Liberian umbrella organization if elected national Administrative President.

Thursday, September 22: We ran an Editorial titled; WHO LEADS ULAA NEXT? As part of our commitment and professional obligation to our readership, we decided to critique the three presidential candidates, who were vying for the Union’s National Presidency.

The objective was to help the Diaspora Liberian Community make informed decision regarding who is the best suited to lead the community for the nest two consecutive years as the National President of the Union, after nearly four turbulent years of the Anthony Varfley Kesselly Administration.

The three candidates were, Messrs. Gaye Duwah Sleh, Jr. Illinois, who was Kesselly’s Vice President, and challengers Isaac Saye Zawolo, Jr. Maryland/Washington, DC and John Puiteh Tarley, Minnesota. All the three presidential candidates cooperated, by forwarding their  auto-biographies to the Independent Eye News, for publication.

Sunday, September 25: We published a guest article written by Mr Emund Zarzar Bargblor, President of the African Catholic Community about the visit to the United States by Catholic Cardinal France Arinze.

Monday, September 26: We published a story captioned, “STOP  FIGHTING ONE ANOTHER” in which we quoted Mr. Richard Sondah, now former Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Organization of Liberians in Minnesota (OLM).

While serving as Keynote Speaker of the at installation of the leadership of the Kolahun District resident in the state of Minnesota, USA, Mr. Sondah urged them to “stop fighting one another, establish an achievable goal and work collectively to achieve it.

Those elected to serve a two-year term are, Messrs. Abraham K. Morlu, Al Kannah and Kollie, as President, Vice President and Secretary, respectively. Others are, Mr. Lusian Woiwoi and Mrs. Oretha Tarley as Treasurer and Chaplain respectively.

Those elected for the Board of Diorectors are, Messrs. Elijah Comby, Chairman and Members are. Mr. Amos Siafa, Mrs. Jenneh Kimba, Messrs. Youba Smeriff and Steven Kimba, Jr., They were installed by Mr. Henry Kesselly, then Co-Chairman of the OLM Board.

Wednesday, September 28: we published a story under the caption, “WHO LEADS ULAA NEXT? In the story, we critique one of ULAA’s presidential aspirants, Mr. John Puiteh Tarley, as it relates to his past achievements and leadership ability to lead ULAA, if elected.

OCTOBER

Thursday, October 6: We reported a story under the caption, “P. A DOMINATES COLLINS’ CABINET,” in which we reported that the Pennsylvania Chapter dominated the entire six Member cabinet of Mr. Tillman Collins, National President of the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas (GGAA).

We also reported in the story that in spite of the existence of sixteen registered chapters within the GGAA, President Collins chose to nominate four of the six constitutional committees’ chairs from the state of Pennsylvania Chapter only.

Those nominated were: Messrs. Alex Yallah, Chairman, Ways & Means (W & MC), Todd Garlo, Chair, Youth Development Committee (YDC), Mrs. Beatrice Hansford-Swen, Chair, Education & Training Committee (E & TC) and Miss Elizabeth Pennoh, Chair, Women’s Wing Committee (WWC).

They are all from the Pennsylvania Chapter. The only two who were not from the Pennsylvania Chapter are; Mrs. Edith Walo-Smith, Chair, Awards Committee (AC) and Michael Gilman, Chairman, Membership Committee (MC). They are both from New Jersey and Michigan respectively.

Sunday, October 9: We reported a story under the caption, “SLEH WINS PRESIDENCY, BUT TARLEY WINS DEBATE.” We reported that Mr. Gaye Duwah Sleh, Jr. won the presidency of ULAA, but one of his two challengers, Mr. John Puiteh Tarley, won the presidential debate. The other challenger was Mr. Isaac Saye Zawolo, Jr.

Wednesday, October 12: We reported a story captioned, “MN BOARD DISSOLVES LEADERSHIP AGAIN!” In the story we reported that the Membership of the Board of Directors of the Minnesota Chapter has dissolved its Board’s leadership.

The decision by the Chapter’s Board Membership to dissolve Mr. Nehemiah Garley’s Board’s leadership, was taken on Sunday, October 9, as a result of an unsolicited motion by Mr. Marcus Koolor, then Co-Chair of the Board.

Saturday, October 15: We reported a story caption; “I DID NOT BOYCOTT ELECTIONS”-NYENABO. Amidst wide spread allegation that he boycotted the general and presidential elections in Liberia, Grand Gedeh County Senior Senator, Isaac Nyenabo has categorically denied.

The Grand Gedeh County Senator, who was also the President Pro-Tempore of the Liberian Senate, left Liberia in early September, nearly four weeks ahead of the October 11, 2011. He claimed he was on vacation.

Tuesday, October 25:  We reported a story under the caption, “MN CH BOARD ELECTS NEW LEADERSHIP.” In the story, we reported that the Membership of the Minnesota Chapter’s Board, has elected a new leadership.

Those elected on Sunday, October 23, were Messrs. Alex Gaye, Chairman, Eric Booh, Co-Chairman and Randy Kaydea, Secretary. Members were, Messrs. Alvin Zelee, Kamaty Diahn, Nehemiah Garley and V. Marcus Koolor. They were immediately inducted into office by Mr. Zelee.

Thursday, October 27: We reported, “KOOLER FALLS FROM GRACE TO GRASS.” In the story, Mr. V. Marcus Kooler, Co-Chairman of the Minnesota Chapter’s Board, who also sought and was elected interim Co-Chairman of the National Board of the GGAA, while only a proxy for the Chapter, has lost both Co-Chairmanships.

Mr. Kooler’s lost according to the story, was a result of an unsolicited motion he made, calling for the dissolution of the chapter’s Board leadership of which he was a part as Co-Chairman. To serve on the National Board, one must be either the Chairman of Secretary of the local Board, neither of which Mr. Kooler was.

Therefore, when the chapter held its leadership elections which he boycotted, apparently sensing an eminent defeat, he fell from grace to grass when the Membership of the Chapter’s Board of Directors elected a new leadership. The chapter’s Board leadership elections were pending prior to the National Board’s interim leadership elections.

Meanwhile, the third edition of the Independent Eye News’ (IEN) “YEAR 2011 IN REVIEW,” covering the first five months (August, September, October, November & December 2011), since its birth, is expected to be published on Saturday, February 4. Watch out for it!

The Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News (IEN), welcomes feedback (comments/reactions) from our readership to any of our publications. We assure you, your feedback will be published without censorship.

THE INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), IS THE FASTEST AND LEADING NAME IN NEWS, WE REPORT, YOU DECIDE.

BY: TARNYON NYENON

PUBLISHER & MANAGING  EDITOR,

INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), WWW.INDEYE.ORG

TNYENON59@YAHOOCOM-(763) 226-3634-CELL 

The opposition Liberty Party of Cllr. Charles Walker Brumskine, has already begun taking a critical view of the Unity Party led Government of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf’s Annual Message to the Joint Session of the 53^rd Legislature.

On National Reconciliation, Liberty Party challenged the Unity Party led Government to now “focus on the Truth & Reconciliation process by strengthening the Independent Human Rights Commission (IHRC).”

Liberty Party says if this is done, “the Human Rights Commission will and can effectively launch the National Palaver Hut Program (NPHP), under the Truth & Reconciliation Commission (TRC), regime.”

The Party’s Chairman, Cllr. Fonah Koffa says “Reconciliation from the just ended political process must be and can be quickly addressed.” He then demanded that “the government of inclusion promised by President Johnson-Sirleaf must be made real.”

The Liberty Party Chairman expressed concern over what he says is the marginalization of the entire opposition adding, “there is no glory being an opposition political party and been marginalized in society.”

He pointed out that “in the opposition are equally competent and capable professionals who will not bring party labels to their work” adding, “those who were not members of the President’s coalition, or who join late or not should be invited to the table and offered the chance of public service.”

The Liberty Party Chairman pleaded with the Johnson-Sirleaf Government to “allow Liberian professionals to affiliate with political candidates of their choice without feeling the risk of sacrificing jobs and/or careers.”

“There is no greater calling in a democracy,” Chairman Koffa went on, “then those who dare to associate with parties out of power risking the stigma and not been able to earn a living.” He emphasized.

“After all,” he argued, “politics is based on the passion to accomplish the same things, but with alternative policy prescription. We all want the same things for Liberia, a country prosperous and free.” He noted.

In a related development, the Liberty Party has expressed grave concern over reports of dismissals, demotions, or adverse disciplinary actions against persons believed to be members of the opposition parties who are currently in government.

The Party is urging the Unity Party led Government of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, to appoint a presidential staff to investigate such claims and to the extent they are valid, to reinstate the individuals involved.”

“In Liberia,” Chairman Koffa pointed out, “rumors run deep, fast and loose. Nevertheless, we must work to avoid some perceptions so that they do not cause a crack in our political and social fabric.”

On the issue of youth empowerment, Liberty Party noted that it welcomes  President Johnson-Sirleaf’s decision of identifying youth empowerment as paramount in this year’s and future budgetary allotments.”

However, the party warned, “we must be careful not to paint a broad brush of the character and makeup of our youth population.” He added, “that is why we have endeavored to go one step further and separate into two categories, OUR AT RISK YOUTHS population for the purpose of public policy and programs.”

Chairman Koffa explained that “there are those youth who by accident of birth, dictates of circumstances or failure of public policy have been unable to rise up the social ladder into productive citizens, remaining functionally literate and unemployed.”

The Chairman further narrated that “there are those youth, who by terrible machinations of men, were robbed of their precious childhood to take up arms against their country maiming, raping and murdering their own brothers and sisters to satisfy the dogs of war, only to be left hanging when the guns fell silent.”

The Liberty Party then pledged “to work with the government to create the right policies and programs to address the needs of Liberia’s large and divergent youth population.”

Liberty Party concluded by also encouraging its Legislative Caucus to work with their colleagues to ensure that budgetary appropriation for the reconciliation process outlined by the President receives the requisite high priority in the budget process.

Meanwhile, the second edition of the “YEAR 2011 IN REVIEW,” covering the first five months of the birth of the Independent Eye News in 2011, is expected to be published on Saturday, January 28. Watch out for it!

The Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News (IEN), welcomes feedback (comments/reactions) from our readership. We assure you, your feedback will be published without censorship.

THE INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), IS THE FASTEST AND LEADING NAME IN NEWS. WE REPORT, YOU DECIDE.

BY: TARNYON NYENON

PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR,

INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), WWW.INDEYE.ORG

TNYENON59@YAHOO.COM-(763) 226-3634-CELL

In spite of her pledge at National Reconciliation and healing during her second term, beginning with the formation of a government of inclusion, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has exercised her constitutional prerogative as she deems fit.

The President yesterday January 26, nominated seven out of the remaining nine cabinet ministers, with no significant opposition figure included. The latest nominations bring to eighteen out of a total of twenty cabinet positions.

Among those re-nominated is; Madam Etmonia David-Tarpeh, as Minister, Ministry of Education (MOE). She previously served as Minister, Ministry of Youth & Sports (MY & Sports), during President Johnson-Sirleaf’s first term.

Also re-nominated is Madam Miata Beysolow, as Minister, Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MC& I), a position she previously occupied during President Johnson-Sirleaf’s first term.

Madam Julia Duncan-Cassell was nominated as Minister, Ministry of Gender & Development. She succeeds Madam Varbeh Gayflor, who was transferred to the Ministry of Labor (MOL), as Minister.

Mr. S. Tomolah Varplah, was nominated as Minister, Ministry of Youth & Sports (MY & S). He succeeds Madam Etnonia David-Tarpeh, who was sent to the Ministry of Education (MOE), as Minister.

Mr. Eugene Nagbe, former General-Secretary of the main opposition political party, the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), who defected to the ruling Unity Party, was nominated as Minister, Ministry of Transport (MOT).

Ambassador, Commany B. Wesseh, was nominated to the nominal position of Minister, Ministry of State without Portfolio. The head of the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs (MSPA) is yet to be named. Its present occupant is Mr. Edward B. McClain, Jr.

The head of the Ministry of National Security (MNS), is also yet to be nominated by the President Johnson-Sirleaf. It is currently being occupied by Mr. Victor Helb, as Minister.

Besides the cabinet positions, the President also nominated Mr. Ambrose Nmah, as Director-General of the state owned radio and television stations, the Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS).

Political Commentators described these latest developments as a slam not only in the face of the entire opposition, but also amounts to slamming the door in the face of National Reconciliation and Healing.

One Diaspora Opposition Political Observer who spoke to the Independent Eye News (IEN) on condition of anoynimity said, “while the President has the constitutional prerogative of nominating whomever she wants, her exclusion of the entire opposition in a significant way,  is tantamount to drawing  a political battle line in the sand.”

With the nomination of the President’s cabinet nearly complete, the attention is now being switched across Camp Johnson Road to the Capitol, where the next political battles on who is confirmed or rejected, are expected to be fought.

Meantime, reports from the Capitol quoting Senate Secretary, N’dablor Sengbe, say the names of six cabinet ministers-designate have already been forwarded to the Liberian Senate by President Johnson-Sirleaf, for confirmation hearings.

Those whose names were forwarded included, Messrs. Brownie J. Samukai, Jr, Defense, Blamo Nelson, Internal Affairs, Samuel Kofi Woods, Public Works, Dr. Florence Chenoweth, Agriculture, Dr. Walter Gwenigale, Health & Social Welfare and Mr. Patrick Sendolo, Lands, Mines & Energy.

Meanwhile, the second edition of the “YEAR 2011 IN REVIEW,” covering the first five months of the birth of the Independent Eye News in August of 2011, is expected to be published on Saturday, January 28. Watch out for it!

The Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News (IEN), welcomes feedback (comments/reactions) from our readership. We assure you, your feedback will be published without censorship.

THE INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), IS THE FASTEST AND LEADING NAME IN NEWS. WE REPORT, YOU DECIDE.

BY: TARNYON NYENON

PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR,

INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), WWW.INDEYE.ORG

TNYENON59@YAHOO.COM-(763) 226-3634-CELL

IS KONOBO DISTRICT HEADING For TROUBLE?

Founded in 1995 as the Konobo People Association in the United States, three years of political debates led to a consensus that this name be changed to Konobo Statutory District Association. In essence, it would include the Putu, Twarbo and Glio. In the last three years and without a doubt, this “inclusion” has made it possible to achieve a sustainable peace and unity.

The inclusionary process in two previous administrations has also empowered us to make some gains in area of education, thereby addressing the burning desire of the district’s children. The elevation of the elementary school in Ziah Town to high school equipped with a library and payment of teachers.

All of the achievements of the KSDA did not come about by chance. Evidently, it was the work of the committed men and women who put in place meaningful mechanisms that would in effect deter corrupt behaviors and promote transparency and accountability. Special thanks to the Board of Advisors of the KSDA for its unwavering effort to protect KSDA as an institution with zero tolerance for corruption.

As we strived to address the economic developments of our district, we are unlikely to make a significant impact, when you have other members of the district employing various tactics of division, bigotry and charade. Just in recent time, the formation of Konobo Community, KC within the Konobo District is beginning to be an obstacle to the collective effort of the district members going forward.

While there has been an ongoing discourse about this kind of arrangement, the perpetrators of this new arrangement are yet to provide us comprehensive ideas about their objective. Indeed, they have turned the clock backward from “inclusion” to “exclusion”.

THE SOLOMON TARDEY DEBACLE

Mr. Solomon Tardey was elected National President of the KSDA in August 2011, being the youngest man in the history of the association. By mid October 2011, he was busted by the Board of Advisors for depleting the association’s bank account.

He was later dismissed following his conviction of embezzlement. Mr. Tardey has been and continues to be a strong member of the Konobo Community, KC and has received overwhelming support from its executives during his candidacy for national president.

He is now again being guided by the same executives in the embezzlement scandal. They are now working behind the scene with the succeeding president of KSDA to protect the “disgraced president” from civil and criminal prosecution.

For many of us that opposed to the formation of KC and its existence within KSDA from day one, we find that they are and have been against a united Konobo District of purpose, but preferred Konobo nationalism without a purpose.

Mr. Solomon Tardey knowingly and consciously capitalized on the division brought about by the KC in his unsuccessful attempt to derail the course of our association. While Mr. Tardey would be held for his crime, let us not forget that the Konobo Community has helped to make this possible.

NATIONAL PRESIDENT INITIAL TELE-CONFERENCE

In his initial tele-conference on 1/22/12, the National President, Mr. Sissco Williams delivered his presidential message to the people of Konobo district and briefly outlined his vision for the association. Being the successor of the dismissed president, Mr. Williams said he has in his possession a package from Mr.

Tardey and named the number of the association’s documents enclosed therein. Mr. Williams also reported that he has in his possession a cashier check for $600.00 from Mr. Tardey with a monthly payment plan agreed upon by him and Mr. Tardey. He then went on to say he has taken over the case of Mr. Tardey and added that he has no interest in taking the case to court.

Unfortunately, Mr. Williams who seems not to be abreast of the constitutionality of the case was quickly informed that the case of his former boss does not fall within his administrative powers. Instead, the prosecution of Mr. Tardey rest entirely with the Board of Advisors.

In view of the negotiations between Mr. Williams and his former boss, there are many questions than answers. 1. Who authorize the transition (turnover) between Mr. Williams and Mr. Tardey?

2. Why is Mr. Tardey comfortable to deal with his successor than the Board? 3. What is Mr. Williams’ motivation for moving quickly to enter into an agreement with his former boss who allegedly implicated him in the embezzlement investigation? 4. Is it a cover-up or qui pro quo?

If all of the above questions were to be answered, an informed judgment would suggest that something is wrong somewhere. Having said this, we welcomed Mr. Williams’ intervention and involvement. We certainly hope that it is done in good faith to collect the Association’s funds from Mr. Tardey. But, we trust the Board of Advisors to do its work and fulfill its legal obligation to the people.

Finally, one important lesson is learnt from the Solomon Tardey debacle. That is, we should not elect people to higher offices of the association on the basis of friendship and family relationship.

Instead, we should elect them because they are qualified, prepared and ready to serve. Even with the present financial crisis at hand, we remained optimistic of the better days ahead, as we navigate our association through these difficult times to recovery.

Commentary by: Arthur Quaye, Sr

Former national president, KSDA

1/26/2012

The United States Government recently announced a new policy making Gays’ Rights an equivalent of Human Rights. Not only that. The United States Government also warned countries that receive U. S financial aid that they risk losing such, if they refused or fail to comply with its new policy.

The United States Secretary of States, Hillary Rodham Clinton, who is well known as President Johnson-Sirleaf’s best friend, is the one who has been propounding the policy on behalf of the U.S Government, as part of her responsibilities.

However, In spite of the “God Father” role the U.S Government plays in Liberia’s affairs and in spite of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf’s closeness to Secretary of State, Clinton, the President decided to take the risk and say a “BIG NO” to Gays’ Rights in Liberia.

We believe the President was very mindful of the very serious backlash this could have caused. For this, she took into very serious consideration our deeply rooted African cultural values and tradition, as a socially conservative society.

Our society does not tolerate nor condone this kind of practice which is considered an ‘ABOMINATION.’ Even other social behaviors such as kissing in public, women wearing trousers and swimming suits, men wearing ear rings etc., are all prohibited in our culture, even though they are now tolerated.

But the idea of Gays’ Rights and pretty soon rights for lesbians, homosexuals, bisexual, transsexual could eventually become something of the past if we were to allow Gays’ Rights now which we believe is a test case.

This is unthinkable in our life time. For this bold decision by  President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, the Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News (IEN), wholeheartedly hails and supports her decision of out rightly rejecting pre-emptively such demonic and satanic acts.

Our support for the President’s decision is also based on our conviction that Liberians are NOT Americans or Europeans. Americans and Europeans have different cultural values and traditional systems which they hold very dearly, so do Liberians.

Most importantly, the President’s vow to veto any ‘GAYS’ RIGHT BILL’ if it ever crosses her desk at the Foreign Ministry/Executive Mansion and if it were to ever be passed by the Legislature, makes our resolve to support her decision even more compelling. For this we hail and commend her courage.

Like we say in our pigeon Liberian English, “For dat one pa, if dat sand we will eat, then let us eat it. Let Amerikor carry her money. China will help us. If we will eat some done, some not done, let us eat it. What happen now?”

“Man mon do man and woman do woman? Where dat other one coming from nah my people? For dat one pa, we with the Oldma. We nah won no Sodom and Gomorrah attitude in our society.

The people who doing it in Liberia now, the mon continue to do it Ooo, but the mon make sure, it under kobor, Period. There is no if & and about this.” Since the kame to Amerikor and went to Urope, the na lean sontin goo, let then continue, but we will not pass law to give them green light.” Oldma tank U yah. We with U on dis one.”

Meanwhile, the second edition of the “YEAR 2011 IN REVIEW,” covering the first five months of the birth of the Independent Eye News in 2011, is expected to be published on Saturday, January 28. Watch out for it!

The Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News (IEN), welcomes feedback (comments/reactions) from our readership. We assure you, your feedback will be published without censorship.

THE INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), IS THE FASTEST AND LEADING NAME IN NEWS. WE REPORT, YOU DECIDE.

BY: TARNYON NYENON

PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR,

INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), WWW.INDEYE.ORG

TNYENON59@YAHOO.COM-(763) 226-3634-CELL