For reporting news of the alleged stealing of one point two million United States dollars (US1.2,000.000.000.00), intended for the purchase of twenty seven (27) vehicles for Circuit Court Judges, the Supreme Court of Liberia, has declared war on the Liberian Media.

The amount in question was reportedly divided amongst the Chief Justice and the four Associate Justices of the Supreme Court at US$125,000.00) a piece. The amount of one hundred fifty thousand dollars (US$150,000.00), apportioned for Chief Justice Johnnie N. Lewis, was said to have however been declined by him.

The Associate Justices who reportedly held feast with the tax payers’ money were;  Cllr Frances S. Korkpor, said to be the most senior Justice among the four Associate Justices, current Justice in chamber,Cllr. Jamesetta Howard-Wolokollie, Cllr. Philip A. Z. Banks, III and Cllr. Kabinah M. Ja’neh.

In an apparent attempt to savage their images, the Justices have issued writ of summons for alleged Contempt of Court charges against three Managing Editors, including Front Page Africa’s Rodney D. Sieh, The News Newspaper’s Jerome Delieh and Daily Graphic’s  George D. Watkins.

According to the writ of Summons the three Managing Editors, are to appear before the full Supreme Court Bench today Wednesday, February 29, to give cause if any, why they should not be held in contempt.

The writ reads; “You are hereby commanded to summons the Editors of the following Newspapers, Rodney D. Sieh, Managing Editor, Front Page, Jerome Delieh, Managing Editor, of The News Newspaper and George D. Watkins, Managing Editor of the Daily Graphic, all of the city of Monrovia, Liberia.”

They are “to appear before the full Bench of the Honorable Supreme Court of the Republic of Liberia on Wednesday, February 29, 2012, at the hour of 10:00AM, to show cause if any, why they should not be held in contempt,”

The writ of summons which were served on the three Managing Editors on Monday, February 27, were a result of a series of publications in their respective Dailies, concerning the mysterious disappearance of (US$1.2M), at the Temple of Justice.

In its Wednesday, February 22 edition, Front Page Africa (FPA), ran a banner headline captioned, “HIGH COURT SCANDAL-SUPREME COURT JUSTICES FEAST US1.M INTENDED FOR COURTS.”

For the The News Newspaper, its Tuesday February 7 edition headline read, “US$1.M DIVERTED AT TEMPLE OF JUSTICE,” while the Daily Graphic’s story headlines was, “ROTTEN SUPREME COURT.”

In an apparent attempt to exhibit physical evidence in support of its writ of Summons against the three media institutions, the Supreme Court attached published copies of the three named media institutions to the writs.

In the writs, the Clerk of the Supreme Court, Martha B. Harris, commanded the Marshall at the Supreme Court, B/Gen. Amos Kesseh Dickson, to “inform the three Managing Editors to contact their Lawyers, to file the appropriate Returns on or before 12:00noon, on Monday, February 27, 2012.”

The write reads,“you are further commanded to make your official Returns to this writ of Summons for Contempt. Given under my hands and seal of the Honorable Supreme Court this 23^rd day of February, 2012.” Martha Harris. The writ concluded.

However, investigation conducted into the records of the Judiciary, by a local daily showed that President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf allocated the amount for the purchase of twenty seven (27) vehicles for Circuit Court Judges throughout the country.

Unfortunately, the amount was not used for the intended purpose instead, it was allegedly divided among the Chief Justice and four Associate Justices as though it were a Christmas party where parents of kids have just delivered a very big gift to them for celebration.

As a result of the scandal which was described by Observers as an ugly episode, the twenty seventy seven vehicles were not purchased, but upon hearing that President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has declared her intent to investigate the matter by getting to the bottom of it, Associate Justice Francis Korkpor decided to do damage control of behalf of the highest court of the land.

While making remarks during the induction of the National Trial Judges’ Association (NTJA), at the Banquet Hall of the Temple of Justice last Friday, February 24, Justice Korkpor provided the following explanation.

He starting by reminding his audience; “you may have read in the local dailies of late, two callous and unfounded publications about funds allegedly diverted by Associate Justices of the Supreme Court.” “The stories are not true.

“The Associate Justices did not have feast with government funds as reported. They did not divide one million United States Dollars amongst themselves,” Continued Justice Korkpor: “Yes, US$1.2 million and not US$1 million dollars as reported, was received from the Government.”

“The amount was never provided for the purchase of vehicles. Request was made for the amount to be used, it was used to have the names of 60 college graduates who were trained as associate magistrates to be placed on the judiciary payroll”

“Some of the money was paid for the retirement benefits of magistrates throughout the country, pay salaries for law school graduates on judiciary scholarships to serve as Stipendiary Magistrates throughout Liberia and provide salary increment for Justices, all circuit and specialized court judges, magistrates and public defenders.” Justice Korkpor concluded.

Notwithstanding, the Justice’s numerous claims of achievements under the Lewis’ Bench, sources informed the media on condition of anoynimity that some Magistrates, employees and Circuit Court Judges got increments from the months of June through December 2011.

It was  only January this year that some money was added on their salaries, leaving five months arrears. As for bailiffs, sheriffs, filing clerks, janitors and drivers, investigation shows that they remain at the lowest ebb of the Judiciary’s economic ladder.

On the attempted  clarification by Justice Korkpor that few of the Judges travelled abroad for seminars and refresher trainings since the Lewis’s Bench assumed office, investigation showed no record to confirm the claims. The mystery surrounding the mysterious disappearance of (US1,2M), of the tax payers’ money, remains an unsolved mystery.

It may be recalled that in its Sunday, February 12 edition of the Independent Eye News, we broke the news in the story under the caption, “WHO STOLE US$1.2M DOLLARS AT TEMPLE?

In the story we reported that the money, which was intended for the purchase of twenty seven (27) vehicles for judges of the Circuit Courts throughout the country, was reportedly divided among the Chief Justice and the four Associate Justices of the Supreme Court of Liberia.

Again in our Saturday, February 25 edition, we published another story captioned, “SUPREME COURT JUSTICES AT IT AGAIN? In that second story, we reported that Justices of the Supreme Court of Liberia, were are it again.

The story was about a thirty four Million United States dollars (US$34,M) lawsuit in which the Chief Justice Cllr. Johnnie N. Lewis, reportedly ordered  Civil Law Court Judge, Emmanuel N. Kollie to hand down his verdict in the case, Ecobank-Liberia vs Milad R. Hage Intestate, a Lebanese National.

The Chief Justice seemingly gave the order without first consulting the four Associate Justices of the Supreme Court, as a result, the Justices overturned his (Chief Justice’s) apparent unilateral decision thereby annulling its full force and effect.

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

NIMBA DIVISION: THE REALITY ON THE GROUND

By: Edwin F. Kruah

Sanniquellie, Nimba County

February 22, 2012

I have followed, with keen interest, the debate about Nimba Division on UNICCO and other Listservs, and have been inspired by the intensity of the discussions among Nimbaians in the Diaspora.

The issue, however, needs to be weighed against the reality obtaining in the homeland (Nimba County). For Nimbaians, It is understandable that, this is no bread and butter issue; it is one that affects their cherished heritage and aspirations as a people.

Therefore, it is undeniable that the mere thought of “dividing Nimba County” has always aroused strong sentiments among Nimbaians. In recent times, especially after the just ended National Elections in Liberia, the idea to divide Nimba County has been anonymously advanced or perpetrated by few elements within the Nimba Community.

Some of these people have been identified in publications on the various listservs, but interestingly, none has mustered the courage to openly proclaim their thought, let alone advance any plausible argument to convince the populace of Nimba County.

Judging from the general reactions of Nimbaians on the ground, one can conclude that the whole idea of “dividing Nimba County” is a myth – the imagination of few reactionary elements attempting to use this gimmick in their quest for political power.

I have lived, worked and travelled in Nimba County for the past four months, since my arrival in Liberia, and have talked with and listened to Nimbaians of all walks of life on this issue. Interestingly, over 98% of the people vehemently oppose any attempt at dividing Nimba County.

Many dismiss the thought and describe those harboring the idea as “day dreamers” and “political rip van wangles.” On the daily talk shows across the radio network in Nimba County, Nimbaians across the length and breadth of the County, have continued to condemn and castigate anyone perceiving such notion.

Some people have attributed the division syndrome to the work of few Nimba Politicians defeated in the recent National Elections who, apparently, are looking for new ways to acquire political power through the tactics of “divide and rule.”

Grievances

While I acknowledge that there are legitimate grievances and concerns regarding the lack of inclusion in the county government, of certain sectors of the Nimba population, the assumption that these grievances can only be resolved by dividing Nimba County is anything but parochial.

Even more comical is the idea that Nimba should be divided along ethnic lines. How is that possible, given the interwoven connections that have glued the various ethnic groups together for centuries; how will the boundaries of a “divided Nimba County” be demarcated? How do you separate the ethnic groups that have lived together in the same villages, towns and districts and shared common identities for centuries?

Interestingly, while some disgruntled individuals have tried to use this situation, no group or sector of the Nimba population has welcomed the division of the County, or petition anyone to do so.

Resource Allocation

I have heard that some of the advocates for the division of Nimba County argue that royalties and other resources contributed by companies operating in the County, be enjoyed only by residents in the areas of operations, since they are the most affected.

These “advocates” further argue that the division of Nimba County will accrue more dividends, in terms of increase in the numbers of Representatives and Senators; more allocation of development funds; jobs and other social amenities.

Ironically, these “advocates” have presented nothing based on facts or evidence to validate their argument, let alone convince the Nimba people that the division of the county is a rational course of action.

On the contrary, there are enough facts to convince the Nimba people that dividing the county is a wrong idea; that there has been no substantive socio-economic benefits enjoyed by other counties that have been portioned, but unending political wrangling and strife; that the entire idea is backward and unproductive.

Political Conspiracy

It is not difficult to discern the motive behind this so-called “movement” for the division of Nimba County, especially when one takes a critical look at the political dynamics of Liberia, vis-à-vis the strategic position of Nimba County.

It is an open secret that Nimba County commends disproportionate socio-economic and political power that is envied by the enemies of Nimba County. To dismantle this enormous power and weaken the people of Nimba County, there appears to be a grand conspiracy at work to achieve this objective.

As has been the case in the past, the proponents of this conspiracy have decided to use “political opportunists or judases”, willing to sell their county for few pieces of silver or power, to champion their mischievous plan. These opportunists, though unpopular with the people, will use all types of machinations to advance the plan of their masters.

The People are Resilient

One point of consolation, amidst all the maneuverings and gimmicks by the agents of division, is that the people of Nimba County remain united to oppose anyone orchestrating the division of their County.

If there is anything that the people of Nimba County cherish and value more, above all else, is their UNITY from which they derive their strength and cohesion. This fact is undisputable and has been demonstrated by the people of Nimba County time after time. For those who doubt this fact, need only to retrospect on recent events to remind themselves. One of such events is the 2011 NATIONAL ELECTION.

The Struggle Continues

As our patriotic duty, every Nimbaian must remain resolute in the struggle to preserve our common heritage, protect the rights of our people to live in unity and, together, advance our aspirations – knowing that in UNITY lies our enviable STRENGTH.

MAY GOOD BLESS THE PEOPLE OF NIMBA AND PRESERVE OUR

The war of words between Nimba County Senior Senator, Prince Yormie Johnson and Grand Gedeh County Senior Senator, Isaac Nyanabo, escalated during plenary in the chamber of the Liberian Senate last Thursday, February 23.

At issue is persistent rumors alleging the training of “rebels” along the Liberian Ivorian borders with Grand Gedeh. It is unknown under whose canopy is the alleged training going on, or the identity/nationality of those involved, or their motives, if at all, it is true.

News of the alleged rebel training has reportedly been circulating in the Liberian media for quit a while now, but during last Thursday’s Plenary session, Grand Gedeh County Senior Senator, Isaac Nyenabo tried to put the rumors to rest.

During the Senate’s deliberation, Senator Nyenabo categorically denied and dismissed the rumors as nothing, but “false and misleading” and an attempt designed to “create a devilish image of the great people of Grand Gedeh County.”

Senator Nyenabo maintained that “the people of Grand Gedeh are peace loving, but security-minded people who will never shield any evil doer at the detriment of the county’s own existence as part of the political sub-divisions of Liberia.

“If anything of such existed, the leadership of that county, will be the first to alarm for immediate action.” He stressed adding, “Grand Gedeans who were here during the entire era of bitterness experienced during the fourteen (14) years of unrest, will not facilitate or create corridor for rebellion.” He assured.

“We will not encourage and have not encouraged any group of people to use our land for preparedness to host people who are training to destroy our country and any nation in this sub-region.” He further described the rumors as a “black lie.”

No sooner had Senator Nyenabo taken his seat after delivering what Political Analysts described as these “very strongly worded remarks,” then Nimba County Senior Senator and former rebel leader, turned “Senator” B/Gen. Prince Yormie Johnson, took to the Senate flood.

The Nimba County Senior Senator instead called on the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, to “investigate the matter promptly to avoid future crisis.”

Senator Johnson maintained that “although rumors of the alleged training of rebels are a mere speculation at the moment that has yet to be fully confirmed, in the Liberian setting, rumors always bear some iota of truth.”

“The issue of rebels training in Grand Gedeh County, should not be taken lightly by this government because we know the military capability of Grand Gedeh.” The Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) former Army Brigadier General Prince Yormie Johnson, warned.

“Let all intelligence and tactical efforts be carried out by this government, through our Commander-In-Chief to speedily and amicably resolve the matter.” He urged. ”Where there is smoke, there is always fire.” Senator Johnson reminded his senate colleagues.

The Nimba County Senior  Senator indicated that “the country and its people may find it very challenging if the relevant authority reneges on this matter. The situation may soon become worse if the information is actually established to be true.” He alarmed.

Since the rumors surfaced and was reported by the Liberian media both Senior Senators Nyenabo and Johnson have reportedly being at each other’s throats concerning the truthfulness of the rumors.

As a result, Gbarplu County Senior Senator, Theodore Momo intervened by calling on the Senate Plenary to speedily handle the matter to according to him, “avoid further tussle between the two senators.”

However, Political Observers classified Senator Momo’s assertions that the Plenary speedily handles the matter to “avoid further tussle between the two Senators” as minimizing, (reducing) and treating a very serious matter as a tussle between just two Senators.

Meanwhile the Leadership of the Liberian Senate, has promised to commence hearings “at the leadership level,” in the reported allegations or “rebel training” in Grand Gedeh County. It is unknown what “hearings at the leadership level” means.

Both Nyenabo and Johnson were elected Senior Senators of their respective counties of Grand Gedeh and Nimba in 2005. Senator Nyenabo was elected on the ticket of the National Democratic Party of Liberia (NDPL), while Senator Johnson was elected on the ticket of his National Union for Democratic Progress (NUDP).

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

BY. P. ALLINSON TARLUE

Yas, indeed! “The era of imperial presidency in Liberia is over,” – President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf in her recent address to the nation. Decentralization has long been on the mind, heart, soul and lip of the Liberian people.

With the declaration of policy statement embodied in her recent address referred to herein, President Johnson-Sirleaf had whetted the taste of Liberians- can’t wait to elect their superintendents! In this way, a superintendent to serve second or third terms will largely depend on how much developments, how amenable he/she was to the people in that particular county, how hard and honest he/she work to uniting his/her citizens.

Equally so, the successor will do all he/she can to prove better in terms of development and uniting the people more than his/her predecessor did; a peaceful competition to lift the country from mat to mattress and higher height without fighting or putting one group of citizens against another. That is the one of the goods that decentralization will do for Liberia and Liberians.

Another good decentralization will do also is, the President at the Executive Mansion in Monrovia will be focusing his/her attention on international mobilization of support for bilateral aids to Liberia and the equal distribution of those aids nationally.

Important also is, the President will spare himself/herself of the daily pains and agony of superintendent’s corruption, immoral propensity, nonchalant and lackadaisical behavior. Those are what the people will take care of by themselves.

If a superintendent is found in of one such acts, they will boot him out of office. And if he is fortunate, he/she will serve only one term without the removal costing Government the needed financial resources that are usually involved in investigations from the county to Monrovia, back and forth.

In consummation of the decentralization policy under the current Liberian Administration as declared by President Johnson-Sirleaf, the citizens of Revercess County are now calling upon Her Excellency, the Iron Lady to make good and deliver on her declaration not to replace Superintendent Geewon (leopard’s tail or mouth) Smith.

Why? Because Superintendent Smith has exemplified himself as the: “Superintendent of the people, for the people and by the people of Rivercess County.”Supt. Smith made himself servant of the people and not ruler.

Among reasons they gave is that “Superintendent Smith has made all the Rivercesseans part of the Government” which is what is expected of any Good Governance in a democratic system of governing.

In fact, while going to press, a reliable source hinted to me that in 1997 while campaigning in Liberia, current President Johnson-Sirleaf made the exact promise that the: ‘era of imperial presidency in Liberia was over.”

Another serious challenge in Good Governance is that, when declaring to the nation, the leader must mean what he/she says and says what he/she mean; or don’t say anything at all when you don’t mean it. Lest we forget, that it is 15 years now (1997-2012) since our dear sister and mother made that promise.

Finally, with particular reference to: “The era of imperial presidency in Liberia is over” as pronounced by President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf recently, with subsequent call by the citizens of Rivercess County not to replace their Superintendent Geewon Smith, the test is up and the ball is in her corner. We shall see what comes out of it.

By: P. Allison Tarlue, Sr.

On Tuesday, February 7, the Independent Eye News (IEN), published a story under the caption, “WARLORD FACES DEPORTATION.”  In that story, we referred to Dr. George Sagba Boley, as a ‘ NOTORIOUS WARLORD’ as the former leader of an irregular armed group, the Liberia Peace Council (LPC).

Following that publication, we received two calls from two concern individuals (names withheld for now), who shared different opinions regarding our reference to Dr. Boley as a ‘NOTORIOUS WARLORD’ as the undisputed leader of the erstwhile irregular armed group, the Liberia Peace Council.

They however disregarded the fact that the Liberia Peace Council like all the other armed groups, were not established by any act of the Liberian Legislature, as such, they were all nothing but illegal and irregular red tagged armed groups and their leaders are all ‘ NOTORIOUS WARLORDS and we stand by this nomenclature.

We wish to make it unequivocally clear that no matter how ”GOOD and WELL INTENTIONED” those Liberian waring factions’ objectives may have been, they were all irregular armed groups. It is an irony however, that their nomenclatures said different things, while their actions were quiet the opposite.

The Liberia Peace Council (LPC), of Dr. George Boley, the National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) of Charles McArthur Taylor, the United Liberation Movement for Democracy Organization (ULIMO), of Alhaji G. V. Kromah, the Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia (INPFL), of B/Gen Prince Yormie Johnson among others, were all irregular and illegal armed groups.

The Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), is the only military state institution established by an act of the Liberian Legislature in 1908, as the constitutional defender of the Liberian Republic.

The two individuals who called the Publisher & Managing Editor of the Independent Eye News (IEN), did not call to challenge the truthfulness of the publication, seek clarification, or commend us as we expected.

Instead, one of them called to chastise and question our editorial judgement in exercising our professional responsibility as Publisher & Managing Editor of one of the Diaspora Liberian media institutions, the INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN).

The first Caller questioned our decision to refer to Dr. Boley, a son of Grand Gedeh, as a ‘ NOTORIOUS WARLOARD’ since according to him, everybody already knows that Dr. Boley is a’NOTORIOUS WARLOARD.’

He argued further that since the Publisher & Managing Editor of the Independent Eye News, Mr. Tarnyon Nyenon, is himself a Grand Gedean, as Dr. Boley, the Independent Eye News should not have referred to a fellow Grand Gedean, as a ‘ NOTORIOUS WARLORD,’ although he is.

When asked whether or not the reference was factual or not, he said no, but pointed out that since it is a Grand Gedean, who owns and operates the Independent Eye News, the website should not have made what he referred to as ”that kind of descriptive reference.”

The second Caller who was a very close associate of Dr. Boley during the hay days of the blood letting, placed his call on Friday, February 17, questioning whether or not we (Editorial Staff of the IEN) knew the meaning of the words ‘NOTORIOUS and WARLORD’ as was used to describe Dr. Boley.

He also wanted to know whether or not we had facts to back up our description of Dr. Boley?.” As sarcastic as his line of questioning was, we calmly asked him whether or not the story was factual or not, but he declined to answer the question.

However, realizing that his line of questioning was getting nowhere, we offered to equally publish his disagreements as comments/reactions as we usually do by giving our readership equal opportunity to publish and let their views known, for the entire readership to decide, but he promptly refused our offer, for reasons best known to himself.

As stated time and again, the Independent Eye News (IEN), as the nomenclature connotes, owes no favors or attachments to any individual, group, or groups and the fact that the Publisher and Managing Editor is a Grand Gedean, does not diminish his professional obligation to the entire readership.

We wish to again reaffirm our vow that truthfulness and the publication of the facts remains our professional obligation to all our readers including Dr. Boley and his associates. We wish to state however, that we owe him and/or his associates as well as anybody else, no apologies or special favors.

Howbeit, we wish to reiterate our professional commitment that as professionally required, we are obliged to publish our readers’ disagreements with any of our publications without any preconditions whatsoever and that remains one of the cores of our vow.

We also wish to make it abundantly clear that we will continue to call a spade, a spade, irrespective of who is involved, be it a Grand Gedean or not. Our objectives are more than just a myopic (narrow) regional interest.

We again wish to reemphasize that the Independent Eye News is not a Grand Gedeh Website, but an independent medium institution designed to serve the entire Liberian society world wide and beyond.

Although, at some point in time, Stories, Feature Articles, Commentaries, Editorials etc. from the Grand Gedeh Community, may be in dominance, but that should not be misconstrued in any way, shape or form.

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

A Civil Society organization, Action for Genuine Democratic Alternatives (AGENDA), is challenging President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf for her appointments of some of her cabinet officials to Boards of Directors of Public Corporations and Autonomous Agencies.

Leading the charge against the Liberian Leader on behalf of AGENDA, is its Senior Policy Director, Mr. G. Jasper Cummeh, who specifically cited Article III of the Liberian Constitution, which he alleged the President violated.

Director Cummeh described the President’s appointments as a “gross breached of Article III, of the Liberian Constitution.”  He named as a prime example, the appointment of Mr. Amara Konneh, Minister of Finance & Economic Planning (MF & EP), who was also appointed to not less than eight Public Corporations.

Director Cummeh also cited the appointments of Mr. Robert Sirleaf, the President’s son and Senior Advisor to her as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National oil Company of Liberia (NOCOL).

AGENDA’s Policy Director described this as another classic example of the violation of Article III of the 1986 Liberian Constitution which he quoted and reads as follows; “Liberia is a unitary sovereign state divided into counties for administrative purposes.”

The Article continues, “the form of Government is Republican with three separate coordinate branches; the Legislative, Executive and the Judiciary. Consistent with the principles of separation of powers and checks and balances, No person holding office in one of these branches shall hold office in or exercise any of the powers assigned to either of the other two branches except as otherwise provided in this constitution; and no person holding office in one of the said branches shall serve on any of the autonomous agency.”

Director Cummeh then interpreted this by saying, “this means that all those serving on presidential appointments in the Executive or any branch of Government are barred by law from sitting on the Boards of public corporations, which are recognized as autonomous agencies.”

“Any statutory law that places these people in ex-oficio positions on the Boards of any of these corporations, is null and void. The President’s action to appoint  these people, is unconstitutional.” He emphasized.

“In order for reforms to be implemented in the proper management of public corporations as promised and pledged by the Liberian Leader,” Director Cummeh suggested, “she (President) must respect and abide by the provisions of the Liberian Constitution.”

The AGENDA’s Policy Director then demanded that the “President removes from the various Boards of Directors all those whose services run contrary to the laws of the country.”

He also urged President Johnson-Sirleaf to respect the constitution because “it is the supreme and fundamental law of Liberia” adding, “its provisions must be a binding forces and effect on all authorities and persons throughout the country.”

In the meantime, Mr. Cummeh says his organization has written a number of institutions including the relevant committees in the national Legislature, the General Auditing Commission (GAC) and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC).

He revealed that the purpose of the communications is to immediately investigate and exercise oversight responsibility over the Liberia Petroleum Refinery Corporation (LPRC’s) corruption saga.

Cummeh said the award of waiver fees by the Liberia Petroleum Refinery Corporation management (LPRC), to the National Petroleum Company was not only illegal, but also a misuse of power.

In reaction to the charge leveled AGENDA against President Johnson-Sirleaf about her alleged violation of the constitution, Mr. Jerolnmek Piah, President Johnson-Sirleaf’s Press Secretary said, “the President’s Lawyers will address themselves to the constitutional issues raised by AGENDA.”

AGENDA had accused President Johnson-Sirleaf of gross breach of Article III of the Liberian Constitution, by appointing some of her cabinet officials to the Boards of Directors of Public Corporation and Autonomous Agencies.

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

As nominations for local Government officials by President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf continues, citizens of Rivercess County are appealing to her not to replace their Superintendent, Journalist, Wellington Geevon-Smith.

The citizens praised Superintendent Smith for his down to earth approach and constant visitation to every nook and cram of the county despite the remoteness of some of the towns and villages.

They said Superintendent Smith is the first County Administrator who took off time to visit and explain the Johnson-Sirleaf Administration’s policies to them, specifically as it relates to the county’s development initiatives.

The Rivercess Citizens narrated that unlike other government officials who travel in their respective counties among their own people under heavy security protection, a situation  which sometimes intimidates and frightens the people, Superintendent Smith draws no artificial boundaries between him-selves and his people.

The Rivercess Citizens revealed that Superintendent Smith, selflessly interacts with them  to explain Government’s policies, with no such trapping of of political powers. They further noted that Superintendent Smith travels freely throughout the county with no police officers behind him except his driver.

“Such a leader as Superintendent Smith is our choice, because by bringing himself closer to us means he cares for and better understands and knows our problems. Some of the speakers who spoke at the occasion were elders including Messrs. George Garjay, Morris Neewon, Philip Tarwea, William G. Gborto and Isiah Julutoe, among others.

They told Mr. Johnson that as the midterm elections for Senior Senators approaches in 2014, they intend to carry Superintendent Smith as their next Senator, because he has proven that he is a good leader who loves his people.

The Rivercess Citizens then petition President  Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf through her brother, Mr. Camey Johnson, head of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), at AmLib United Mineral Company, who had traveled to the County, to listen to the citizens’ grievances against his company regarding its operation in Central District, Rivercess County.

One of the elders, Karpenah Banmore used the occasion to appeal to Mr. Johnson to convey their message to President Johnson-Sirleaf not to attempt to replace Superintendent Smith. “He knows our problems and come here to sleep with us in these thatched buildings you see here.”

“He is the first Superintendent who has organized a party to dine with local citizens in our villages in this county. Tell Mama Ellen,” the Elders urged, ”if she wants a good relationship between us and her, she must not attempt to change our Superintendent, Geevon Smith. He knows our problems.” The Citizens advised.

“Please, please, please she must not change him until 2014, when he becomes our next Senator.” Elder Banmore pleaded with the President’s Brother while predicting Superintendent Smith’s future on behalf of the citizens of Rivercess County.

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

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

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

After allegedly stealing and converting to their personal use, tax payers’ money in the full sum of one point two million United States dollars (US$1.2,000,000,000.00), the Chief Justice and Associate Justices of the Supreme Court of Liberia, are said to be at it again.

This time around, it is about a thirty four million United States dollars (US$34,000.000.000.00) lawsuit, described by Experts as a bigger fish or elephant, since nothing came out of the first “Gbuka  or “Gbapleh” (small fish), the (US$1.2,000.000.000.00) they divided among themselves earlier this month.

This latest (US$34.M) lawsuit involves Ecobank-Liberia and the Intestate Estate of the late Milad R. Hage, a Lebanese national in the case Ecobank- Liberia versus Milad R. Hage Intestate.

It all started when Judge Emmanuel N. Kollie of the Civil Law Court, at the Temple of Justice was about to deliver the long awaited verdict in the case when all of a sudden, something unusual happened.

It was an unfolding drama which erupted on Wednesday, February 22, at the Civil Law Court involving the entire Supreme Court Bench. Chief Justice Johnny Lewis, was the first to kick the ball rolling, when he ordered Judge Kollie to hand down his verdict in the case.

It is unknown whether or not the reported order from the Chief Justice to a Judges of the lower court to do his/her job such as handing down a verdict, is a normal practice within Liberia’s Judicial system, or that of the United States, since it is a replica of the US system.

Howbeit, the Chief Justice’s order did not go down well with the other four Associate Justices of the Supreme Court, who overturned their Boss’ order, on grounds that he failed to consult them.

As a result of the drama that erupted, the attention of other judges,, Magistrates, party litigants, ordinary employees, and members of the public who were at the Temple of Justice, appeared stunt at the unfolding developments.

As the drama unfolded, Judge Kollie was seen sandwiched by the court sheriff and other able body men, escorting him from his chambers at the Civil Law court at the Temple of Justice.

The men reportedly claimed that Judge Kollie was being summoned and that they were acting on the orders of the four Justices, although a summons is not tantamount to an arrest order, where the suspect or convict is physically or bodily apprehended by the arresting authority/officers.

But according to the Independent Eye News (IEN), Correspondent who also witnessed the “ESCORT,” “the manner in which Judge Kollie was “ESCORTED” from his chambers, was no different from the execution of a search, seize and arrest warrant.”

As a result of the unusual “ESCORT” of Judge Kollie, all court proceedings at the Civil Law Court came to an abrupt stop. The Judge was “ESCORTED” to the Joint Chamber of the Supreme Court of Liberia.

After the unusual escort of Judge Kollie, the Sheriff was again seeing back at the Civil Law Court where he reportedly remain for more than four hours, while Judge Kollie also remained in the Joint Chamber of the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court Justices who reportedly ordered the “ESCORT” of Judge Kollie included Cllr. Philip A. Z. Banks, III, Cllr. Kabinah Je’neh, Cllr. Frances Kporkor and Cllr. Jamesetta Howard- Wolokollie, who is the current Justice in chamber.

It was later learnt by the IEN that the four Justices’ action was in protest over Chief Justice Johnnie Lewis’ alleged failure to consult them, prior to ordering Judge Kollie to hand down his verdict in the (US$34M) dollars case.

The Chief Justice had earlier ordered Civil Law Court Judge, Emmanuel N. Kollie, to unseal and deliver his verdict in the (US$34M) lawsuit Ecobank-Liberia Versus Intestate Estate of the late Milad R. Hage in open court.

The Chief Justice reportedly added that any party litigant who was dissatisfied as a result of the pending ruling, may proceed according to law.” His order to Judge Kollie, was dated Tuesday, February 21 and was signed by Martha Bryant Henrie’s, Clerk of Court.

The order read, “by order of His Honor, Jonnie N. Lewis, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia, you are hereby mandated to have the verdict in the case Ecobank Vs. Intestate Estate of the late Milad R. Hage Family, unsealed and read in open court.”

The chief justice added that whoever is not satisfied with verdict, can proceed according to the law.” Legal Analysts interpret the Chief Justice’s comments as an apparent reference to a possible appeal to the Supreme Court, by any party litigant, if the verdict does not favor either.

Prior to this latest development, an immediate stay order on the Jurors’ verdict, was issued by Associate Justice Jamesetta Howard-Wolokollie, as the Justice in Chamber, minutes before the verdict was about to be read in open court, a situation which provoked the first controversy.

According to the court records, the order was based on a writ of Certiorari filed with the court by Ecobank-Liberia, expressing its reservation over the manner in which the case was handled, even before the verdict could be delivered.

The Bank claimed the Presiding Judge and the Jurors did not handle the case transparently. The February 22^nd postponement by the Civil Law Court, is the second time in succession either by coesions or under the influence of the Supreme Court .

With all of these controversies sounding this case, it is now uncertain as to when the verdict in this (US$34M case, Ecobank-Liberia, versus Milad R. Hage Intestate   will ever be delivered.

Observers are also curious as to why the Chief Justice and Associate Justices of the Supreme Court of Liberia, have taken so much interest in this particular case, as never before seen in the history of the Johnnie Lewis Bench.

It may be recalled that the Independent Eye News (IEN) reported a story in its Sunday, February 12 edition under the caption, “WHO STOLE US$1.2M AT TEMPLE?”

In the story, we reported that the amount which was intended to purchase  twenty seven (27) vehicles for Circuit Court Judges throughout Liberia, but the money was reportedly divided among all the Justices at US$125.000.00  a piece.

Interestingly however, in her reaction to the reported scandal which unfolded at the Temple of Justice, President, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf was quoted as assuring that as soon as her government is established, a full scale investigation will be conducted.

But the President’s decision to deal with this alleged corruption issue only after her government is established, provoked a swift reaction from The Advocates, who were quoted as saying, “We find the President’s assurance somewhat troubling.”

“Is the President telling the Liberian People that there is no ‘RULE OF LAW’ in the country because she is setting up her cabinet, or is she now the Investigator of corruption?” “We don’t hope and never want to hope this could be another cold case.” The Advocates maintained.

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

Reinforcing Negative Behaviors: Common Practice in Liberian Politics

Moses D. Sandy

mdogbasandy@aol.com

Internationally, the designation Prince Yado Johnson (P.Y.J.) is synonymous to terrible human rights records. The name depicts controversy and ruthlessness. In Liberia with the exception of Nimba County where Prince Yado Johnson is adored as a “liberator or freedom fighter”, the initials PYJ also, represent a psychopath, someone, who shows no empathy or, remorse for others.

Mr. Johnson is known for erratic behaviors. He’s is Nimba Senior Senator and a former war lord. He led the dissolved rebel faction, Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia (INPFL). INPFL was one of several notorious warring groups that destabilized Liberia in the 1990’s.

In the June 2009 final report of the dissolved Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), which was established as part of the 2003 peace deal, the Commission recommended Johnson in a list of 50 names of people that should be “specifically barred from holding public offices; elected or appointed for a period of thirty years” for their past roles and association with warring factions.

During the civil war, Senator Johnson was a “stern, often draconian, disciplinarian”, who acted on his impulse. Because of his eruptible temperament, he is reported to have killed scores of innocent Liberians including his own fighters on insubstantial accounts.

On September 9, 1990, he was seen sipping a Budweiser in a video tape while his rebel soldiers sliced-off the ears of the late Liberian President Samuel K. Doe, who INPF rebel fighters captured at the headquarters of the erstwhile Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) formerly based at the Free Port of Monrovia.

He fled Liberia in 1992 in the wake of the ex-National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) onslaught on Monrovia code named, Operation Octopus to the West African State of Nigeria for asylum. In 2005 he returned home.

Upon arrival in the country, he and several prominent and educated sons of Nimba contested the 2005 legislative election as senatorial hopefuls. Despite the ex-general mediocre education, unpredictable personality, and awful human rights records, Nimba citizens to the amazement of Liberians overwhelmingly picked him as their Senior Senator.

The senatorial victory put the former General on the political pedestal irrespective of his leadership inadequacies. Although since his election the Senator is yet to make any significant impact in the Senate, he in 2011 declared his candidacy for the highest office in Liberia, the presidency.

When he made the pronouncement, many of his detractors thought he was being delusional; out of touch with reality. But he remained persistent. In October 2011, he was one of the 16 aspirants that participated in the first round of the presidential election.

He ran on the ticket of the National Union for Democratic Progress (NUDP) as standard bearer. Following the election, the people of Nimba again, surprised the world when they in preponderance opted to reward him with their votes.

According to the National Elections Commission (NEC), Senator Johnson won approximately 99 percent (108, 495 ballots) of the 171,989 votes cast in Nimba. He came third winning a little over 11 percent of the nationwide presidential ballots. His victory catapulted him to the rank of kingmaker.

Reinforcing Negative Behaviors

Nimba County mass support for the former warlord turned politician in 2005 and 2011 regardless of his ghastly human rights records and political inexperience, equates to what the American behaviorist, who fathered the discipline, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), B.F. Skinner, called reinforcing negative or maladaptive behaviors.

According to Skinner, negative reinforcement is the strengthening of inimical deportments by un-punishing or rewarding wrong doers; culture of impunity. Examples: 1. a student, who may misbehave in order to be sent out of a class he dislikes.

2. A gentleman, who often gives his wife monetary or material rewards whenever she displays tantrums. 3. Someone, who manipulates violence for gaining political relevance, instead of facing prosecution, he or she is elevated to a senior government portfolio either via election or political appointment.

Common Practice

In Liberia, Senator Johnson is not the only politician or individual with dreadful human rights records that remains scot-free or promoted to high offices in government. There are several Liberians with such records that continued to be recycled or elevated in the public sector. The bolstering of negative behaviors is an aged-old problem in Liberia.

It dates back as far as the founding era of the country. It is a tradition. During the late President Samuel K. Doe administration and the successive transitional regimes that governed Liberia throughout the 14 years of civil wars, negative reinforcement as a “model” for reconciliation was also, widely utilized.

Many individuals including the late Isaac Musah and George Dweh, who rained terror on Liberia under the guise of “liberation” instead of standing trials for crimes committed against humanity were promoted to prominent offices in government; they became heroes overnight.

In 1997 during the ECOWAS-UN backed special elections, Liberians in majority also, enhanced negative behaviors when they awarded the Liberian presidency to the former NPFL Leader Charles Taylor regardless of the human degradation the nation suffered at the hands of his ragtag soldiers.

He won the special election with more than 75 percent of the countrywide presidential votes. Currently, the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf administration has also, adopted the same standard for fostering “reconciliation” or silencing opponents or critics of the government.

Since coming to power, the administration at the expense of Liberian tax payers has conspicuously exerted efforts in bringing its opponents into submission by recruiting individuals with overt records of pseudo human rights advocacy, political opportunism, dishonesty, incompetence, and ruined human rights records.

The recent appointment of Mr. Lewis Brown, a former czar of the dissolved NPFL as Minister of Information, Culture Affairs, and Tourism is a case in point. Before July 2011, Mr. Brown selfishly paraded locally and abroad bashing Mrs. Sirleaf and her administration for what he then referred to as the government “failed” socio-economic policies.

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 Johnson-Sirleaf government in catering to the destitute 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.”But disappointingly, President Johnson Sirleaf on January 24, 2012 named Mr. Brown as the Liberian government Chief Spokesman despite his shady public records.

Prior to Mr. Brown’s preferment Mrs. Johnson-Sirleaf also, in September 2009 extended similar gesture to one of her former decriers, Mr. Milton Teahjay formerly of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) and the United Peoples Party (UPP).

She appointed Mr. Teahjay to the position of Superintendent, Sinoe County. Before the appointment, Mr. Teahjay was one of Mrs. Johnson-Sirleaf’s notable opponents in Liberia.

In 2005, when the NEC declared her winner of the run-off presidential contest, which pitted her against the CDC ex-presidential candidate George Oppong Weah, Mr. Teahjay and the CDC leadership protested and caused political upheaval in Monrovia.

Mr. Teahjay, who was then political advisor to Mr. Weah, in Liberian parlance pontificated, “Let hair grow in my palm if, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf becomes president.” Despite Mr. Teahjay and the CDC refusal to accept Mrs. Johnson-Sirleaf as winner of the presidency, the result of the election remained unchanged.

However, Mr. Teahjay was cowed in taking his words back when he accepted a junior post in government from the President. Since then, the Sinoe County Superintendent has joined the Johnson-Sirleaf choir of praise singers.

US based Liberian journalist Nagbe Sloh is also, one of several individuals, who have benefited from the Johnson- Sirleaf regime desperate attempts aimed at maintaining the status quo or bringing so-called critics of the President into the fold.

Three years ago, before being enlisted by the administration as one of its praise singers, Mr. Sloh was one of several Liberians in the Americas that gained disrepute for ripping the Liberian Chief Executive apart on the Internet.

On July 13, 2009, Mr. Sloh, who now calls himself “friend of the president” in one of his critical write-ups captioned: Fussing over Morlu-Obama Meeting, claimed US President Barrack Obama from the unset of his administration refused to meet with Mrs. Johnson-Sir leaf despite several endeavors because her administration is corrupt.

He then, wrote “Rampant corruption is the order of the day in Liberia.” But in today’s Liberia, journalist Sloh is one of the quasi social justice advocates that continue to receive monthly or sporadic compensations from the Liberian government that he once despised for executing undefined duties.

The pace at which negative behaviors are being strengthened in Johnson-Sirleaf’s Liberia is so high, that the former Vice President of Liberia in the slain William Tolbert regime, Bishop Bennie Warner, was constrained to comment in a radio interview aired on February 20, 2012 in Monrovia, Liberia.

“This place called Liberia is the only country on this planet that rewards criminals for their participation in the destruction of our land, properties, and the death of 250,000 people in thin air.”

Ramifications

Research showed that rewarding negative behaviors or individuals, who purposely manipulative violence for gaining political relevance through political patronage as seen in today’s Liberia sets a bad precedence; it emboldens maladaptive deportments.

The practice undercuts the system of accountability and meritocracy. It promotes mediocrity and the manipulation of violence for socio-economic advancement as acceptable way of life.

Furthermore, it conveys a wrong message to the younger generation that to succeed in Liberia, all an individual needs is the ability to instigate chaos or cause the loudest noise to be heard.

Such standard as adopted by Mrs. Johnson-Sir leaf and her cronies for quieting her opponents is inimical to the peace and stability of the country. It breeds discontentment and solidifies the culture of impunity, which partly laid the basis for the outburst of the 1989 civil war.

Conclusion

Negative reinforcement is an enemy of progress and accountability. It sets a wrong primacy and encourages bad governance. It dampens the future of the younger generation by fostering malfeasances in the public sector as a way of life, culture.

What Mrs. Johnson-Sirleaf and her loyalists are doing by recycling individuals, with manifest records of dishonesty and controversies in the public sector is causing more harm to Liberia than good.

What Liberia needs now is a political leadership that would hold individuals accountable for their deeds in society than an administration that turns blind eyes to ruined human rights records, corruption, inefficiency, and ineptitude just to win political approbation from so-called critics.

About the Author: Moses D. Sandy is a US based Liberian Journalist. He resides in the State of Delaware. He is former Editor-in-Chief of the State owned Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS). He holds a graduate degree, Masters in Social Work (MSW) from Temple University located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He currently works for a non-profit organization in Philadelphia as an entry level manager.

He can be reached @ 302-494-4688(cell)

“Those who committed worse crimes in our country are the once occupying high government posts. What a surprise?” These were the exact quotation from Liberia’s former Vice President, Bennie D. Warner.

Warner, who is also a Methodist Bishop, opined that “the place called Liberia, is the only country on this planet that rewards criminals with lucrative and strategic positions for their participation in the destruction of land, property and death of (250.000) people in thin air.”

While referencing the fourteen (14) year old carnage which destroyed life and property, the former number two man in the Tolbert Government, observed that “those who committed worse crimes in our country, are the once occupying high Government posts today.” What a surprise? He questioned.

Bishop Warner, who was also the last Vice President of the True Wing Party (TWP) led Government of the late Liberian President, William Richard Tolbert, Jr., noted that “it is unfortunate and unacceptable for Liberians to have elected individuals who contributed negatively to the destruction of Liberia.”

Speaking on a local radio station in the Liberian capital Monrovia on Monday, February 20, the former Vice President decried what he described as the “attitude of Liberians in awarding governmental power to warlords.”

He observed that “this kind of attitude sent out the wrong signals to the rest of the world that Liberians are a little gullible.” The Methodist Prelate underscored his position in an un-reconciliatory manner.

He noted that there are some Liberians who contributed to deaths of Presidents William R. Tolbert, Jr., and Samuel Kanyon Doe and the destruction of over 250,000 lives and billions of dollars worth of properties.”

“It really beats my imagination,” the once vocal Bisshop stressed,”for Liberians, who were witnesses to heinous harms carried out by some of our kinsmen within a thirty year period of bitterness and brutal destruction of our God given land, to see them in authority due the high marks scored during the electioneering.”

“It is terrifying and also it brings to mind the attitude of the kind of Liberians we have.” The Methodist Bishop pointed out in what Observers described as a very mean spirited tirade, coming out of the mouth of a “MAN OF GOD.”

The Methodist Bishop coincidentally left the country shortly before the Saturday, April 12, 1980 Revolution which toppled the minority and single party (True Wing Party) rule for one hundred thirty three years, was abruptly ended.

It is worth noting that prior to his normination as Vice President of Liberia, Bishop Warner, was one of the most very vocal critics of the Tolbert Government, until his nomination to succeed the late Vice President, James E. Greens.

After the military took over, Warner, who was then visiting here in the United States, called the BBC, claiming he was now the legitimate President of Liberia, since President Tolbert was assassinated during the revolution and he (Warner) was Tolbert’s Vice President.

In response to his declaration, the military People’s Redemption Council (PRC), led by then M/Sgt. Samuel Kanyan Doe, extended him an opened invitation as the new self-proclaimed President of Liberia, to return home and assume his newly declared Presidency, but unfortunately for him, he never show up.

Apparently, still reeling from the traumatic shock of thirty two years ago, Warner now says there was no need for the majority indigenous Liberians, who had been excluded from the political process and treated as second class citizens by his TWP, to revote.

He specifically named the Movement for Justice in Africa (MOJA), of Dr. Togba Nah Tipoteh and the Progressive Alliance of Liberia (PAL) of the late Political Guru, Gabriel Barcus Matthew, for challenging the True Wing Party regime, on the democratic field of play.

The former Vice President accused the two Progressive Organizations of engaging in the Rice Riot of April 14, 1979, which shocked the foundation of the True Wing Party hegemony for the very first time in its life history.

The Methodist Bishop, who was also the Vice President, a combination of a religious and political positions simultaneously, blamed the People’s Redemption Council (PRC), for executing thirteen (13) former government officials, found guilty by the Supreme Military Tribunal (SMT).

Bishop Warner has concluded that the action by the Supreme Military Tribunal to try and convict those thirteen former government officials, which was sactioned by the People’s Redemption Council (PRC), was the worse mistake ever made by the Council.

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