Imam Mohammed Dukuly is challenging those in leadership, be it in government, International Institutions or community organizations to be honest in order to engender honest followers.

He pointed out that “there can be no followers without honest leaders and equally, there can be no leaders without honest followers” stressing, “leadership is essential a social exchange process, firmly and deeply rooted in consultation.”

Imam Dukuly made these assertions while addressing officials and Members of the Minnesota Mandingo Association (MMA), during installation ceremonies of the organization’s new leadership, held at the Excel Academy, on Saturday, April 28.

Imam Dukuly stressed that “in Islam, leadership is depicted as the process by which the leader seeks the voluntary participation of following followers in an effort to reach organizational objectives.”

“The leader, as organization’s visionary, must communicate that vision with clarity and conviction. The Leader must articulate the vision in terms that Members can understand and relate to.” He suggested

On the other hand, Imam Dukuly pointed out, “the followers must share this vision and be willing to climb aboard during this process. The leader will then be the catalyst, a coach, a mentor and a role model.”.

The Imam then emphasized that leadership is the ability to persuade others to seek defined objectives enthusiastically. It is the human factor which binds a group together and motivates it towards goals.”

“Management activities such as planning, organizing, decision making are dormant cocoons, until the leader triggers the power of motivation in people and guides them towards the goals.”

On defining leadership role Imam Dukuly opined that “leadership is the ability to see beyond assumed boundaries and come up with solutions or paths that few can visualize adding, the leader must project this vision for everyone to see and pursue.

Imam Dukuly also emphasized that “the vision must have its basis deeply rooted in consultation, which typifies and galvanizing effect that a leader reaps through a shared vision.”

Mr. Dukuly than concluded his remarks by advising the newly elected leadership which won the presidential elections that, “victory goes with calmness of mind, faith, fidelity, zeal and earnestness and not with greed, lukewarmness or timidity.”

He observed that “discipline and obedience are essential for service. The rewards for service are not to be measured by immediate results, but accrue in countless hidden ways for patience and restraint.”

He concluded by advising those elected officials to “be strong against evil, but kind and gentle amongst yourselves” saying, “the seed will grow and become strong to your wonder and delight.”

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.

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BY: TARNYON NYENON

PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR,

INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN)

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

One of the former prominent Members of the House of Representatives, of the Liberian Legislature Cllr. Philip Koryeyon Deah, has passed on. Cllr. Deah who represented Grand Gedeh County in the House, suffered a stroke last Friday, April 20 and never regain consciousness until his passing on Friday, April 27. He was 76 years old.

In an exclusive interview with the Independent Eye News (IEN) Mr. Chea Tardey, Nephew of the decease said the former Liberian Legislator died at 8:45PM, with his family at his bedside, at the Saint Mary Hospital in Chicago, Illinois where he resided since migrating to the United States.

Rep. Deah, who was well known for his fiery speeches, as he always drew a clear line of demarcation between what he referred to as former political leaders and former government officials. Deah explained that  former government official are those who benefited from for example presidential political appointments.

He referred former political leaders as those who were democratically elected by their people and enjoy their mandate. This category is the one he always associated himself,  as an elected representative of the people of Konobo Statutory District in Grand Gedeh County.

It may be recalled that while serving as the Keynote Speaker during the 6^th National Convention of the Konobo Statutory Association  (KSDA) in Des Moines, Iowa in 2010, he quoted as saying , “the mission of KSDA, will be difficult if not impossible to achieve unless, obstacles that are rooted in the lack of unity of purpose among our people here and at home are objectively tackled and removed.”

“The truth cannot be denied,” he went on, pointing out that “there are obstacles in our way that are hampering the development needs of our people and District. It is not scientific, but rather practical that sustainable development comes easily to a community, where there is coherence and unanimity of quest.”

The former Lawmaker made reference to KSDA 2010 Convention theme, “VISION FOR A BETTER FUTURE,” which according to him. “cannot be de-emphasized because it is through vision people prepare for themselves and posterity a brighter tomorrow.”

“Where there is vision,” he opined, “there is a sense of direction and where there is a sense of direction, there is bound to be success and of course where there is success, there is joy and pride. Vision therefore is the key to development and progress in any community.”

Cllr. Deah, was one of those former Members of the Interim National Assembly (INA) of Liberia, which oversaw the transition of the then ruling military People’s Redemption Council (PRC) to civilian rule from 1983 to 1985, reminded his fellow compatriots that “as we joyously celebrate, the people of the Districts and county are listening with high expectation and pride.”

Deah, who also served as a Member of the Constitution Advisory Assembly, spoke on the topic “THE FIVE BUILDING BLOCKS FOR UNITY.” which he named as, Adopting a Realistic View of Community Unity, Treasuring the Commonality, Mutual Genuine Accountability, Addressing all Problems Objectively and Accepting that not all Problems can be Solved.

On adopting a realistic view of community unity, he stressed that “genuine lasting unity in any community lies between great and terrible times” adding, “these different  times are bound to come because the community comprises frail human beings all of whom are possessed by the duality of good and evil.”

He then urged community members to “be prepared and willing to balance our emotions between the extremes of ecstasy and agony, placing above all things the interest of community unity, by exercising courage, empathy, flexibility and tolerance, thereby solidifying the spirit of oneness.”

On treasuring commonality, the former Liberian Lawmaker asserted that “there are conditions that bind and serve as cohesive tool of people of a given community, which they cherish sometimes joyously or grievously, keeping alive resilient the sense of perfect brotherhood.”

Deah, who is Konobo, then pleaded with the Konobos, Twabos, Gleeos and Putus all of Konobo District, to cherish and uphold for the preservation of our cultural socio-economic and political oneness, if our unity of purpose must be reclaimed,” saying “we have come a long way and have so much in common.”

On genuine mutual accountability, he advised his audience “to learn to accept each other with confidence, trust and love, believing these are attributes that facilitate direct and honest discussion about our social problems.”

He identified what he referred to as “false acceptance of each other as one of the major factors that contributes to incoherence and confidence crises in any community.”

On addressing problems objectively, the former Liberian Lawmaker cited  “objectivity, honesty and the will power to speak out against wrong doers, as the most effective human force capable of driving away evils and putting right where it belongs.”

On accepting that not all problems can be solved,  Rep.Deah explained that “humans by nature are capable of creating all problems, but are sometimes incapable of solving them” adding, “we must accept the hard truth that not all problems can be solved, notwithstanding all efforts must be made.”

He concluded in the one page speech he delivered in Des Moines, Iowa in 2010, copy of which is in the possession of the Independent Eye News (IEN). The late Deah leaves behind four biological children a man and three women including, Easter, Deconte, Junior and Barmue.

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.

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BY: TARNYON NYENON

PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR,

INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN)

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

Africa’s first female President, Liberia’s Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, is today playing host to Africa’s second female President, Malawi’s first female President, Joyce Hilda Banda in the Liberian capital Monrovia.

The two day official visit which runs from April 28-29 by President Banda to Liberia, is seeing as part of her African tour. She is expected to fly to the Nigerian capital, Abuja on her next leg.

An Independent Eye News quoting the Foreign Ministry/Executive Mansion news release says, President Banda is being accompanied by her husband, retired Chief Justice of Malawi and Swaziland, Richard Banda.

Other members of President Banda’s delegation is Member of Parliament and Minister of Justice & constitutional Affairs, Ephraim Chiume, Member of Parliament,  Anita Kalinde  and principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Patrick Kabambe.

President Banda and delegation, who arrive from South Africa, will be received at the Roberts International Airport (RIA), by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. The two African Heads of State will then drive to the Liberian capital Monrovia, following traditional airport ceremonies.

In continuation of the traditional ceremonies, President Banda will be presented the key to Monrovia City by Acting Mayor Mary Broh, of the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC),

Tjhereafter, President Banda will head to President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf’s Foreign Ministry/Executive Mansion for what has been described by Political Observers as a tête-à-tête discussion.

The discussions which are expected to be attended by Liberia’s Foreign Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan and Justice Minister, Christina Tah, will be held behind closed doors.

Following the closed-door tete-a-tete, the two African female Presidents will jointly grant audience to the media in the foyer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Subsequently, the two leaders will meet again this time around at the Monrovia City Hall, where the Liberian Leader is expected to tender a dinner in honor of her fellow world leader.

The sixty one (61) year old Joyce Hilda Banda, became southern Africa’s and Malawi’s first female President on Saturday, April 7, after she was sworn into office following the demise of Malawi’s third President Bingu wa Mutharika on Thursday, April 5.

Prior to been sworn in as the first female President of the southern African Republic of Malawi, Mrs. Banda became Malawi’s first female Vice President from May, 2009, until the death of her boss.   

Before her Vice Presidency Mrs.Banda was well known as an educator and grassroots gender rights activist, She was also Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2006 to 2009 and a Member of Parliament and Minister for Gender, Children’s Affairs and Community Services.

She is the founder and leader of the People’s Party, established in 2011, and, prior to the death of her predecessor, was considered likely to contest the presidency of Malawi in the 2014 general election.

The People’s Party is scheduled to hold a convention later this year, with Joyce Banda likely to be confirmed as the party’s inevitable Standard Bearer

Prior to becoming an active career politician, she founded of the Joyce Banda Foundation, of the National Association of Business Women (NABW), Young Women Leaders Network and the Hunger Project. She was listed in Forbes Magazine 2011 as the third most powerful woman in Africa.

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.

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BY: TARNYON NYENON

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INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN)

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

The Minnesota Chapter of the Federation of Liberian Mandingo Associations in the United States of America (FELMAUSA), known as the Minnesota Mandingo Associations (MMA), is expected to hold its new leadership installation program.

The program which takes place at the Excel Academy Gymnasium at 8:00PM on Saturday, April 28, (tomorrow), at 6510 Zane Avenue in Brooklyn Park, MN, 55429, is expected to draw a record crowd across the United States, according to Mr. Momoh Sekou Dudu, who chairs the MMA Inaugural Committee.

Mr. Dudu told the Independent Eye News (IEN) in an exclusive interview, that those to be installed include Messrs. Mohamed Enzah Dorley, Moussa Cisse and Lassana Y. Bamba, Jr., as President, Vice President and General-Secretary, respectively.

He disclosed to the IEN that leaders and Members from other African Community Organizations are expected to be in full attendance, to grace the occasion which according to him, will be climaxed by a fund raising drive.

Chairman Dudu further disclosed that Mr. Kamaty Diahn, a long serving Member of the Board of Directors of the Organization of Liberians in Minnesota (OLM), has been chosen to serve as Keynote Speaker.

Mr. Famod Konneh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Federation of Liberian Mandingo Associations in the United States of America, is to serve as Installing Officer at the program.

Organizations who have expressed their desire to be in attendance to support of MMA, include the African Immigrant Services (AIS) and the Pro-USA group among others.

Personalities expected to grace the occasion include Dr. Clarence Yarskey, former Chairman of the Board of Directors of the OLM, Father James Nyemah Wilson, of the Liberian Christian Community (LCC) of Minnesota and Imam Mohammed Dukuly of the Masjid An-Nur.

Representative from the Brooklyn Park City Hall and Officials from the Executive Leadership of the Federation of Liberian Mandingo Associations in the United States of America are to be in full attendance.

Also expected in the audience is Mr. Wynfred Russell, a Liberian-American, widely known for running unsuccessfully for the following four leadership positions; President, and Member, Board of Directors of the Organization of Liberians in Minnesota (OLM), City Council Member and eventually, Mayor of the City of Brooklyn Park.

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)

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

After nearly six long year of trial, on eleven counts of war crimes, crimes against humanity, human rights abuses, Liberia’s most notorious warlord, Charles MacArthur Gankay Dakpana Taylor, has been found guilty!

The sentencing hearing for the man who reportedly sent three hundred fifty thousand human beings according to the United Nations estimates, to their early demise, is slated for Wednesday, May 16, nineteen days from Thursday, April 26.

During the sentencing hearing, according the Justice Richard Lussick, lead Judge of the Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL), based in the Hague, Taylor will be allowed to say whatever he wants, if he chooses to, but that must be done within a thirty (30) minute period.

The (SCSL) has also allotted one hour each, for oral argument only, to both the Prosecution and Defense Attorneys during the pending sentencing hearing of the former Liberian rebel leader.

The Prosecution Team is being led by Attorney, Brenda Hollis, while Charles Taylor’s Defense Team is being led by Attorney, Courteney Griffiths. After the oral argument, sentencing the Liberian former Warlord will be announced.

The sentencing of the 64 year old Taylor, will determine how many years he will spend behind bars in prison, perhaps in an orange joint suit, rather than the court and tie he currently wears.

Taylor was found guilty on eleven counts of a littinning of charges for AIDING AND ABITTING Sierra Leonean rebels including Cpl. Fodey Sankor’s Revolutionary United Front (RUF).

The RUF Rebels were fighting to topple the democratically elected government of the Republic of Sierra Leone. In return, Taylor was said to have been paid ‘blood diamonds’ for his supply of arms and ammunition. Financial, moral and other support,  was also reportedly given by Taylor over a ten consecutive years’ period (1991-2001).

The eleven counts under which Taylor was found guilty of AIDDING and ABITTING included; Terrorism, Murder, Rape, Enslavement, Pillaging, Crimes Against Humanity, Conscription of Child Soldiers, Cruel & Inhumane Treatment, Violent to Health, among etc.

It must be noted however, that Taylor was tried only for crimes he committed in neighboring Sierra Leone and not in Liberia. Sierra Leoneans had an opportunity of watching the verdict of Charles Taylor live from the Hague on television screens in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

The trial of Charles Taylor which started in Sierra Leone, was later transferred to the Hague in 2006, out of security concern within the west African sub-region, where Taylor still maintains some considerable support.

If he is sentenced on Wednesday, May 16, Taylor is most likely to be flown to the United Kingdom (Britain), which has since offered to have him locked up for the duration of his imprisonment, apparently out of security concern as well.

During the trial, prosecuting Attorney, Brenda Hollis, told the court: “Charles Taylor created, armed, supported and controlled the RUF in a 10-year campaign of terror against the civil population of Sierra Leone.”

 ”As president of neighboring Liberia,” the prosecution further disclosed, “Taylor acted as “chief, father and godfather to his proxy rebel forces in Sierra Leone.”

However, in his own defense, the former warlord pleaded not guilty to all eleven (11) counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity,  describing  the allegations as “lies” claiming he is the victim of a plot by “powerful countries.” He nevertheless failed to name the countries.

Research by the Independent Eye News shows that some 94 witnesses took the stand in the dock on behalf of the prosecution, while 21 witness also took the stand for the defense. Taylor himself testified for 81 hours, during his trial, which started since June 4, 2007.
.
There was an odd moment when a prosecution witness testified seen Charles Taylor ate a human liver, but Taylor denied the cannibalism allegation. He also described the entire trial as “sham.”

Other witnesses testified that some of Taylor’s fighters strung human intestines across roads, removed fetuses from women’s wombs and practiced cannibalism, while children younger than 15 were enlisted to fight.

Taylor fled to Nigeria shortly after he was forced to step down as President of Liberia in a negotiated settlement, to end the fourteen year old carnage in Liberia. However, he was arrested by Nigerian authorities near the Cameroonian-Nigerian border in March 2006 when he tried to flee Nigeria while in exile there.

He was thereafter transferred to the Special Court in Free Town, Sierra Leone, but in June 2006, a UN Security Council resolution was passed, clearing the way for him to again be transferred to the Hague, on grounds that his presence in west Africa was an “impediment to stability and a threat to the peace.”

The Special Court for Sierra Leone which was set up jointly by the Sierra Leone government and the United Nations, has already convicted eight Sierra Leoneans of war crimes and sentenced them for between 15 and 52 years after they were tried and subsequent convicted in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

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.

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BY: TARNYON NYENON

PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR,

INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN)

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

The man who stands accused of converting four thousand fifty five United States dollars (US$4,055.00), belonging the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas (GGAA) to his personal use, Mr. Henry Zarkpah Kyne, has quit the Iowa Liberian Community presidential race.

Kyne told the Independent Eye News (IEN) in an exclusive interview, ”I’m quitting the presidential race because there are several forces against me including the outgoing President of the Iowa Liberian Community, Mr. Gbote Tahyor.”

Additionally, he said, I don’t know to whom I was to pay my presidential team’s registration fees to since three successive Treasurers of the Tahyor Administration resigned that post alleging massive corruption by President Tahyor.”

Kyne further explained, “I refused to pay my presidential team’s registration fees to (President) Gbote Tahyor, because Gbote is too corrupt, so I can’t trust him with any money.”

He pointed out, “I prefer paying my team’s registration fees directly the Independent Elections Commission (IEC), which is being chair by Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas (GGAA), Iowa Chapter’s former President, Mark Nyemah, rather than to Gbote (Tayhor), because the brother is not trustworthy.”

Kyne claimed that “because Gbote is so corrupt, he does not want man like me to get elected, because he knows that when I am elected, I will definitely audit him, after he leaves office and he fears that.”

Although Kyne adduced no evidence to back up his corruption allegations against President Tahyor, he also alleged that his opponents, the Sackie/Barford presidential and Vice presidential team was put into place by President Tahyor, to ensure he Kyne is not elected.

He however failed to say, how President Tahyor hopes to ensure he (Kyne) is defeated at the polls, since Mr. Tahyor cannot constitutionally seek a third term, having served two consecutive terms, as President of the Liberian Association of Iowa (LAI).

When contacted for his reaction, President Tahyor said, “I don’t’ even want to lend credence to Kyne’s allegations. He has always made those allegations without any prove, since he has been contesting the presidency of the Liberian Association of Iowa.”

“He made those same allegations when he challenged me for the Liberian Association of Iowa presidency four years ago, in which I defeated him. Henry (Kyne) has no moral standing to accuse me or anyone else of corruption.”

“As a matter of fact, Henry (Kyne is still in possession of Grand Gedeans’ money in the full sum of four thousand fifty five United States dollars (US$4,055.00), since 2007. He is yet to pay that money to the GGAA. The only thing I can say about Henry (Kyne) is that he is a political (buker).”

EDITOR’s NOTE: Buker is a pigeon Liberian English word, which means ‘novices.’

Also in an exclusive interview, the Chairman of the Independent Elections Commission (IEC), of the Liberian Association of Iowa (LAI), Mr. Mark Nyemah explained to the Independent Eye News that all efforts were made to accommodate the Kyne/Issa Team, but to no avail.

He said in spite of the Kyne/Issa Team’s failure to meet the registration deadline which was Saturday, April 21, his Commission bent over backwards by giving the Team an additional one day to pay its registration fees, but again, it failed to comply.

Notwithstanding, Chairman Nyemah noted that after this compromise, his  Commission has decided that henceforth, it will remain resolute by ensuring the Sunday, May 27 presidential elections go ahead as scheduled, in accordance with the elections guidelines.

Contestant on the Sackie/Barford Team which met all registration requirement on time are: Messrs. Varney L. Sackie, Barnett Koryeyon Barford and Miss. Viola M. Puogar, for President, Vice President and Secretary, respectively.

Others are: Messrs. Fredrick N. Lumeh, Sam T. K. Weahn, Tye Cooper and Garmonyou Chea for Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Parliamentarian and Chaplain respectively.

Candidates for the Kyne/Issa Team which did not register were; Mr. Henry Zarkpah Kyne, Miss. Mercy Issa and Ralph, whose last name Mr. Kyne said he did not know, although he is on Kyne’s ticket as Secretary. They were for President, Vice President and Secretary respectively.

The rest were;  Messrs. Joseph Gaesua, MCcPeter Willie and Isaac Sendel, for Treasurer, Parliamentarian and Chaplain respectively. The Kyne/Issa Team was reportedly unable to get a Financial Secretary.

Officials and Members of the Independent Elections Commission (IEC) of the Liberian Association of Iowa are; Mr. Mark Nyemah, Chairman, Miss. Comfort Wesseh, Co-Chair and Mr. Benjamin Weah, Secretary. Members are Mrs. Towan Peters, Miss. Beatrice Kolenky and Mr. Tye Cooper.

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)

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

The attempted pre-dawn political coup’d tat led by Mr. Phil Tarpeh Dixon, Deputy General-Secretary of Liberia’s main opposition political party, the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), has been crushed.

The crushing of the political coup was announced barely forty eight (48) hours after it was launched in an attempt to get rid of four top executives of the party including its General-Secretary, Acarus Gray and the party’s Caucus Chairman, Thomas P. Fallah.

Both Gray and Fallah, who were targeted by the foiled political coup leaders are, Members of the Liberian Legislature, representing Montserrado County’s fifth and eighth congressional Districts respectively, in the House of Representatives.

Other Members of the House of Representatives targeted by the coup makers were; Messrs. Julius Berrien and Saah Joseph of the tenth and thirteenth Congressional Districts respectively, of Montserrado County.

In announcing the foiled political coup d’tat at the CDC headquarters on Sunday, April 22, Deputy General-Secretary Phil Tarpeh Dixon said the four CDC executives were being suspended indefinitely, from the party with immediate effect.

Dixon, who is currently the Deputy General-Secretary of the Congress for Democratic Change, then declared himself General-Secretary of the grassroots political party.

He subsequently ordered the four accused party executives who are also Lawmakers to turnover all of the party’s property in their possession and subject themselves to an investigation by the party’s Grievance and Ethics Committee (G&EC), unfortunately, the coup was short live.

However, Legal Analysts and Political Observers maintained that if any investigation was warrented, it must to be conducted by the Grievance and Ethics Committee (G & EC) of the House of Representatives and not the CDC’s, even though the Legislators in question, were elected on the ticket of the CDC.

The Observers and Analysts opined that the CDC seems not to know the limits of its authority, by ordering the four accused Legislators to subject themselves to the party’s Grievance and Ethics Committee for an investigation.

The Legal Analysts argued that no matter how egregious the Legislators’ alleged crime may have been, they are no longer amendable to the party’s Grievance and Ethics Committee.

The entire episode started when the four Lawmakers were accused of allegedly receiving five thousand United States dollars (US$5,000.00) each, as bribes from the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCOL), in an attempt to induce them to protect the company’s interest.

It is however unknown why and how they were to protect the company’s interest since the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCOL), is a one hundred percent government owned enterprise, rather than a private entity.

The political coup makers failed to identify the individual(s) who reportedly offered the purported bribes to the four executives of the Congress for Democratic Change.

Howbeit, the Political Observers and Legal Analysts concluded at the time the news broke, that the manner in which the four accused Ligislators were being treated, presupposed they were already presumed guilty until they could prove themselves innocent.

The Political Observers believed the political coup d’ tat did not succeed apparently because the sole owner of the Congress for Democratic Change, Sports Ambassador, George “Oppong” Manah Weah, had a change of heat.

The Observers speculated that Ambassador Weah may have been warned or advised very strongly, about the political re-precaution the decision would have had on the CDC, if the Coup were allowed to stand.

However, in denouncing the political coup d’tat in less than 48 hours, CDC’s Acting National Chairman, Adama B. Samolah expressed his disapproval over the action of the rebel CDCians.

Chairman Samolah described as ‘arbitrary’ and ‘unauthorized’ the action by the partisans to announce the suspension of the party’s political gurus, including the most powerful and vocal, General- Secretary, Acarus Gray.

The CDC Acting Chairman further stressed that “information circulated in both the local and international media surrounding the suspensions of Gray and others, lacks credence.”

Chairman Samolah categorized the action as “void of any authority of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the CDC,” which according to him, “is the highest decision making body of the party. “

He also expressed regrets over the partisans’ action and for any inconvenience it may have caused the affected party executives, who are also Members of the Liberian Legislature.

Chairman Samolah also denied “any knowledge of a submitted letter of secretly held oil meetings, where the Lawmakers allegedly received five thousand United States dollars (US$5,000.00) each, to protect NOCOL’s interest in handling the newly discovered oil and gas sector.”

Samolah emphatically denied knowledge of any communication from any of the party’s auxiliaries, relating to allegations of bribery as was alleged by Mr. Dixon, during his Sunday, April 22, news conference at the party’s headquarters.

Chairman Samolah then gave what was described as “a very stern warning” to CDC partisans against making what he referred to as “proliferating political utterances.” He concluded by assuring Liberians that the “CDC will always uphold ethical standards.”

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.

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BY: TARNYON NYENON

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INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN)

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

“All the heads of former warring factions have contested for political positions at one time or another. Nobody has gone back to the bush. Why can’t we praise this as an achievement for the whole country?” This was the exact quote from the erstwhile ULIMO-K ‘Supreme Commander’ “General” Alhaji G. V. Kromah.

Kromah, whose  ULIMO-K rebel faction was accused of committing massacres in Lofa and Bong Counties during the hay days of the carnage in Liberia, was also quoted as saying, “Liberians should recognize the ‘meaningful contributions’ made by former warring faction leaders.”

“General” Kromah then made reference to Sen. Prince Johnson as one of those warring faction leaders who contested for political office. Johnson was elected by his people as Senior Senator of Nimba County.

In spite of his ULIMO-K rebel faction’s alleged massacres in Lofa and Bong Counties during the war, Kromah was recently appointed by President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, as Liberia’s Ambassador-At-Large, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Prior to that, Kromah served briefly as Director-General of the Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS), during the first tenure of President Johnson-Sirleaf’s administration, (2005-2011).

The ULIMO-K “General” and “Supreme Commander” concluded by saying since the end of the Liberian carnage, “nobody has gone back to the bush” adding, ”why can’t we praise this as an achievement for the whole country?” Kromah, who currently teaches at the University of Liberia, asked.

Also speaking in an interview was, Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), rt. B/General Prince Yomie Johnson, of the defunct Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia (INPFL), who was very notorious for his merciless killings.

Gen. Johnson, now the Senior Senator of one of Liberia’s most populated counties, Nimba, questioned his libeling by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), as one of the most notorious war criminals.

“The TRC branded me as most notorious. That is wonderful and very amazing. A man like me, you brand me as a most notorious war criminal?” The erstwhile Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia ex-rebel leader asked.

”Show me a country that has ever had a most notorious war criminal ever receiving third place in a presidential election.” Gen. Johnson quipped arguably, making reference to coming third place  during last October’s presidential elections in Liberia, when he contested the Liberian presidency.

Gen. Johnson argued further that man like him is a promoter of peace adding, “I am the Chairman of the Legislative Committee on National Defense, Intelligence, Security and Veteran Affairs.”

“We are working with our government and our foreign counterparts to ensure peace, by helping the government move forward.” The Nimba County Senior Senator recounted his committee chairmanship in the Liberian Senate.

The retired AFL Brigadier General then pointed to a secondary school project which he is undertaking stressing, “ex-faction leaders should be commended for their contributions to the country.”

Mr. Aron Weah, Program Associate at the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ), added his voice to the debate maintaining that “future generations will learn about accountability if those who committed atrocities during the war are held accountable.”

“Young people used during the war continue to be victimized. Future generations will only learn if these people (warlords), stand up to a full judicial inquiry and pay for what they did.” Mr. Weah emphasized.

Cllr. Peal Brown-Bull, who served on the Truth and Reconciliation (TRC), argued that “those who committed human rights abuses should face prosecution and thereafter be forgiven.”

However, she pointed out that recommendations made by the TRC for prosecutions of former warlords and others who committed war crimes, were “unconstitutional and illegal and cannot be implemented under Liberia’s current laws.”

She then suggested that “the way forward for Liberia is restorative justice; our country has been destroyed; we need infrastructure; we need human resources.” She declared.

Ms. Frances Graves, leader of a faith based women’s group, Voice of the Voiceless (VOV) who is also a Member of the Women of Liberia Mass Action for Peace (WOLMAFP), which helped end the Liberian crisis, participated in the debate as well.

She observed that “while many people who allegedly committed crimes during the war now hold high positions in government, not enough has been done to assist low-level ex-combatants and victims of the war.”

Ms. Graves pointed out that “if a child is trained to forcibly take things from people, that is all that child will know and remember and so, to rehabilitate and reintegrate such a person, takes a lot of time and effort.”

She then concluded that “the Demobilization, Rehabilitation and Reintegration (DRR) process was not fully completed” adding, ”so those who experienced the war, were not thoroughly dealt with psychologically, after the war.” She concluded.

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.

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BY: TARNYON NYENON

PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR,

INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN)

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

The National Executive Committee of Liberia’s main opposition political party the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), says it has suspended with immediate effect, four of its top executives from the party for their alleged complicity in a bribery scandal involving the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCOL).

The four, who are all Members of the House of Representatives of the National Legislature in the west African Republic of Liberia include, Mr. Acarous Gray, the most powerful General-Secretary of CDC and Montserrado County’s 8th District Representative.

Also affected is Mr. Thomas P.Fallah, Chairman of the Congress for Democratic Change’s Legislative Caucus. He represents Montserrado County’s 5th District. The rest are, Messrs. Julius Berrien and Saah Joseph, who represent Districts numbers 10 and 13 respectively, also of Montserrado County.

The Liberian Lawmakers are being accused by their party of receiving five thousand United States dollars (US$5,000.00) each, in an apparent attempt to induce them to protect NOCOL’s interest, while handling Liberia’s oil and gas exploration.

The Party did not say why or how the Lawmakers were to protect the company’s interest, since the National Oil Company of Liberia, is a one hundred percent government owned? The party failed to specifically identify whoever allegedly offered the purported bribes.

However, while announcing the suspensions of the four Lawmakers at the party’s headquarters on Sunday, April 22, the party ‘s Deputy General-Secretary, Phil Tarpeh Dixon, ordered the accused to turnover all of the party’s properties in their possession pending the conclusion of the investigation into the alleged bribery scandal.

The party has also ordered the four accused Lawmakers, to submit themselves to the CDC’s Grievance and Ethics Committee (G & EC), which will accordingly make an official report on the outcome of its investigation to the party, according to Mr. Dixon.

He also indicated that the suspensions of the four party executives take immediate effect as of Sunday, April 22. However, Political Observers and Legal Analysts conclude that the manner in which the Lawmakers are being treated, presupposes they are already presumed  guilty until they prove themselves innocent.

The Observers and Legal Analysts opined that the party seems not to know the limits of its authority. The Legal Analysts argued that what the CDC fails to understand is that as elected Legislators, the accused Legislators are no longer amendable to the party.

They argued that no matter how egregious the Lawmakers’alleged crimes may have been, they are only answerable to the Grievance and Ethics Committee of the House of Representatives and not the CDC, although they were elected on CDCs tickets.

The Legal Analysts maintained that the CDC’s style of justice system of adjudging any accused guilty until he/she is proven innocent, amounts to “jungle justice.”

The Analysts are therefore describing the CDC’s justice system as being completely inconsistent with the United States’ justice system, after which the Liberian justice system is built.

The National Oil Company of Liberia which reportedly offered the bribes has been in the news for a protracted period now since President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf appointed one of her sons, Robert Sirleaf, who is also her Senior Advisor, to chair NOCOL’s Board of Directors on a pro bono basis, in addition to his advisory responsibilities.

However, the appointment of her son, Robert Sirleaf to chair the Board of Directors of the National Oil Company of Liberia, is has sparked serious controversy since.

The President has being bombarded from nearly all quarters on allegation of practising nepotism, by appointing hers son Robert Sirleaf, to chair NOCOL’s Board.

Another son of the President is Mr. Charles Sirleaf, as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) and Fumba Sirleaf, as Director of the National Security Agency (NSA).

The CDC claimed the four Lawmakers breached the Code of Conduct and By-Laws as well as the party’s Constitution under section 24, Article 4 of the party’s principles. The Article “prohibits any practice of the virus of corruption that has permeated the Liberian society protractedly.”

The accusations against the four Lawmakers were said to be based on a communication addressed to Mr. Adama B. Samolah, Acting Chairman of the Congress for Democratic Change. The letter, dated Thursday, April 19, was signed by Mr. Emmanuel K. Robertson, Deputy General-Secretary of the party’s Youth League.

The letter reads in part, ”It has been divulged further that this secretly held oil meeting was disallowed by the Plenary of the 53rd Legislature, a decision that was breached and ridiculed by the collective and individual decision of the following members of our institution.

The Party maintained that the alleged action of the four executives who are also Members of the CDC Legislative Caucus, “compromised our ethical standards to grease their quest for personal financial accruement.”

The letter continued,“this grave offense being counterproductive and abhorring to the tenets and guiding principles of the CDC necessitates the expedient and legal basis for the immediate suspension.”

The party says “those involved, will remain suspended

pending other actions to be recommended by the Grievance & Ethics Committee, consistent with Article 5, Section 46 of the By-laws and Constitution of the party,” Dixon explained.

He narrated further that “the National Executive Committee (NEC) of CDC has received with grave concern, complaints of clandestine meetings being held by several members of the party’s Legislative Caucus.”

Rep. Gray and his colleagues were said to have held several secret meetings described as “oil meetings” with NOCOL. Dixon named one of the venues of the “secret” meetings as the Crystal View Hotel, where the four Lawmakers were said to have been in attendance.

Dixon said the four Lawmakers’ alleged action in a complaint against them suggest that “a serious breach of the CDC constitution may have occurred, thus requiring an immediate investigation of bribery and administrative malpractices.”

He then went on, “there are no sacred cows in the CDC on grounds that George Manneh Weah, Standard Bearer of the party will in no way place himself on the firing line for anyone found in a web of corruption.”

This statement is being interpreted by Political Observers to mean that Sports Ambassador George Weah, is the sole Owner of the CDC who has absolute authority to pardon any partisan within the party, no matter what the partisan is accused of.

He continued, “Given that CDC does not in any way endorse, coordinate, contemplate or accept corruption by any member of its leadership, this drastic action had  to be taken.” Dixon emphasized.

“Where corruption exists, we punish it. Hence, since the National Youth League of the CDC has presented a clear basis for the action on this issue, we as a party must take a decisive stance as we have always done”. He pointed out.

“Consequently, it is my duty to clearly and fearlessly communicate in this manner the decisions of the National Executive Committee of the CDC to our loyal partisans and the general Liberian population.” The CDC Acting General-Secretary stressed.

Mr. Dixon also disclosed during the news conference that as Deputy General-Secretary, he has automatically assumed the office as General-Secretary of the CDC, performing the duties and responsibilities of said office as enshrined in the party’s constitution.

However, Political Pundits observed that “the CDC has a history of expelling and/or suspending its executives with promises of conducting thorough investigations and making the findings public , but never does so.”

The Pundits cited “the expulsion of the Party’s National Chair, Geraldine Doe-Sheriff, General-Secretary, Eugene  Nagba, Standard Bearer, Cllr. Winston Alexander Tubman among others, with promises of investigating whatever they are accused of and making the findings public, but to date, no such thing has occurred.

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)

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

The first branch of  the Liberian government the Legislature, which is notoriously known for being a “RUBBER STAMP” to the Executive Branch since July 26, 1847, has surprisingly launched its first major political assault against the Executive Mansion.

The political assault came apparently as a complete surprise to the Executive. This  followed what has been described as an armed bush investigation by the Legislature resulting into a very serious accusation of lack of transparency and accountability against the Executive.

Although it is fully unknown what led to the unprovoked attack by the Legislative Branch against the Executive Branch, reports from the Liberian capital, Monrovia, where the two branches are headquarter, say the latter appears to have taken a tactical retreat.

The Legislative Branch’s investigation revealed during last Tuesday, April 17, Plenary Session that the “Presidency was failing to adhere to accountability and transparency procedures in negotiating deals for Liberia’s Offshore Oil Blocks (OOB).”

The report specifically cited the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCOL) , accusing it of not allowing other Liberian society groups to participate in the process when it was negotiating on behalf of the presidency.

The man who ignited the first political bombshell on behalf of the House of Representatives two months ago, is Margibi County Rep. Emmanuel Nuquay, who raised concerns about lack of consultation with stakeholders in the negotiation.

The Legislature’s report says because of NOCOL’s failure to complete negotiation of Oil Block 13, the Liberian Government risks losing twenty seven million United States dollars (US$27M).

As a result of this failure on the part of NOCOL the Legislature’s report went on, a budgetary deficit has been created. Besides, the report also pointed out that the national budget laws of Liberia, have been breached.

The report further cited the sale of Japanese food aid and petroleum product to the Liberian Government and subsequently depositing revenue generated there from into an escrow account, which according to the Legislature, undermines the national budget.

The report emphasized that revenue generated from the sale should have been deposited into government’s consolidated account in accordance with the appropriation and disbursement procedure, rather than into an escrow account.

A joint House Committee which comprises Ways & Means, Lands Mines & Natural Resources, State Enterprise, Public Accounts and Judiciary, has sanctioned several recommendations aimed at putting some corrective measures into place.

One of the recommendations sanctioned by the House, calls for a comprehensive review of all existing production sharing contracts and other addendum for compliance with all provisions of the new petroleum laws of Liberia.

Meanwhile, the House Joint Committee has also recommended the immediate suspension of negotiation on all offshore blocks, including numbers one through seven (1—7) until conditions are met including the Act creating NOCOL in 2007.

However, with the domineering imperial Liberian Presidency, Political Analysts are very doubtful whether or not President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, will even lend credence to the Legislature’s efforts, let alone adhere to its recommendations.

The clock is ticking as all eyes and ears are now focusing on the Liberian Capital to see and hear what retaliatory action the Executive Mansion will take, after its tactical retreat from the trenchers.

It remains to be seen if President Johnson-Sirleaf, the Darling of the West and Nobel Peace Prize Laurel, will cave into democratic dictates, or whether she will as usual, exercise her inherent imperial powers of the most powerful Liberian Presidency?

Research by the Independent Eye News (IEN), shows that President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf exercised her “inherent imperial powers” when she recently overturned wit impunity, a legislative decision suspending the parking ticketing system.

The system was unilaterally put into place by Madam Mary Broh, without any legislative blessing, or even the participation of the Monrovia City Council (MCC), which is suppose to be the legislative arm of the Monrovia City Corporation, in taking such major decision.

President Johnson-Sirleaf again exercised her “inherent imperial powers” by keeping Madam Broh at Monrovia City Hall in the first place, despite her rejection by the Liberian Senate nearly four year ago, when she appeared before it for confirmation hearings to become City Mayor of Monrovia.

The President again exercised her “inherent imperial powers” by unilaterally dissolving the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) and most recently merging the Ministry of Planning & Economic Affairs with the Ministry of Finance, without any legislative action.

Another institution against which President Johnson-Sirleaf used her “inherent imperial powers” is the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL). The president fired the entire personnel of the military institution under the guise of  “RETIREMENT,” a scenario never before heard of in the history of that institution.

Howbeit, Political Observers maintained that her action was purposefully designed as a payback against the krahn people, who dominated the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) at the time. This was seemingly in retaliation for their near unanimous vote against her during her 2005, presidential bid.

It is unknown what yardstick she used to take such measure to retire all personnel of an institution established by an art of the Legislature in 1908?  Whatever the real reasons or motives behind President Johnson-Sirleaf’s decision were, she was never challenged by the 52nd Legislature.

It must be acknowledged however, Observers maintained, that those personnel were trained with tax payers’ money which was trashed down the drain by the President, without any let. “The art establishing those institutions by the Liberian Legislature, must be respected by all succeeding administrations.”

“Any presidential decision by the Executive affecting their existence must be equally sanctioned by the Legislative Branch, as part of its oversight responsibility.” The Observers further argued.

On the flip side notwithstanding, the Political Observers are equally holding the Legislature accountable for its failure to live up to its constitutional obligation adding, “if the Legislators do not raise any constitutional issue in defense of the people, the Executive cannot be expected to do it for them.”

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)

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