A Public Figure Must Be As Clean As Snow
(
By Gbe Sneh)
Transparency, accountability, integrity, competence, respect for human rights: these are the buzz phrases in the way forward. They represent units on the yardstick by which both the make-up and performance of the new government will be measured. They were not only promised to the people by those who will be in power, they are being demanded by the people.
Corruption Deposit at NPA: Millions USD Squandered (Forum)
Following days of closed door, meeting with the Board of Directors of the National Port Authority (NPA), senior officials of the port have uncovered financial malpractices at the entity in the tone of millions of dollars thereby causing grave loss of revenue due government.
US$900,000 For Inauguration - As V enue Changes (Forum)
In the wake of public disenchantments over the earlier budgets of US 1.3 million dollars for the January 16, 2006 inauguration of the President-elect Madam Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and Vice President-elect Ambassador Joseph N. Boakai, the Inaugural Committee is said to have slashed its budget by 35%.
Why Pick And Choose, UNMIL, UNDP? (Forum)
OUR ATTENTION HAS been drawn to the selective tendency of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) and its collaborating partner-the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) when it comes to serving the media with public information dissemination.
CORRUPTION Genesis, Myth, Stereotyped : A Collective National Challenge
(
By James-Thomas-Queh)
One of the first issues that may make or break this government could be that of “corruption.” It is therefore imperative to do an in depth examination of the question in order to safeguard our new found democracy; look at why other administrations have failed; and what are the most reasonable measures that the people can be made to expect from the government to combat a near epidemic.
Congratulatory Message to Madame Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, President-elect, Republic of Liberia
(
Press Stsatement Issued by The Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas, Inc. On December 28, 2005)
The Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas, Inc. is pleased to see the peaceful transition of political power unfolding in Liberia. Like most other Liberians at home and abroad, we watched the recent elections, including the November 8th runoff election, with great interest and enthusiasm. We prayed and hoped that Liberians participating in the electoral process would be given the rare opportunity in our nation’s history of voting for the candidate of their choice to lead Liberia in these critical times without fear and/or duress.
Jumpstarting Liberia’s Development Needs: Can Decentralization Provide Structural Reform & Change?
(By Francis W. Nyepon)
The result of the recent elections has given Liberians an opportunity to repair a country broken by ethnic hatred, class struggle, factional politics and civil wars. This is an opportunity for Liberians to come together in unity as a collective to reconcile these challenges and strive to put the country back on track. The needs of our country are too urgent not to immediately present a constructive development agenda.
Will It Be Business As Usual, Where A Majority Becomes Poorer?
(
By J. Yanqui Zaza)
If the current debate about the “Transitional List” is merely about sharing economic dividends among the Liberian elites and not about correcting the economic injustices that brought us where we are in the first place, we will lose an opportunity to right the wrong.
The Debate on Presidential Successions: A Dialogue of Much Ado About Little
(
By: Tarnue Johnson)
In the aftermath of the recent elections, there are many things about Liberia that one could be excited about. I am excited about having seen Liberians exercised their franchise without fear of intimidation, which is doubltless very rare in the history of our country.
Mrs. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf is the 24th President
(
A Joint Statement by Dr. D. Elwood Dunn and Dr. William E. Allen on the Numerical Ranking of Liberian Presidents)
Two issues have contributed to the present confusion surrounding the appropriate numerical rank of president-elect, Mrs. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Having examined the available historical sources, we have reached the conclusion that Mrs. Sirleaf will be the 24th president of the Republic of Liberia.
A critical analysis of Liberia’s attractiveness to foreign investment
(
By Jackson Fiah Doe, Jr.)
Envision the Liberian economic landscape in the year 2020 via the lenses of two contrasting scenarios. In the first, the country’s economy is in shambles and tattering on the brink of collapse. The unemployment rate is 95%, and Liberians can no longer afford basic necessities. Prices of goods and services are extremely high. The gap between rich and poor have significantly widened.
New Directions In Public Policy Formulation In Liberia
(
By: Emmanuel Dolo)
I will begin this paper on the premise that when the term good governance is used, it is not exclusively about putting into action systems that foster transparency, accountability, efficiency, and effectiveness. Instead, it is also about access, equity, and distributive justice, and the quality of social protections that the government provides to its citizens, particularly underserved populations.
Ellen Vows to Fight Imperial Presidency (Forum)
Liberia’s 23rd President-elect Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, has called on members of the incoming parliament to join her in reforming the country for the betterment of its citizens. Madam Sirleaf said her government has the mandate to reconcile and reunite Liberians who have been plagued by prolonged civil war over the years.
TROUBLE HANGS OVER LIBERIA AGAIN! (Forum)
This paper has received credible reports that another insurrection is in the making to destabilize Liberia in spite of the international community tireless efforts to bring sanity to the country.
WE ARE ALL UNDER THE SAME BANANA TREE (Forum)
NATURALLY, LIBERIA REMAINS our place of originality on the world map despite the agonies and pains we have made ourselves to go through.
Assemblyman Cries for Vehicle (Forum)
Maryland County Representative to the Transitional Legislative Assembly, Samuel Wilson, says the Transitional Government led by Charles Gyude Bryant is corrupt and has failed to seek the welfare of its citizens.
Engaging A Debate On Elements Of Our History And National Society
(A Letter By D. Elwood Dunn)
I thank Dr. William E. Allen for challenging me to produce historical evidence in support of my recent presidential ranking notes. And notes they were, for certainly there was no attempt to exclude any of the honorable people who found themselves called to national service during crisis moments in our country. Rather, as I indicated, my purpose was to engage a debate on elements of our history and national society in the interest of addressing widespread distortions.
Africa's First Female President's Private Visit Turned Into a Semi-Official Visit
(
Press Stsatement Issued by Liberians For Ellen (LIFE))
Liberia's president-elect, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, has been making the rounds since being declared winner of the presidential runoff elections by the National Elections Commission on November 23, 2005. Barely did she settle down from her recent six nation West African tour, than Africa's first elected female president was headed to the United States.
Logic and reason are the mother lode of the rule of law
(By Mohamedu F. Jones)
The decider of fact and law in a legal controversy must apply logic to the facts and the law in a carefully reasoned analysis to reach a conclusion that forms a legitimate and valid judgment. The Hearing Officer of the National Elections Commission, Cllr. Joseph N. Blidi, in ruling on the complaint of the Congress for Democratic Change that alleged “massive fraud and irregularities” during the November 8, 2005 run-off elections in Liberia did just that in his well-reasoned and correct decision.
The 23rd Or Not the 23rd: The Evolving Debate on Ranking Liberian Presidents
(By William E. Allen)
Dr. D. Elwood Dunn asserted in an article in FrontPageAfrica.com (12/16/05) that Madam Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf will be the 23rd president of Liberia. The article is entitled "Liberia's Presidential Successions: From J. J. Roberts to Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf."
George O. Weah – Rebel Financier or Peace loving Patriot?
(By Steve Adams)
Since the end of the November 8 run-off election, I like many others have followed closely charges made by the CDC party of alleged fraud in the electoral process. Like many others, I was sympathetic to the charges and wanted to see all of the legal processes through. I had hoped that after all of the appeals were exhausted, that the CDC would have accepted the verdict of the World and, of course, the authorities that supervised the elections
Attempts To Destabilize Liberia By Tribalists And Opportunists
(
By: Emmanuel Dolo & Winsley Nanka)
Indications suggest that George Oppong Weah and his “followers” are making systematic efforts to destabilize Liberia and subject Liberian people to untold suffering, if he is not awarded the presidency. This cunning design is being hatched by a consortium of opportunists, hustlers, tribalists and ethnic politicians. A prominent figure among these known tribalists and ethnic politicians is Tarty Teh, whose email exchanged with a friend and several of his friends in the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC)...
Does Reaching Out Mean Integrating Recycled Criminals
(
By Steve Adams)
The last two elections in the Republic of Liberia were, without a doubt, a stunning accomplishment. These elections were, perhaps, the most transparent any African nation has ever seen and could very well serve as a catalyst to propel our destroyed country from the backwaters of the abyss to a spot in the modern world. It could spark a flame that turns into a wild fire of development and growth for many generations to come.
Using Six Sigma to Reinvigorate Public Corporations
(By Andre Pope)
It is a known fact in Liberia that inefficiency runs deep in government. Successive governments, particularly in Liberia’s recent past, have had to grapple with this canker. Over the years, reorganization plans have come and gone, but the fundamental problem of inefficiency and mediocrity remains. This is why the President – Elect decision to get a first hand assessment of government is so important. I can only surmise here that the motivations and intentions would be to develop a plan to reorganize or reinvigorate government.
Tolerance and Justice: Let’s Experience Some Too
(By: George-Daweh Yuoh)
The situation obtaining back home calls for all of us to be rational in our dispositions. A few weeks ago when Mr. George Weah and the CDC filed their case with the NEC, and when others started screaming for him to concede irrespective of his concerns, I sounded a note of warning that our democracy was being tested, and how we meet that test would determine whether the next six years would be smooth or not. This is our first test!
Grand Gedeh Association Concerns About Recent Developments in Liberia
(A Press Release Issued By The Grand Gedeh Association)
Bensalem, Pennsylvania: The Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas is disturbed and wishes to express its concern about the turn of events in Liberia during the last three or four days. News reports monitored on several Liberian-managed Internet web sites seem to suggest an eroding of the relative calm and peaceful atmosphere that has existed in Liberia since the recent national elections.
Royce, Bipartisan Group of Lawmakers Call for Charles Taylor to be Brought to Justice
Bipartisan, Bicameral Group Contacts Secretary Rice ahead of Thursday's meeting with Liberian President-Elect Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. Saying they would feel considerably more optimistic about Liberia's future if former Liberian President Charles Taylor faced his war crimes indictment at the Special Court for Sierra Leone, a bipartisan group of lawmakers, lead by U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-CA-40) and U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL), sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice
Statement on the December 11 Melee In Monrovia
(A Press Statement Issued By The Center For Democratic Empowerment on December 13, 2005)
On December 11, 2005, a melee broke out in the Congo Town vicinity at which time, according to state security sources and UNMIL CIVPOL, 11 law enforcement officers were injured – one critically; the Minister of Justice, Kabineh Janeh was mobbed, his body guard wounded and the vehicles he rode damaged; 14 United Nations vehicles and several commercial and private vehicles were destroyed by stone-throwing mob.
 |
|
George Weah
|
The Downfall Of A Boy Who Could Have Been Called A Man -The George Weah Tragedy
a whipped child wails louder and longer than an adult. Even, some smart children know when to be quiet. This seems to be true in the case of the George Weah saga. Mr. Weah’s destructive ramblings and obdurate contest of the internationally declared free and fair’ Presidential elections do not only prove that Liberians made the best choice in electing Ellen and Joe...
Liberian Presidents
(By D. Elwood Dunn)
I read something on the internet recently suggesting some confusion about the number of Presidents in the history of Liberia. To address that apparent confusion I thought to list with dates those who have served as President since the Declaration of Independence in 1847.
“Weah May Turn Rebel Leader” (Forum)
Monrovia appears fearfully dark and citizens and foreign friends could doubtlessly imagine days and nights of tension given the declaration by defeated Congress for Democratic Change(CDC) Presidential Candidate George Weah Sunday upon his arrival in the country that he remains the president of the country and that he would make sure, come what may, that Unity Party standard bearer and winner of the presidential race in Liberia does not sit as president.
Our Hint To George Weah (Forum)
MONROVIA IS AT the moment shaking given the declaration by CDC defeated Presidential candidate George Weah Sunday upon his return to the country that he remains the victor of the run-off election and that he would ensure that no one is inaugurated as president other than him.
Criminal Court “A” Wants Justice Ministers Arrested (Forum)
(By: Lewis K. Glay )
The Criminal Court “A” at the Temple of Justice says it will order the arrest of two top Ministers of Justice to face prosecution.
Fifty George Weah CDC Partisans Arrested Following Rioting
(
By Josephus Moses Gray)
Police in Monrovia have arrested 50 persons in connection with a riot which took place Sunday at the headquarters of George Weah’s Congress for Democratic Change (CDC). They are suspected to be partisans of the CDC.
Weah’s Claims on the Presidency Undermine the Peace and Security of Liberia
The statement attributed to Mr. George Manneh Weah, the defeated presidential candidate of the Congress for Democratic Change, (CDC) on November 11, 2005 that he is the “winner” of the November 8, 2005 presidential run-off election undermines the peace and security of Liberia. Followers of Mr. Weah have presumably used his declaration as a pretext to attack state security officers in Monrovia. Mr. Weah’s declaration and the subsequent attacks on law enforcement by his followers caused pandemonium in Monrovia and its environs.
Cherokee Jeeps Changing Hands, Plates, As Several Lawmakers NTGL Officials Linked
(By Josephus Moses Gray)
An on-going in-depth investigation conducted by The Perspective in Monrovia has revealed that certain lawmakers have either sold their government assigned Grand Cherokee Jeeps or exchanged same for other cars without reference to the Plenary. The Plenary is the highest decision-making body of National Transitional Legislative Assembly (NTLA).
County Federation in USA Congratulates newly-Elected Government
(A Press Release Issued By The Federation of County Associations in the Americas)
The Federation of County Associations in the Americas has congratulated the President-Elect, Mrs. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the Vice President and members of the National Legislature, and hoped that the election of these individuals will usher in a new beginning for Liberia. For more than 14 years our people have lived under a condition of hopelessness, fear and constant dislocation, occasioned primarily by power struggle, greed for personal wealth and selfish desire by a few but the recent election in Liberia has rekindled our hope that henceforth Liberians will be able to find a more peaceful, democratic and internationally acceptable means of effecting a change of government.
Put It To A Referendum - The Taylor Issue
(
By Gbe Sneh)
The world indicts Taylor. The world grants Taylor asylum through Nigeria. The world claims Taylor is a fugitive from justice. The world wants the just-elected Government of Liberia to expedite Taylor’s extradition from Nigeria to face trial in a UN court in Sierra Leone. If there are other correct statements beyond these in the Taylor saga, then those statements are hidden from the public, and only known to the political heavyweights who were directly involved in what turns up to be a mess pinned on Liberia to clean up.
Harnessing our expectation (Part I)
“ From corruption, and social irresponsibility to capacity building, and political and socio-economic re-orientation”.
(By Sunny Nyemah)
As we ushered in the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf led government, the year 2006 seems to offer a chance for Liberians and their trouble homeland-Liberia. Hoping that she will turn things around, end the general agony, and garner some respect without interference from recycled politicians. Understandably, there is some social and political euphoria overtaking Liberia as the majority of Liberians optimistically look forward to a government that will not be based on mere political inclusion and accommodation, but practical qualification (Qualification that is not based only on education, but applied skills and experience), impeccable characters, and relevant backgrounds.
Africa’s Reform Efforts
(
By Charles Kwalonue Sunwabe, Jr. )
When the Cold War ended in 1990, Africa was faced with challenges. External largess - mainly financial resources and security assistance used by the West and the East to woo African dictators into their competing camps ceased abruptly. Subsequently, African dictators and their untenable regimes were denied vital resources that had been used in the past to maintain their grip on power.
Ellen Strikes Early Blow -Paul Mulbah Affected (Forum)
Barely few days after the composition of the Transition Committee by the President-elect, Madam Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, former Police Director, Paul Mulbah has been dropped from the committee for what she called “his poor human rights record.”
Tears Drop - Widows Cry for Death Benefits (Forum)
(By: Lewis K. Glay)
Despondent widows of deceased Armed Forces of Liberia soldiers have again taken to the streets to demand their husbands’ benefits from government.
Serious Problems Related To The Proposed Transition Plan
(
By Mohamedu F. Jones)
President-Elect Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has named a Transition Team headed by Vice President-Elect Joseph N. Boakai. There are serious problems related to the proposed transition plan. It is important to me that I indicate at the outset I do not seek public sector employment in Liberia, including for among other reasons, professional and family commitments that will not permit me to live in Liberia for the near to medium term.
LPRC Managing Director Edwin Snowe Pockets US$1 Million Yearly, Human Rights Group Alarm Over Corruption
(By Josephus Moses Gray)
An advocate of human rights and transitional justice, Ezekiel Pajibo, Executive Director of the Center for Democratic Empowerment (CEDE), has accused the Managing Director of the Liberian Petroleum Refinery Company (LPRC), Edwin M. Snowe, of misapplication of state funds.
Tough Work Lies Ahead - President-Elect (Forum)
The twenty-third President-elect of Liberia, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, says tough work lies ahead but, “I assure you, I am prepared and equal to the challenge.”
WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE! (Forum)
The Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) of Amb. George Weah which is finding it very difficult to get over the electoral blow it incurred during the run-off election, appears to be chasing its Chairman Cole Bangalu with dagger accusing him of unilaterally attending what its Secretary General Eugene Nagbe called “fraudulent” announcement of election result by the National Elections Commission(NEC) at the Centennial Pavilion recently.
