Rep. Tapple Doe Linked To Iron Ore Deal?
Forum
Monrovia, Liberia
Distributed by
The Perspective
Atlanta, Georgia
October 5, 2004
Fresh report reaching this paper has revealed that some members of the National Transitional Legislative Assembly (NTLA) have received money from the questioned iron ore deal involving the Gyude Bryant led-transitional government. The iron ore in question was sold to a Chinese firm recently in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, as D. Emmanuel Mondaye reports.
Making the revelation to legislative reporters at the Capitol Building recently, NTLA Youth Representative Rufus Neuville said a report from the House Standing Committee on Lands, Mines, and Energy indicate that some members of the Assembly including the Chairman on Ways, Means, and Finance Mr. Tapple Doe received money from the illegal iron ore transaction.
Mr. Doe, according to Representative Neuville, signed and received on behalf of the rebels Movement for Democracy in Liberia (MODEL) its share of the iron ore money following the transaction.
He averred that Representative Doe did receive the money on behalf of MODEL for what he claimed, the Movement’s protection of the iron ore in Buchanan before it was sold to the Chinese Company, Qingdao Trading Group Corporation.
Although, Representative Neuville did not disclose the amount his colleague Rep. Doe reportedly received, he contended that MODEL as a non state actor doesn’t have any legitimate claim to the resources of the state, adding that MODEL is a part of the transitional government and as such, the iron ore belongs to the government.
He made it clear that considering the action of Rep. Doe, any body from the other factions like the LURD and former GOL could also claim and sign for money for logs in their respective control areas.
When the office of Rep. Tapple Doe was contacted on the allegations, this reporter was informed that Mr. Doe had traveled to the United States of America.
Meanwhile, a youth group, the Youth for Reconciliation and Development last weekend certificated Montserrado Representative Julius S. Parker for his contribution to the youth and people of Liberia at a well attended program held at the Capitol Building.
The youth said it is their desire that Rep. Parker contest the senatorial seat of Montserrado County during the forthcoming general and presidential elections in 2005.
However, Rep. Parker in receiving the certificate thanked the group and promised to study their request.
