The seat of the National Legislature and Speaker Alex Tyler
ECHO FROM THE LEGISLATURE: Senate Purge Itself of Corruption
Published: 09 May, 2008
MONROVIA, It is often said that corruption in the Liberian society has its roots in the first branch of government, the Legislature. This week at the Legislature saw a display of mistrust among senators as smoke appeared on the screen. Well, it is said where there is smoke there is fire, and the song you hear a child singing near the town, it is that very song that is popularly sung in that town.
Anti-Corruption Commission for Liberia
Published: 09 May, 2008
MONROVIA, The House of Representatives (HOR) yesterday passed into law an act seeking the establishment of the Liberia Anti- Corruption Commission (LACC).
Lawmaker Asks Striking Nurses to Resume Work
Published: 08 May, 2008
Rep. Gaye: 'The go-slow is unfortunate'
Nimba County Electoral District #7 Representative, Edwin Power Gaye, has expressed regret for the 'go-slow action' instituted by nurses and other health workers assigned to the G. W. Harley Hospital in Sanniquellie, Nimba County.
‘We Want Posterity to Judge Us’
Published: 08 May, 2008
Vice-President Joseph Boakai Photo by Alaskai Moore Johnson
MONROVIA, In an apparent reference to the critical economic issues facing the country, such as the soaring price of commodities, Vice-President Joseph Boakai asserted that Government is putting in place lasting reforms.
Flash back: Suspected armed robbers that were caught by the LNP
No Field Day for Armed Robbers
Published: 07 May, 2008
MONROVIA, The House of Representatives (HOR) yesterday unanimously passed an act that prescribes death penalty for armed robbers and makes the offense 'non bailable'.
Senate to Face External Audit
Published: 07 May, 2008
Senator Clarice Jah
MONROVIA, In the wake of unbridled corruption allegations in the Liberian Senate, the Senate Ad hoc Committee set up by Plenary to probe the Senate Rules, Order and Administration Committee, headed by Bong County Junior Senator Franklin O. Siakor, has recommended that the senate administration be audited by external auditors to authenticate the veracity of alleged financial malpractices; and Senator Clarice Jah to resign or be removed from her position.
Ellen: ‘I return fit and healthy to do the work of the Liberian people’
Ellen Vows Clean-up in Government
Published: 07 May, 2008
MARGIBI COUNTY, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who arrived in the country Monday evening on Brussels Airlines at about 7:45pm, said amidst high euphoria from partisans, cabinet ministers and legislators at the Roberts International Airport (RIA), has vowed to make her Government clean before the end of the year.
President Sirleaf Dispels Rumors over Ailment, Death
Published: 05 May, 2008
USA, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf had been out of the country for nearly three weeks, the longest time the 69-year-old Liberian Chief Executive spent out of the country so far since her inauguration in 2006. Though it had been announced that the President would have a medical break in the United States following a week visit to Europe, as soon as the President entered the US, two weeks ago, it was rumored in Monrovia that she was critically ill and later that she had died. However, on Saturday, President Sirleaf held a live phone-in interview with a couple of FM stations in Monrovia from the US, all in a bid to ascertain the veracity or otherwise in the rumors.
ABOVE: Senator Gloria Scott, Auditor General John Morlu, Senator George Moore BELOW: Rep. Gbenimah Slopadoe and Senator Frederick Cherue
ECHO FROM THE LEGISLATURE
Published: 02 May, 2008
MONROVIA, The Legislature reached major turning points in both Lower and Upper Houses during deliberations on legislative matters; some were even to the disappointment of the public and the very people they represent on the political and economic scene.
TRC Accuses Executive Mansion, Unity Party
Published: 02 May, 2008
Commissioner Verdier, TRC Chairman
MONROVIA, The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) says its attention has been drawn to recent statements by Presidential Press Secretary, Cyrus Wleh Badio and Unity Party Chairman Charles Clark on internal matters at the TRC.
'Good Benefits Required to Raise Good Army'
Published: 01 May, 2008
Rep. Saah Richard Gbollie
“The way to sustain our new army is to ensure that their salaries and benefits are adequate and settled on time,” said Margibi County Representative Saah Richard Gbollie Tuesday when he spoke in an interview with our reporter at his Capitol Hill offices.
UP Youth Dismisses Media Reports
Published: 01 May, 2008
MONROVIA, The national youth wing of the ruling Unity Party strongly condemned media reports, published in two local dailies, early this week on the health of the President, Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
Cllr. Gbalazeh (r) in handshake with the late VP Harry F. Moniba, along with the late Speaker Samuel D. Hills (rear)
Gbalazeh Blames PRC
Published: 01 May, 2008
MONROVIA, Former Chief Justice Emmanuel Nyan Gbalazeh has attributed his failure to carry out a judicial reform as head of the Supreme Court under the military dictatorship of former president Samuel Doe to the 'ignorance' of the regime of the military-turned-civilian president, Samuel Kanyon Doe.
Think Twice Before Writing, Publishing…
Published: 30 April, 2008
The Managing Director of the Daily Observer newspaper has called on his comrades in the media to 'think twice' before writing or publishing what he referred to as 'anything stupid, mean or uncharitable about women' in their various newspapers.
Flashback: Representatives vote in one of their sessions
Lawmakers Seek Stiff Penalty for Armed Robbers
Published: 30 April, 2008
MONROVIA, As the wave of armed robbery across the country spirals with more people falling prey to the antics of marauding band of armed robbers, some members of the House of Representatives (HOR) have introduced a bill seeking stiff penalty for perpetrators of armed robbery and other violent and heinous crimes in the country.
Ellen Not Sure of TRC's Powers
Published: 29 April, 2008
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
MONROVIA, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who is said to be deeply troubled over the trend of events at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), strongly believes that the misunderstanding at the Commission would be solved at the earliest, to enable this very 'vital arm' of Liberia's recovery process to continue with its duties without any undue distractions.
Speaker Tyler Slams Critics
Published: 28 April, 2008
Speaker Alex Tyler
MONROVIA -- Following an appeal by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alex Tyler, requesting that the travel ban slammed on some of former president Charles Taylor's associates be lifted, he became a target of criticisms mainly emanating from the rank and file of the Lower House.
RPAL Management Reacts to Media Reports
Published: 25 April, 2008
The Rubber Planters Association of Liberia (RPAL), Inc says its attention has been drawn to an article entitled, 'Firestone in Criminal Rubber Deal?' appearing in the Thursday, April 17-Thursday April 24, 2008 edition of a local newspaper.
Senator Frederick Cherue, Acting Pro-temp Lahai Lassana and Senator Devine Paying fine
ECHO FROM THE LEGISLATURE: Hectic Week at the Legislature
Published: 25 April, 2008
MONROVIA, Legislative work at the National Legislature during the week was certainly eventful with Tuesday's sessions in both houses taking on the show of a half day. Legislators spent a good part of the day in a Joint session where the United Nations Secretary General (UNSG), Ban Ki-moon, delivered a short but moving address.
MONROVIA, Reports that President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is under pressure from the Government of the United States of America to resign for her alleged link to the House bribery case and another about family meeting concerning her health and a second term of office has no iota of truth.
Political Parties Bash Milton Teahjay
Published: 25 April, 2008
J. Milton Teahjay
MONROVIA, Barely few days after an executive member of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) threatened a boycott of opposition political parties from the 2011 general and presidential elections if the National Elections Commission (NEC) was not restructured, 12 registered opposition political parties under the banner, 'Consortium of Registered Liberian Political Parties', have dissociated themselves from the statement.
Address Issue of Travel Ban
Published: 23 April, 2008
Speaker Alex Tyler
MONROVIA, It would appear that the 52nd National Legislature has become weary of qualms and inquiries from the Liberian public over the United Nations travel ban imposed on former officials and cronies of former president Charles Taylor.
United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon Photo by Sando Moore
I'll Ensure Gains Are Safe
Published: 23 April, 2008
MONROVIA, The United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, has assured Liberians that he will do everything in his power to ensure that the gains made so far in the country are safe and beyond jeopardy.
'I am a Testament to Revolutionary Change'
Published: 21 April, 2008
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf says women are on a major crusade 'and this crusade is not about proving ourselves to the masculine structures of power; it's really about empowerment, collaboration and partnership'.
Liberia Holds Partnership Forum Again
Published: 21 April, 2008
President Sirleaf
MONROVIA, In an exclusive interview with the Daily Observer last Friday, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has disclosed that Government has reached an understanding with the government of Germany to have that country host a partnership forum on Liberia in June this year.
Acting Pro-tempore Lahai Lassana, Edwin Snowe and Laurence Bropleh
ECHO FROM THE LEGISLATURE: How Well Is It at the Capitol Building?
Published: 18 April, 2008
MONROVIA, Parliamentary proceedings at the National Legislature this week were mixed with some lawmakers cautioning their colleagues to take the people's business serious and tackle cogent political matters that have been brought before them for consideration and action.
Danish PM Rasmussen and President Sirleaf Executive Mansion picture
Denmark Provides US$22M to Liberia
Published: 18 April, 2008
COPENHAGEN, DENMARK, The Government of Denmark through its Prime Minister has announced decision to provide Liberia with 100 million Danish Kroner (about US$22 million) to promote the achievement of the Millennium Development Goal number 3, which relates to the empowerment of women.
Mansion Clarifies Succession at UL
Published: 17 April, 2008
Press Secretary Cyrus Badio
The Office of the Presidential Press Secretary said it wishes to clarify doubts over the succession of Dr. Al-Hassan Conte, the president of the University of Liberia who was appointed Monday as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.
Ellen Outlines Challenges
Published: 17 April, 2008
COPENHAGEN, DENMARK, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has outlined access to micro credit for agricultural production for Liberian youths and the reintegration of over 40,000 Liberians to be deported from Ghana, as well as those coming from Guinea, Cote D'Ivoire, among others, into the Liberian society as some of the major challenges currently faced by her Government.
Foreign Affairs Minister in New York
Published: 16 April, 2008
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Madam Olubanke King-Akerele, left Liberia yesterday for New York to attend a high level session of the United Nations Security Council to be chaired by President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa.
Liberia Destiny Party Lauds Amb. Barnes
Published: 16 April, 2008
Ambassador Milton Nathaniel Barnes
The Liberia Destiny Party (LDP) commends Ambassador Milton Nathaniel Barnes, Liberia's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Ambassador to the Republic of Cuba, for the excellent strives he continues to make in ably representing Liberia by assisting President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and the people of Liberia in lifting the stature of our country among the comity of nations thus attaining Liberia's strategic and development goals.
President's Power is Overwhelming
Published: 16 April, 2008
Opposition politician Cllr. Charles Walker Brumskine
MONROVIA, Opposition politician Cllr. Charles Walker Brumskine says in Liberia the President is God, and the constitutional power given the Liberian Presidency is overwhelming and should be reduced to enable other branches of government enjoy their independence.
President Sirleaf Off to Denmark
Published: 16 April, 2008
MONROVIA, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf will join 17 other world leaders today in launching the Africa Commission in Denmark. The Commission, intended to formulate new strategies to strengthen international cooperation with Africa, is being proposed and chaired by Danish Prime Minister, Anders Fogh Rasmussen.
Information Minister Dr. Laurence Bropleh Photo by Alaskai Moore Johnson
Bropleh to Face Legislative Inquest
Published: 16 April, 2008
MONROVIA, The Lower House of the Liberian Legislature has resolved to invite the Minister of Information, Dr. Laurence Bropleh, to give explanation and clarification on how money accrued from the lease of the Kendeja culture center has so far been expended.
Sawyer Stresses Governance Decentralization
Published: 15 April, 2008
Dr. Sawyer: 'All we knew was what Monrovia said'
MONROVIA, Dr. Amos C. Sawyer, Chairman of the Good Governance Commission (GC) has stressed the importance of the decentralization of Liberia's political, administrative and fiscal policies at a two-day workshop, which ran from April 10 to 11, 2008.
UL President Removed, Successor Unnamed
Published: 15 April, 2008
Dr Al-Hassan Conteh Photo by Alaskai Moore Johnson
MONROVIA, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has finally removed Dr. Al-Hassan Conte as President of the University of Liberia. Conte's appointment and stay on the job had been marred by faculty members and student strike actions and demonstrations, which stemmed from outright rejection of Conte from the inception to perennial problems of benefits for staff and transportation for students.
Liberty Party Chides NEC
Published: 15 April, 2008
Cllr. Charles Walker Brumskine
MONROVIA, The former standard bearer of the opposition Liberty Party (LP), Cllr. Charles Walker Brumskine, has pontificated that the LP no longer has confidence in the integrity and ability of the chairman and members of the National Elections Commission (NEC) to conduct free and fair elections in the country.
'Drastic, Unpopular' Action Await Armed Robbers
Published: 15 April, 2008
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
MONROVIA, With reference to latest reports revealing that armed robbery was again on the increase, particularly in the Paynesville Area, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf says she will take more drastic measures to ensure better protection of citizens if the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) and the Ministry of Justice fail to curb the situation within a month.
When Bropleh Comes, the Axe Will Fall
Published: 10 April, 2008
President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and Information Minister Laurence Bropleh
MONROVIA, Following gross disappointment over the replacement of the Kendeja High School, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf who publicly disclosed that her Information Minister Laurence Bropleh had 'misled' her, told reporters in Monrovia yesterday that she was waiting for the arrival of the Minister back in the country before executing her action; something she referred to as “head will roll”.
Lawmakers Urged to Fast-track Bribery Case
Published: 09 April, 2008
MONROVIA, With the tempo in the much-heralded bribery case in the Lower House of the Liberian Legislature virtually disappearing from the political menu, a member of that august assembly, Rep. Albert Toe of River Gee County, has urged his colleagues to speedily conclude and release findings of the alleged bribery scandal.
British PM greets President Sirleaf prior to bilateral talks at 10 Downing Street
Ellen Wins British PM's Support
Published: 08 April, 2008
UK, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf ended her weekend visit to London with bilateral talks with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown at 10th Downing Street Monday morning, and won the support of PM Brown for British support to Liberia's post-war recovery.
Oil Price Hikes Commodity Prices in Liberia
Published: 07 April, 2008
Commerce Minister Frances Johnson Morris
MONROVIA, Commerce Minister Frances Johnson Morris has blamed the hike in commodities in the country on internal and external factors including oil, freight cost and poor infrastructure.
World leaders (Pres. Sileaf far right) addressing the Press following summit.jpg
President Sirleaf Confers with Gordon Brown
Published: 07 April, 2008
LONDON, Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf is among three African leaders invited to attend a summit on Progressive Governance in London, England, which ended on Saturday. The two-day summit also attended by 20 world leaders including African Union Chairman, Ghanaian President John Kuffour, as well as South African President Thabo Mbeki, discussed the global challenges facing the world community and the recognition of the need for a coordinated action to respond to the economic, environmental and security challenges.
Senator Isaac Nyekantoe Johnson, Senator Cletus Wortorson, Minister- designate Anthony Kromah, Senator Jewel Howard Taylor and Senator Hannah Brent
Echo From the Legislature: Jingle-Jangle in Legislative Proceedings Again
Published: 04 April, 2008
The wrangling over less important issues in the Legislature, particularly in the Senate that could be handled by the leadership with ease, has again begun to make the chambers of Senate noisy and proceedings time-consuming.
Statutory District Superintendents Appointed
Published: 04 April, 2008
Five persons have received official letters of nomination made by the Liberian President, Madam Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf in Buchanan for the position of Statutory District Superintendents.
MONROVIA, Maryland County Junior Senator Gloria Musu Scott and River Gee County Senator Frederick D Cherue have submitted a bill before the Senate to amend the penal law chapter 15, offense against property, Sub-chapter B criminal intrusion to be made a felonious offense.
Ellen Embraces Cote d'Ivoire
Published: 03 April, 2008
Sirleaf: 'I welcome your decision to join the MRU'
THE IVORY COAST, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has welcomed Cote d'Ivoire's decision to join the Mano River Union (MRU). Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo announced his country's decision Tuesday in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, following talks with the Liberian leader.
Liberty Party Senses ‘Treason’
Published: 02 April, 2008
Liberty Party former standard bearer Charles Brumskine
MONROVIA, The Liberty Party (LP) of Charles Brumskine said in a release Tuesday that charges against it by the National Elections Commission (NEC) amount to treason and has instead requested NEC to forward same to the Ministry of Justice for 'criminal investigation' and not an inquest set at the NEC.
President Signs Two Acts into Law
Published: 01 April, 2008
President Sirleaf signs amended Firestone agreement
MONROVIA, An act ratifying the amended and restated Concession Agreement between Liberia and the Firestone Inc. has been signed by President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.
Liberian women in their sit-in at Buduburum Refugee Camp
Ghana Gov't Adamant
Published: 01 April, 2008
GHANAN, The Government of Ghana has announced the deportation/expulsion of additional 40 Liberian refugees from that country in the next few days, in spite of a high-powered Liberian delegation that traveled to Accra to ask the Ghanaian Government to stay their deportation order.
World’s largest rubber plantation Photos by A. M. Johnson
ECHO FROM THE LEGISLATURE: No More Free Ride for Firestone
Published: 28 March, 2008
MONROVIA, By the ratification of the amended and restated concession agreement between the Government and Firestone Liberia, Firestone is today realizing the rationale of the adage “you can do it to some of the people some of the time but not all the people all of the time”.
MONROVIA, The Board of Directors of the Economic Community of West African States ECOWAS Citizens Union (ECU) of Liberia has characterized as matured and responsible the handling of the Liberian refugee crisis in Ghana by the Government of Liberia (GOL).
Ireland Ambassador presents his letter of credence to President Ellen Johnson - Sirleaf
Ireland Allots US$14M for Liberia
Published: 26 March, 2008
MONROVIA, Kyle O'Sullivan, the newly appointed ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of Ireland to Liberia, has disclosed that his Government will allot US$14 million to Liberia through humanitarian aids in 2008.
Swiss Envoy Presents Letter of Credence
Published: 25 March, 2008
Swiss Ambassador Dominik Langenbacher last week presented his letter of credence to President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf in Voinjama City, Lofa County, during a Cabinet retreat in that part of the country.
MONROVIA, Ghanaian authorities continued their arrest of protesting Liberian refugees over the weekend, culminating in the deportation of several refugees from the Buduburam Camp.
