Pres. Sirleaf Apologizes to Legislators

Lawmakers reversed their plan to boycott the independence celebrations in Nimba County after President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf apologized to them for a statement issued by the Special Security Service warning them of security risks.

The SSS, which has the mandate to protect the Presidency and other dignitaries, recently told legislators that the security situation in the country was not so favorable and will institute strict jacket security measures to the fullest during the July 26th celebrations.

To this effect, they further informed members of the legislature that no unauthorized vehicle will be allowed to form part of the Presidential motorcade during all movements of the President’s convoy as all vehicles must stay at a distance of 100 yards from the convoy.

The SSS also told the lawmakers that their visitors would be subjected to routine security procedures.

But the president, in a letter to Legislators yesterday, said she was not aware of the SSS letter dated July 9, 2010 adding that the issue was just being brought to her attention.

She told lawmakers that the statement made by the SSS relating to the security of the nation was an overstatement which could be misunderstood in its intent to safe guard the president as she travels during the July 26 celebration.

She informed the legislature that she has advised the SSS director that any future correspondence (communication) to the Legislature should be signed by her office.

She then apologized to legislators for such a straight jacket warning, and encouraged them to form part of this year’s celebration in Nimba County.

Several legislators had earlier vowed to boycott the celebration in Nimba since in fact they had been informed of security risk by the SSS. But with the president’s apology, they have agreed to form part of this year’s Independence Day celebration.