Frontpage: Liberia Better Off Racist?

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2015
ON DUAL CITIZENSHIP FORMER ASSOCIATE JUSTICE

JOHNSON LIBERIANS TO KEEP NEGRO CLAUSE
LIBERIA BETTER
OFF RACIST?
You must know how to open up, because if you open up too wide in this your own country, you
will become third class citizens. So if we are accused of being racist, lets accept it than to be made
foreigners or nonentities in our own country. INCHR Boss Cllr. Gladys K. Johnson
EBOLA SHUTS DOWN

SDA HOSPITAL
30 Quarantined after woman accused

of deliberately infecting others
p 11
Law & Order- pg.10
BROAD DAY
ARSON
Four Men Charged In
Battery Factory Attack
p 8
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Page 2 | Frontpage
Monroviahe widespread suspicions over the death of the late Atty.

Michael Allison, a witness into an ongoing Liberia
Anti-Corruption Commission investigation look set to
further widen with the family of the late lawyer vowing
to ensure that the actual cause of death is established.
Since his mysterious death nearly a week ago, there has been
public perceptions that there might have been a foul play in
the death of Allison based on his whistleblowing role in the
LACC investigation involving the Speaker of the House of
Representatives, Alex Tyler and Representative Adolf Lawrence.
The government of Liberia on Monday evening brought into the
country a Sierra Leonean Pathologist Dr. Simeon Owizz Koroma
who has performed an autopsy on the late Allison but with the
report yet to be released, according to Justice Ministry sources,
the family of decease is prepared to pursue the saga to the end.
Dr. Kromoa has since departed the country and he is expected to
conclude his report for submission sometimes later but it seems
that with the report yet to be released the debate over the actual
cause of death could last longer with a statement issued by the late
Allison family.
The Allison family is deeply hurt and

shocked by the death of its son, brother,
nephew, father, uncle and Cousin Michael
Allison and further calls on the government,
local and international institutions including
civil society organizations to get involved for
a prompt and speedy investigation to bring the
perpetrators to justice.
Family demands Speedy investigation
Since his death nearly a week gone, there has been no official
statement from families and others associated with the late Allison
but on Wednesday, the Allison family issued its first official
statement with a vow to pursue the matter until the cause of their
family members death is established
The Allison family in a statement signed by Daniel H. Allison and
approved by Wilfred Sunday Allison
declared The Allison family is deeply hurt and shocked by
the death of its son, brother, nephew, father, uncle and Cousin
Michael Allison and further calls on the government, local and
international institutions including civil society organizations to
get involved for a prompt and speedy investigation to bring the
perpetrators to justice.
Michael, a son of the late Gray D. Allison, former Defense
Minister of Liberia in the Samuel Kanyon Does regime, the
family disclosed returned to Liberia on the call of President Ellen
Johnson Sirleaf when she called on Liberian professionals in the
diaspora to come home and contribute to the rebuilding of their
land.
The family stated that with a degree in Petroleum law, he was
hired by the Liberian legislature and became a Consultant to the

new petroleum law that was being drafted by the people of Liberia
under the guide of the Lower House of legislature.
Mystery death
According to the family, the late Allison raised alarm and refused
to take money he did not earn and described his death as a mystery
to everyone.
The Allison family further stated Raised under and dedicated to
the strict disciplines of the Allison family, Michael exhibited the
true values of the family when he refused to take money that he
did not earn and further raised alarm that blew out in the public
and still being discussed to date.
The death of our son remains a mystery to everyone, we vow
not to rest till the true cause to his death is found. We also like
to inform other family members and well-wishers that the mat
for the late Atty. Michael Allison is being held in the home of the
Allisons on (Gibsons/Colemans) Avenue, 11th Street, Sinkor,
the family continued.
Is Allison family aware of Pathologist?
The Allison family failed to state whether it was involved in the
selection of the Sierra Leonean pathologist to conduct an autopsy

on the remains of their family member but the statement vowing
to get to the bottom of the cause of the late Allisons death could
be the start of a long standing debate on the saga.
During the autopsy on the decease, eyewitnesses told
FrontPageAfrica that there were representatives from the LACC
and the Liberian National Police but it is yet to be established if
the Allison family was represented on the scene.
The statement from the Allison family barely two days after
the Sierra Leonean pathologist completed his initial work with
final results yet to be released, raises concerns that the Allison
family might not have been involved in the processes that led to
the selection of the pathologist and his work as susch was not
mentioned in the family statement.
Instances such as mysterious deaths are settled based on credible
report from pathologist to determine the actual cause of death
but the Allison family did not mention anything related to a
pathologist report in their statement.
In the Allison family statement, it is indicated that the family
wishes to get to the bottom of what led to the death of their family
member failing to state what measures will be employed besides
scientific means such as the work of a pathologist.
Police sources have confirmed to FPA that Dr. Koroma is yet to
submit his final report as he has departed the country to continue
his scientific examination of the late Allison body after performing
some work on the decease here in Liberia.
With several autopsies performed in the past, Dr. Koroma
credibility to produce an independent report has been questioned
by some affiliations of the late Allison including the Maryland
County Bar Association, an association in which he served as a
due paying member according to the Associations president.
Atty. Edwin K. Martin, President of the Maryland County Bar
Association descried Dr. Koroma as an individual from a slum
country with broken health system, questioning that he therefore
cannot perform a credible autopsy.
The Government of Liberia is yet to provide explanation on the
processes that led to selection of Dr. Koroma and with a strong
statement from the family; it is likely that the debate surrounding
the death of Atty. Allison could take a long period to be settled.
During the murder trial of Hans Williams and Mardea Paykue, the
family discredited an autopsy report conducted by the Government
of Liberia hired pathologist on the body of the late Angel Tokpah.
The situation led to the family hiring another pathologist who
also produced an autopsy report with different findings from the
previous one performed by the state hired pathologist.
The inconsistencies in the pathologists reports prolonged the
trial that lasted more than four years with Hans and Mardea
languishing behind bars for years. The Supreme Court of Liberia
later ruled setting the two free, undoing a guilty verdict handed
down by the lower court.
Observers believe that the Government of Liberia could create
another scenario similar to that of Hans and Mardea if it did not
include the family of the late Allison in the selection process of
Dr. Koroma to perform the autopsy and did not also invite the
family to witness the process.
As the public await the outcome of the autopsy, many also hope
that the expected autopsy report be satisfactory to the other side,
the family of the late Allison in order to resolve the mystery of
surrounding his death.
Frontpage
Page 3
FrontPage COMMENTARY
EDITORIAL A BIG BLOW TO THE FIGHT
Commentary
PATHOLOGIST SELECTION,
DELAY REPORT COULD
INTENSIFY SUSPICIONS
OVER ALLISONS DEATH
THE MYSTERIOUS DEATH of Atty. Michael Allison, a key
witness in an ongoing Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission
(LACC) investigation continues to raise eyebrows in Liberia
and even beyond with suspicions that he might have been
murdered based on his whistleblowing role but all the mixed
beliefs are yet to be proven.
ALLISON WAS FOUND dead on a beach in Monrovia with
the body mutilated and an eyewitness account has narrated that
following the mans death on Thursday evening, his body was
abandoned on the beach even though the Liberian National
police was alerted and had knowledge about the incident but
failed to take the body for safe keeping.
THERE IS WIDESPREAD public perception that some big
hands might have been involved with the death of Allison for
fear that he could have exposed wrongdoings in a transaction
involving US$25,000 payment made by the National Oil
Company of Liberia (NOCAL) through the National Legislature
for legal consultation on draft laws for the reform of the
emerging oil sector of Liberia.
ALLISON IS SAID to have accordingly alerted the LACC after
a check of US$25,000 was issued in his name when he had
performed work for US$12,000 and this made him a key part
of the LACC investigation into the matter until his mysterious
death, leaving the investigation in limbo.
FOLLOWING HIS DEATH, the Government of Liberia through
the Ministry of Justice contracted a Sierra Leonean pathologist
without public pronouncement and Dr. Simeon Owizz Koroma
has already performed an autopsy on the body of the late Allison.
ON TUESDAY, DR. Koroma left the country after completing
his work with the report said not to be submitted to the Ministry
of Justice yet although the pathologist has since departed the
country.
AMID WIDESPREAD PUBLIC belief that the late Allison was
murdered in an attempt to destroy evidence ahead of further
investigation into the US$25,000 saga, the selection of the
pathologist solely by the government is already casting doubt
on the ability of the pathologist to perform an independent work
void of manipulation.
WITH DR. KOROMA whose work has already been questioned
by the Maryland County Bar Association, a local association of
lawyers hailing from Maryland County, further delay by the
government through the Justice Ministry in releasing the autopsy
report will further heighten the already high suspicion looming
over the circumstances surrounding the death of Allison.
DR. KOROMA IS believed to still be performing the autopsy
after carrying out initial work and departing from Liberia on
Tuesday and delay in completing the report to be followed by
release could create room for more suspicions.
AS LIBERIANS ARE still in doubt over the death of Allison,
the most prudent thing to do is to quickly complte the autopsy
report to give the public an idea of what actually led to the death
of Allison.
WE STRONGLY BELIEVE that any delay in completing and
releasing the report will leave the public with more questions
and the government may soon find itself fighting to clarify
issues that could easily be avoided through the quick release of
the report.
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD act quickly to avoid
unnecessary noise over the credibility of the report by ensuring
that the contracted pathologist complete his work and letting the
report out to the public.
AGAINST CORRUPTION IN LIBERIA

Martin K. N. Kollie, Youth Activist, martinkerkula1989@yahoo.com, Contributing Writer
he mystifying death of Cllr. Michael N. Allison is panicking

and scaring for our emerging democracy after going
through a dark era of vindictiveness, cruelty, butchery and
despotic execution of innocent lives. His sudden demise
is creating serious apprehension among Liberians far and near. I
have been pondering over this atrocious incident since its occurrence
and I am yet to unknot my skepticism about this untimely loss. I am
wondering what or who may have killed this self-sacrificing patriot
whose ultimate interest was to stamp out all forms of corruption within
public service. The death of this whistle-blower is initiating societal
pandemonium as we catalog another gloomy history of atrocity and
mayhem in a post-conflict country that is still struggling to expel its
shady past of tribalism, sectarianism, and vandalism.
The death of Cllr. Allison is a serious setback to the current fight
against corruption in Liberia. This inhumane episode has given more
zeal to economic vampires and old-time micro-felons to intensify
their ambitious campaign of looting state coffers and pillaging public
interest. Can this loss be a victory for corruption and corruptors? This
question seems too difficult to answer right now, but one thing that
is crystal-clear is that, no matter how long corruption invades our
society, we as a nation and people shall subdue its devastating effects
one day. The road to defeating this societal menace may seem too
long and unsteady, but with collective courage and determination, we
are going to achieve a triumphant end. Vampires and Vultures may
oppose us during our steadfast campaign to fight corruption, but our
resilience and rigidity to alarm against illegitimate acts will make
public trustees more accountable and transparent to those they serve.
Rampant corruption is not a new phenomenon to Liberia. It has
been eating up every sphere of our nation for 167 years now. This
systemic pandemic continues to undermine genuine development and
socio-economic growth even after 15 years of civil intolerance and
instability. The effect of corruption is more devastating than cancer,
HIV/AID, and Ebola. The fight against this virulent social disorder
did not just begin today, but long before its colossal maturity. This
unethical practice has grown even larger to an extent it is not only
hampering development but it is also hunting men and women of
honesty and integrity who have made it their lifetime duty to blow
loud whistles against it. Liberia has a longstanding legacy of public
ill-transparency and dishonesty and even up to date, situations of
corruption are becoming horrible as pillagers remain restless about
witch-hunting whistle-blowers and silencing anti-graft actors.
The culture of impunity has been a contributing factor to the sharp
increment in the number of new corruption cases. When political
vultures and economic vampires embezzle and misuse state
resources, they are not made to account for these resources simply
because of their high-ranking statuses in government. Sometimes,
cases of corruption with sufficient proofs are compromised as a
result of political machination. The lack of political will has been
a major challenge to our current warfare against corruption. If we
truly intend to promote a society of integrity and honesty, we must
begin to impartially prosecute all corrupt officials of government
who are instigating this act. It makes no sense to exercise selectivism
when indictees of corruption are made known. Our courts and judges
today are vulnerable to bribes and all forms of inducement. Some
of them are money-driven and integrity-drained. As a result of this,
perpetrators of corrupt practices become not guilty even though there
are available facts to prove otherwise. The weak and corrupt legal
system of our country is providing a fertile ground for corruption and
if rapid interventions are not made to overhaul our judiciary sector,
corruption will forever remain a major enemy to reckon with.
In 2013, it was not a surprise for Transparency International to have
labeled Liberia as the most Corrupt Country along with Mongolia on
planet earth. It was the first time ever in our history for such a global
anti-graft institution to rank us in such a category. This investigative
report was somehow shocking to few Liberians, but it was realistically
based upon prevailing indicators. Beside this disturbing news, the
Liberian government was heavily criticized for its inability to make
corruption public enemy number one. Furthermore, enough effort
not being made by this regime under Madam Sirleaf to vigorously
tackle the issue of corruption. Corruption cannot be fought or dealt
with through rhetoric. The fight against corruption must come along
with sincerity, commitment and loyalty. Our nation can never win
this fight through empty words but through concrete actions. There is
multiplicity of genuine corruption cases lingering without prosecution
as doers move about freely.
Ambassador Deborah Malacs assertion made in 2014 was
accurate when she said corruption is harming Liberians and
creating unnecessary costs of products and services that are already
difficult for many Liberians to afford. The hyper inflation of basic
commodities and towering exchange rate are hindering economic
growth and development as a result of corruption. Economic sabotage,
mismanagement of funds, and misappropriation are common acts
of corruption currently impeding public welfare. The US State
Department 2013 Human Rights Report on Liberia indicate that low
pay levels, minimal job training, and few court convictions have
exacerbated corruption and helped to foster a culture of impunity.
Furthermore, judges are susceptible to bribes to award damages in
civil cases. How far is the conflict of interest case involving former
Auditor General Robert L. Kilby and General Services Agency
Director General Pealrine Davis-Parkinson?
The death of Cllr. Michael N. Allison, who was a major witness in
an ongoing corruption case of US$25,000 involving House Speaker
Alex Tyler and Representative Adolph Lawrence, must elevate a
turning point in our collective fight against corruption. Our nation
is bleeding currently due to this gruesome death. Some prominent
citizens have met their mysterious end like Michael N. Allison and
nothing has ever come out of their deaths up to now. The fight against
corruption begins with protecting whistle-blowers against potential
intimidation, harassment, and death. It is not enough to establish
integrity institutions such as GAC and LACC, but government must
go beyond this level to provide maximum security and safety for antigraft stakeholders who are risking their lives to expose misconducts
in society. Corruption will never end in Liberia until this mechanism
is given due consideration. Economic Vampires and Vultures will do
all they can to shutdown and silence critical voices of integrity, but we
can only crush their sinister agenda by legislating a whistler-blower
act.
Even though the Liberia National Police does not have the
sophistication to investigate this high-class case, but it has prematurely
come up with preliminary findings. According to the LNP, Cllr.
Michael Allison died as a result of drowning. What is the empirical
reliance of this report? The Police was in total error to have released
findings so early without comprehensive investigation. This matter
is crucial and no one, not even investigators from the national police
force should overlook our collective courage to ensure the source
of Cllr Allisons death. Furthermore, we have learnt with regret
that there is a Sierra Leonean Pathologist currently examining the
corpse of Cllr. Michael Allison. This investigation is beyond Sierra,
including other African Countries. I am not a stranger to this continent
and many at times important cases of such nature are compromised.
We want to call for the establishment of an independent international
investigative committee comprising of professionals from other
continents and not Africa. A Pathologist from Brazil or Canada could
be more independent than a Pathologist from Sierra Leone.
The death of this fearless anti-corruption actor must reshape our
pattern of dealing with this public enemy (Corruption). This terrifying
incident has taught all of us an unforgettable lesson as we proceed to
building a new Liberia. May we use his death as a source of courage
and inspiration to remain relentless against our adversaries. His
homegoing is really painful and heart-aching. As our nation mourns,
we want to demand a speedy investigation into this matter. This
disturbing occurrence must provoke the attention of the UN, EU,
AU, USA, ECOWAS, MRU, Amnesty International, Human Rights
Watch, Transparency International, Carter Center, and all reputable
institutions whose mandate is firmly hinged to uncompromising
values of integrity, transparency, accountability, and justice. We
also want to propose to the 53rd National Legislature of Liberia to
promptly enact a whistle-blower law.
THIS IS CERTAINLY going to be long standing argument into

the selection of Dr. Koroma and the outcome of his work since
there is as of now no public pronouncement on how Dr. Koroma
was selected, those involved his selection process and the input
of the family of the late Allison in the entire arrangement that
brought him to Liberia to perform the autopsy.
It is incumbent upon the government to come clear in providing
sufficient explanation on how Dr. Koroma was selected to

perform the autopsy as it will help to reduce the public perceptions
regarding foul play.
The selection of Dr. Koroma any delay in completing and
releasing the report will create more problems than solution in
the Allison deaths debate and we caution the government to act
swiftly in averting further noise.
Truth crush to the ground will rise again! Rest in peace Cllr. Michael
N. Allison as we pursue the real cause of your death.
Page 4 | Frontpage
FrontPage
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING

ABOUT OUR STORIES ON THE
WORLDWIDE WEB
COMMENTS FROM
FPA ONLINE
NOCAL LAWYER
WHISTLEBLOWER IN
25K OIL SAGA DEAD
GEORGE K. FAHNBULLEH TOP COMMENTER

Let me guess, there will be no autopsy. No forensics. No nothing. The
government of Liberia is a Continuing Criminal Enterprise.
GBANAY BAI ROBERTS COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICER
AT LIBERIA PETROLEUM REFINING COMPANY
Why should there be an autopsy in this case Fahnbulleh? The cause of
death is very known. He died from drowning. He has gone to swim.
DAH-NU MIANYEN CUTTINGTON UNIVERSITY GRADUATE
SCHOOL
Hmm..... Day will still break! Light overcomes darkness and so will this
case be.
BENJAMEN QUAYE TOP COMMENTER UNIVERSITY OF
LIBERIA
How is this a homicide when an eye witness says he drowned? "...
according to accounts from a woman whose identity is sealed claiming
to be a girl said, she came out with the decease on beach around late
evening hours adding that after a while he [Cllr. Allison] decided to swim
in the ocean. According to the young lady, after few minutes she saw him
drowning adding that she cried out for help and the security next door
came to her aid and called a Brazilian man who had a speed boat to get
him out of the water which they did but he did not survive." Don't get me
wrong. This could have been a homicide if the eye-witness saw people in
the water who inflicted the drowning. Short of that, how have we jumped
from a supposed accidental drowning to an alleged homicide?
SAMUEL COLE TOP COMMENTER WORKS AT UNIVERSITY
OF MINNESOTA MASONIC CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
Exactly, the writer quotes an eyewitness but yet describes it as a murder. I
am confused! Are people reading the story or just commenting.
ALEXANDER TROKON SHELTON TOP COMMENTER
The death of Cllr. Allison should raise more concern at this time then
never before relative to dealing with NOCAL and Legislature. No one
is above the law and if said event have occurred during an ongoing
investigation, it should place both parties concerned in the spotlight. If
our lawmaker and NOCAL will not be transparent at this time were we
at laying the foundation for the discovery of what could be a blessing or
a curse to our country, Liberia this singular to a gray future and we as a
people must do all we can to straighten things now before this plug us into
another civil unrest in the future! WE NEED OPEN TRANSPARENCY
NOT SECRECY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF OUR NATURAL
RESOURCES.
I am sure that you are not suggesting that NOCAL/ members of the
Legislature Killed the lawyer.
LAR-YOME Z. GOBAH AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL
UNIVERSITY
While we regret this untimely situation, we can only hope that
investigation into his death be made known to the larger society through
a transparent- forensic and investigative process
BENJAMIN ART TOP COMMENTER
This murder like such others before it in recent years will prove to be
a turning point if this government finds any reason, any excuse for not
finding and prosecuting the culprits involved. Otherwise, this would be
the beginning of restoring the mandate of state power to warlords in
Liberia. If law abiding citizens are murdered because of honoring their
civic duties under a civilian government, warlords might find room of
accommodation in the hearts of a scared society. This is very unfortunate!
This is very sad! This is very retrogressive! Watch out, Liberians!
Is it a murder?
SYLVESTER MOSES TOP COMMENTER WORKS AT SELFEMPLOYED
A homicide is committed. One promising family man had his life snuffed
out violently and prematurely by, or on behalf of, a person or persons who
seemingly believed he was a threat; therefore, his demise should deprive
of a star witness any likely prosecution of the so - called corruption
prosecution. But commonsense wouldve avoided this tragedy; the
case doesnt have a leg to stand on in spite of the noise. It will have
embarrassing unintended consequences.
For the talked about loose ends of the issue is that the whole rigmarole
was a calculated act to frame others. Obviously, poor Cllr. Michael
Allison wasnt a whistleblower, because he didnt expose corruption
between the company that contracted with him, NOCAL, and the named
legislators. Rather he was allegedly a willing participant in the companys
game to bribe, and expose targeted legislators whove been lately proving
difficult to toe their line.
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COUNTERING THE CONTRADICTIONS: AN

OPEN LETTER TO MR. ABRAHAM D. DILLON
Dear Mr. Dillon:
n 1912, former United States President Woodrow Wilson, in

support of the concept of constitutions being living and breathing
documents, said, Society is a living organism and must obey
the laws of life, not of mechanics; it must develop. All that
progressives ask or desire is permissionto interpret the Constitution
according to the Darwinian principle; all they ask is recognition of the
fact that a nation is a living thing and not a machine. Ninety years
later in Atkins v. Virginia, the United States Supreme Court, using
the evolving standard of decency measurement, ruled that it was
in violation of the Eighth Amendment to execute a mentally retarded
person. This evolving standard of decency and the understanding
that constitutions are living and breathing documents have served as
the foundation for fundamental constitutional interpretations ranging
from the overturning of Pleasant v. Ferguson to the adaptation and
expansion of the Exclusionary Rule and major Fourth Amendment
rulings.
Now, it is worth noting that while this article deserves uncompromising
due diligence as far as contextualization is concern, it is also necessary
to note that the doctrines being discussed are not ancient to Liberia.
As a matter of fact, at least one of them constitution as a living and
breathing document- served as the arguable foundation for the Liberia
Supreme Courts decision in ruling against Simeon Freemans Writ of
Prohibition during the 2011 electoral period. With such understanding,
it is perfectly justified to use those arguably interchangeable concepts
to counter the arguments of opponents of Dual Citizenship, of which
you are the ring leader.
Speaking of the 2011 Supreme Court decision, the late Chief Justice
Johnnie Lewis, writing for the majority in that ruling stated, on
account of the civil war and its devastating impact on the lives of
the Liberian people at different periods of the nations history,
which necessitated the flight of citizens from the country, it is our
opinion that the framers of the 1986 constitution could neither have
contemplated nor intended that Liberians faced with the state civil
crisis be 'resident' because at some point in the future they may want
to run for the office of president. Mr. Dillon, you have consistently
argued that the only way in which the constitution can be changed
is through a national referendum. Do you know that the decision
in 2011 was a legal change to the constitution that did not require
ANY referendum? Moreover, the deceased Chief Justices statement
reflects an understanding, acceptance and situational application of
the living and breathing document doctrine. In addition to not only
accepting the doctrine, the decision established a solid precedent
upon which the Liberian Supreme Court can rely to rule in favor of
Dual citizenship.
Knowing you, you may want to limit the ruling to just the issue it
dealt with. Unfortunately, doing such would not only deprive you
the opportunity to expand your understanding of the mobility of
constitutions. It would amount to a total disregard for the very
constitution and laws of Liberia- a country you LOVE dearly.
On the issue of disregarding the laws of Liberia, it is difficult to
categorize this second argument from opponents of Dual citizenship,
which is: Liberians with foreign citizenships can still invest in Liberia
(i.e., build house and establish businesses, etc.). What is difficult to
understand is the fact that on one end, you are advocating for adherence
to the constitution and laws of Liberia yet, on the other end, you are
encouraging people to violate these laws by virtue of your claim.
According to Chapter III, Article 22A of the Liberian Constitution,
Every person shall have the right to own property alone as well as
in association with others; provided that only Liberian citizens shall
have the right to own real property within the Republic. Now, to
avoid argument, let us agree that given the construct of this section,
every person has the right to own some kind of property in Liberia.
But what we cannot argue is the fact that ONLY Liberians can own
REAL PROPERTY. And, by definition, REAL PROPERTY means
lands, houses, business establishments (not leased but built) and a
host of other tangible properties within the context of the law. So,
based on that indisputable fact, it is accurate to conclude that such
disregard for the law as being pushed by you and your cohorts is
highly clandestine and not nationalistic. The most plausible reason
is to eventually lay national claim to these individuals' properties in

the near future, which is not entirely impossible judging from the
manner in which the countrys affairs are being conducted. As if this
contradiction is not enough, you and your fellow opponents of Dual
citizenship decided it is OK to project yourselves as defenders of the
constitution while at the same time using the Alien and Nationality
Law to argue against Dual Citizenship. The issue here is that the
Alien and Nationality Law contradicts the constitution in many ways,
two of which include: the Due Process provision and the citizenship
definition.
According to Article 20A of the Liberian Constitution, due process
is required before one can be deprived of their right to "life, liberty,
security of the person or property or ANY OTHER RIGHT..." Now,
according to Section 22.2 of your beloved Alien and Nationality Law,
"the loss of Citizenship under Section 22.1 of this title (I.e., Alien and
Nationality Law) shall result solely from the performance by a citizen
of the acts or fulfillment of the conditions specified in such section,
and WITHOUT THE INSTITUTION BY THE GOVERNMENT
OF ANY PROCEEDINGS TO NULLIFY OR CANCEL SUCH
CITIZENSHIP." On one end, you have the constitution calling for
DUE PROCESS and, on the other end, you have a title calling for
AUTOMATIC loss of citizenship. What is even more disturbing is
the fact that Section 22.1A of the Alien and Nationality Law states
that "voting in a political election in a foreign state..." are grounds for
AUTOMATIC loss of Liberian citizenship.
This means, a LIBERIAN , WITHOUT naturalization, can lose
his/her Liberian citizenship since it is on the verge of becoming
possible to vote in some state and local elections in these UNITED
STATES with just a GREEN CARD. In furtherance of highlighting
the contradictions and the loss of Citizenship without naturalization,
it is necessary to draw your attention to Section 20.1B of the Alien
and Nationality Law. According to this section, citizenship by birth
extends to "a person born outside (of) Liberia whose father (i) was
born a citizen of Liberia; (ii) at the time of the birth of such child, and
(iii) has resided in Liberia prior to the birth of such child." Now, of
the three conditions, the last one is interesting given the history of our
nation over the last two decades plus; this is why.
Mr. and Mrs. Brown, two CURRENT Liberians, who were born in
Liberia, had a son (Kofa) while in exile in Ghana. Kofa is a Liberian
by virtue of the laws of Liberia. But because of the war, Kofa was
unable to go to Liberia or establish residency in Liberia before
immigrating to Australia. Now, Kofa, who is seventeen years old, has
a daughter. Based on the construct of Section 20.1B, that daughter is
not a Liberian by birth and, by extension, not a Liberian at all because
her father did not satisfy the third requirement. This provision directly
contradicts Article 28 of the Liberian Constitution, which states that
Any person, at least one of whose parents was citizen of Liberia at
the time of the person's birth, shall be a citizen of Liberia If Kofa
decides to challenge this law, he has the Late Chief Justices argument
to back him.
Now, it is common knowledge that constitutional provisions take
precedent over any law/legislation that contradicts those provisions.
Given such, there is a clear need for the repealing of the Alien and
Nationality Law. Sadly, such need will not hold water with you
because you are fully cognizant of the fact that repealing the Alien
and Nationality Law would deal a serious blow to your ANTI dual
citizenship position given the construct of Article 27A of the Liberian
Constitution. Be as it is, we know the argument continues beyond
this article. We also know that despite the inarguable contradictions,
the chances of you recognizing these constitutional violations are
slim because such recognition DOES NOT serve your interest and
argument. But what this article intends to do is to expose the lack of
reconciliation in your defense of the Constitution and your support of
the Alien and Nationality Law. The reality is we ALL are Liberians;
it is a fact that you cannot deny. We all understand the issues at stake
and the risk and rewards associated with them. We also understand
that come what may, DUAL CITIZENSHIP will become the law of
the land. As always, stay safe and be blessed.
Sincerely,
Alfred J. Johnson, a staunch proponent of DUAL CITIZENSHIP
jahcalvin@yahoo.com
EDITORIAL TEAM
Rodney D. Sieh, Managing Editor, 0886-738-666;

077-936-138, editor@FrontPageAfricaonline.com;
rodney.sieh@FrontPageAfricaonline.com
Wade C. L. Williams, News Desk Chief, wade.
williams@frontpageafricaonline.com; 0880664793
Danesius Marteh, Sports Editor, danesius.marteh@
frontpageafricaonline.com, 0886236528
James-Emmanuel D. Cole, Jr, Graphics Designer
& Layout Editor, echange4life@gmail.com;
0886 211 390, 0777 027 030
Henry Karmo, henry.karmo@frontpageafricaonline.
com
Al-varney Rogers al.rogers@frontpageafricaonline.
com, 0886-304498
Sports Reporter, A. Macaulay Sombai,macaulay.sombai@

FrontpageAfricaonline.com, 077217428
COUNTY NEWS TEAM
Grand Bassa, Alpha Daffae Senkpeni, 0777432042
Bong
County,
Selma
Lomax,
selma.lomax@
frontpageafricaonline.com, 0886-484666
Sinoe County, Leroy N.S Kanmoh, leroy.kanmoh@
frontpageafricaonline.com
0886257528
BUSINESS/ADVERTISING
Kadi Coleman Porte, 0886-304-178/ 0777832753, advertise@
frontpageafricaonline.com
LAW & ORDER
PAGE
RONT
Frontpage
Page 5
LIBERIA BETTER OFF RACIST?
ON DUAL CITIZENSHIP FORMER ASSOCIATE JUSTICE JOHNSON LIBERIANS TO KEEP NEGRO CLAUSE
Monrovia- The Head of
the Independent National
Commission on Human Rights
(INCHR) and retired Associate
Justice of the Supreme Court
of Liberia Cllr. Gladys K.
Johnson has defended the
Negro Clause in the Liberian
constitution which forbids
white people from gaining
citizenship in Liberia.
Giving her personal opinion
Wednesday
on
several
provisions of the Liberian
constitution at a public
interactive forum organized
by the Liberia Media for
Democratic Initiative, former
Associate Justice Johnson
dissected Article 27b of the
Liberian Constitution which
addresses the controversial
citizenship issue.
Former Associate Justice
Johnson agreed that only
people of Negro decent should
be citizens and noted that any
attempt to open up citizenship
widely would render most
Liberians as third class citizens.
Continued Justice Johnson:
I am only saying that before
you jump up and say that lets
remove this whole clause and
open up, you must know how
to open up, because if you
open up too wide in this your
own country, you will become
third class citizens. So if we
are accused of being racist,
lets accept it, than to be made
foreigners or nonentities in our
own country
The INCHR Boss went on
to note that until there is a
guarantee that those who
segregate against blacks have
changed, she believes article
27b of the Liberian constitution
should be firmly upheld.
During her recent annual
You must know how to open up, because if you open up too wide in this your own country, you will become third class citizens. So if we are
accused of being racist, lets accept it than to be made foreigners or nonentities in our own country. INCHR Boss Cllr. Gladys K. Johnson
Stephen D. Kollie, stephen.kollie@frontpageafricaonline.com 0776329124
message before the 53rd

National Legislature, President
Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf appealed
to lawmakers to pass into
law, the controversial dual
citizenship bill.
The President argued that it is
necessary to enable Liberians
who were compelled to seek
refuge in other countries
become active participants n te
process of nation-building.
An estimated
100,000
Liberians live in the United
States of America, many
fleeing as the result of the 14year civil war.
The issue is a hot-bottom topic
which continues to generate
debate among Liberians in and
out of the country. A delegation
from the Union of Liberians in
the United States recently paid
a visit to the country to push
the issue in the legislature.
The
president
recently
admitted that several officials
in her government are holders

of U.S. passports.
But on Wednesday, former
Associate Justice Johnson
argued that dual citizenship
should be granted only to
Liberians who escaped the
civil conflict and were forced
to acquire other nationalities in
order to be protected.
Continued Justice Johnson:
The addition I am suggesting
in this constitution is, lets
make room to provide for
all persons who left Liberia
because of war, because of the
1980 coup and restrict it only
to them instead of making
anybody who wants to go
abroad anytime.
The former Associate Justice
also warned Liberians to stop
being selfish about properties
they acquire explaining that
while land properties may be
acquired by citizens, natural
resources found underneath
PAGE
RONT
them [land] should not be

considered private properties,
but for the general use of the
country.
Justice Johnson comments
follow a recent pronouncement
from the Head of the
Constitution
Review
Committee (CRC) that several
Liberians are opposed to the
government owning resources
underneath
their
private
properties and thus want an
amendment to the constitution
to give them rights over all
properties on the surface and
beneath the land.
Land for GOL
But in her opinion, Justice
Johnson says the land originally
belongs to the government
and people of Liberia and any
resources from there must be
equally shared.
Said Justice Johnson: Lets
say this counselor who stayed
COUNTY NEWS
away for twenty eight years

and came back with lots of
money in his pocket. He went
to Nimba County and saw
Putu Mountain and says I want
to build my house on top of
that mountain. Then they find
iron ore under that land, it
must be for him alone? Must
that iron ore that this man got
deed from, that iron ore that
contains billions of dollars?
Must it all be for him because
government has given him land
that he paid maybe one hundred
fifty dollars for? Accept what
government gives you and go.
Because if you even die and
dont leave anybody to inherit
that property it will go right
back to government because it
belongs to the government.
Gbarnga, Bong County

ith the activities
of the Liberian
government
centralized in
Monrovia where people from
the counties have to travel to
Monrovia to get basic services,
President
Ellen
JohnsonSirleaf Wednesday launched
the deconcentration platform

which will enable Liberians get
easy access to public service,
rather than the centralized
public service delivery system.
Speaking when she launched
the deconcentration platform
Wednesday, President Sirleaf
said a large part of the country
has suffered from years of
inadequate service delivery.

President Sirleaf said with
the introduction of the
deconcentration
platform,
Liberians will now have easy
access to postal delivery,
quality health service delivery,
electricity and education.
According to her the first
platform of decentralization,
seeks to transfer some basic

services from about 12
ministries and two agencies
to the counties. She said:
Registering your car or getting
a license plate, marriage and
birth certificates, the list goes
on, will all be deconcentrated
from Monrovia or to utilize a
basic social service.
President
Sirleaf
charges
Ministries and Agencies
During the launch, President
Johnson-Sirleaf
charged
ministries
and
agencies
earmarked under the platform to
take ownership of the exercise
to ensure positive outcomes, a
herculean task which she said
whose execution is being led
by the Ministry of Internal
Affairs.
The
Gbarnga
conference
is also expected to discuss
administrative and political
decentralization under the
National
Deconcentration
Platform.
The idea of decentralizing
service delivery in Liberia has
been long engendered as a way
of spreading development, but
successive
administrations
have struggled toward its
Alarming rape
Justice Johnson has meanwhile
frowned on the increase in the
number of rape cases across the
country, as she urged Liberians
to form a united front against
rape. Cllr. Johnson termed rape
as a war declared by older men
against babies.
We need to hold a discussion
to brainstorm what to do about
this war those old men have
declared on little babies,
she said. This is terrible!
They raped a child until she
died. When I think about old
men who rape little babies to
death, I hesitate to advocate
for the abolition of the death
sentence. How can I advocate
for somebody to live, who is so
evil, who is so satanic?
The one-day Public briefing
was intended to disclose
findings of the LMDIs the
dialogue forum on the
ongoing constitution review
process in Liberia. It brought
together participants from civil
society organizations, political
parties, traditional elders and
the student community and
women groupings.
Natural resources for all

Former Associate Justice
Johnson says she believes the
Liberian Constitution should
EASY
ACCESS
TO
SERVICE
DELIVERY
President Sirleaf Launches Deconcentration Platform in Bong County
Selma Lomax, selma.lomax@frontpageafricaonline.com
indicate what measures can be

taken against the government
if the natural resources
underground and in the waters
are not used for the benefit of
the people.
implementation.
The lack of adequate funding,
human resource and capacity
building issues, including
a well defined policy and
guidelines
that
would
accompany the exercise have
been
outstanding
factors
underpinning
governments
decentralization
program,
something
the
Gbarnga
conference hopes to achieve as
identified remedies.
The
fitting
into
the
deconcentration system by
integrity institutions such as the
General Auditing Commission
(GAC),
and
Public
procurement and Concession
Corporation (PPCC) and other
graft institutions have also
been identified as key issues
expected to be discussed.
The gathering which is
expected to last up to February
21, will discuss specific
services that are essential to
the country. They include the
improvement of mail delivery
system, vital data collection,
performance
management,
monitoring and evaluation of
service delivery.
It will also cover issuance
of drivers licenses and

plates, legal and psychosocial services, collection of
labor statistics; provision of
electricity and road network;
mapping and zoning; provision
of tertiary education; provision
of quality health services;
issuance of traditional marriage
certificates, amongst others.
According to the organizers,
the meeting will identify
ways in which county officers
can harness their collective
responsibilities
toward
development by collaborating
and sharing ideas with each
other. This platform is in
line with the presidents
vision of taking government
to the people, Amos Tweh,
Deputy
Internal
Affairs
Minister for Urban Affairs told
FrontPageAfrica.
Speaking at the start of the
conference Monday, Minister
Tweh urged the local county
officials to be focused
throughout the discussion so as
to make it achieve the targeted
outcomes.
Deputy Minister Tweh added:
This is a morale booster for our
governance process, which is
also in line with the presidents
vision of taking government
to the people so that they
can have ownership of their
government, he said.
Page 6 | Frontpage
LIBERIAN MUSICIAN EMMA GETS AWARD
OVERCOMING
HORRIFIC EXPERIENCES
-YOUNG LIFE CAMP; A THERAPY FOR EBOLA SURVIVORS
A
Monrovia-
fter months of
horrific experiences
at Ebola Treatment
Units(ETUs)
in
Monrovia and elsewhere,
some Ebola survivors had the
rare opportunity to breathe
a sigh of relief when a faith
based group -- Young Life
International
organized a
special event called Survivor
Camp for those now referred
to as Ebola heroes in Liberia.
Among many things, the
colorful event held at the
Baptist Seminary located
outside Monrovia, along the
route leading to the Roberts
International Airport, was
meant to literally give life back
to surviving victims of the
disease who are discriminated
against in some communities
although they have been
certified by medical authorities
not to have the virus, and are
like any normal person.
Many of the 175 survivors
who turned out to grace the
occasion, were stunned by
the fondness that marked the
occasion characterized by
photographing and pleasantry.
I dont want to go back in the
community, here we are having
fun and making new friends,
but people in our communities
are still afraid of us, Zoinway
Saynwray, a survivor said.
She said her experiences in the
Ebola treatment center keep
coming back to her, but noted
that the retreat is helping her
to overcome the trauma.
The young woman probably
in her twenties told this writer
that the friendly atmosphere
from the retreat has helped
her to develop a new mindset,
and said she hope to take that
experience of accepting people
regardless of their conditions
back to her community to teach
others.
Saynwray recalled that she fell
prey to the Ebola virus from
caring for her sister who was
pregnant, but later died of the
disease.
According to Saynwray, all of
her friends and family members
who contracted the virus died
except her twins sister.
But for Saynwray sister, the
retreat was a time to dust off
the isolation and trauma she
has suffered in the ETUs, so

she was busy shooting photos
with friends she came to know
at the survivor camp.
My sister and I, we were the
only Ebola survivors in our
community, so we are happy
to be on this camp and we will
miss the fun, Saynwray said
beaming with smiles.
The Minister of Youth and
Sports, Eugene Nagbe joined
the survivors to play soccer
on a day before the camp was
dismissed. Organizers of the
event said the game like other
activities was meant to break
the stigma and rejection Ebola
survivors in the country face at
the hand of some community
residents.
Another Survivor Mohammed
Jabateh, 27, a father of three,
said, for the first time after
leaving the ETU he can tell his
story freely.
I feel Happy on this camp. Im
free here and I can tell my story
back in the community brings

back memories, Jabateh said.
Young Life West Africa
Regional
Director
James
S. Davis II said the Ebola
Survivor camp is intended for
the survivors to overcome their
horrific experience.
We want them to overcome
those horrible experiences they
had, we want them to have a
sense of belonging, Davis
said.
Davis said, the camp brought
together seventy five survivors
from Montserrado and Margibi
Counties.
This weekend is an awesome
weekend for survivors. We
think the reintegration process
is not working so with this
camp survivor can now feel
accepted, Davis said.
Davis said, his organization is
a faith base organization that
believes that it is Gods love
that kept survivors alive.
Davis said that people should
Monroviahe Gender International

Magazine has honored
Liberian artist Emma
Smith and several
other prominent Liberians for
their tremendous contributions
toward the fight against the
deadly Ebola Virus Disease in
Liberia and the Mano River
Union (MRU) basin.
Describing
the
honorees
as Champions of 2014, the
magazine said its award was
based on the observance of
Black History Month.
When the Ebola battle began
in earnest last June, not many
individuals were keen on joining
the fight as all eyes were fixed
on national government alone,
stated the organization.
One of them is Liberian
Musician Emma Smith who
chose to kick out a campaign
of her own by producing the
first Ebola song that created
awareness amongst the populace,
many of whom were living in
denial at the time.
Emmas debut on Ebola titled:
Ebola, Ebola, oh, Ebola is in our
land, played on TV and Radio
stations and drew the attention of
the nation. The song highlighted
the plight of people suffering
with the disease and a country
in crisis that needed to rally its
entire people to come together as
one and fight the deadly foe.
Using her little resources

available, Emma visited several
Ebola affected communities,
intensifying awareness on the
existence of Ebola in Liberia,
while at the same time helping to
get the sick to Ebola Treatment
Centers.
As the virus intensified in
Monrovia and surroundings,
the artist established the Emma
Smith Life Recovery Foundation
with emphasis on helping Ebola
affected people who survive the
disease.
Emma and team visited many
ETUs providing assistance to
Ebola patients and following
up on persons that survived the
disease.
Her quest to see an Ebola free
West Africa, took her to Sierra
Leone and Guinea, where
she joined ranks with other
musical stars including the
legendary Aisha Konde. They
took the awareness campaign to
communities in the three most

affected countries, producing
Ebola songs.
In recognition of her hard work,
two awards were presented to
Emma in a period of six days
with the first honor coming from
Ebola orphans and Survivor
Project and then recently the
Gender International Magazine.
Responding to the honors,
Emma commended the Gender
International Magazine and the
Ebola orphans and Survivor
Project for the recognition.
Emma reemphasized the need for
the establishment of a regional
taskforce to combat the Ebola
disease and other disasters that
may arise in the future.
She said that the honors have
energized her to do more for less
fortunate people as well as Ebola
survivors.
Emma and her Life Recovery
Foundation seem determined
to put smiles on the faces of
many more Liberians including
students.
The artist and team have done a
lot in saving lives in Liberia and
she said they would do much
better with funding.
Emma was honored alongside
several
other
prominent
Liberians including Rep. Saah
Joseph, Doctors Jerry Brown,
Moses Sonka, Gabriel Logan
and others at the weekend at the
Mamba Point Hotel.
Vacancy Announcement
I. Organizational Context
The UN Women (UNW), grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations,
works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the
achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human
rights, humanitarian action and peace and security.
UN Women in the Liberia CO is seeking a qualified national candidate to fill a staff position of Driver (SC2). Under the guidance of the Operations Manager and supervision of the Administrative Associate ,the
Driver provides reliable and safe driving services to UN Women and other high-ranking UN officials and
visitors ensuring highest standards of discretion and integrity, sense of responsibility, excellent knowledge
of protocol and security issues. The Driver also demonstrates a client-oriented approach, courtesy, tact and
ability to work with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.
II. Functions / Key Results Expected

Summary of Key Functions:
to people who share similar

experience with me, Jabateh
added.
This camp is good; we
had fun, danced and played
football. I felt important when
the Minister of Youth and
Sports played with us, Jabateh
said.
Jabateh recounted that he was
a taxi driver before coming
down with the virus adding that
he lost almost all of his family
members.
Jabateh said, upon his return
from the ETU some community
members became shunning
him for fear of contracting the
virus.
I dont want to go back in
the community because going
stop stigmatizing survivors

adding that they are valuable
assets to the community.
This is the message we
should stop stigmatizing them
[survivors] this is venture
everybody need to support,
Davis explained.
Davis commended the Minister
of youth and Sport Eugene
Nagbe for taking up time to
play with the survivors during
their stay on the camp.
Davis said the camp was
meant to support government
initiative
in
helping
survivors, adding that Young
Life is contemplating on
decentralizing
her
next
survivor camp.
Provision of reliable and secure driving services

Proper use of vehicle
Day-to-day maintenance of the assigned vehicle
Availability of documents/ supplies
Other functions to ensure smooth operations of the country office
1.
Ensures provision of reliable and safe driving services by a) driving office vehicles for the
transport of UN Women staff, high-ranking officials and visitors and delivery and collection of
mail, documents and other items, and b) meeting official personnel and visitors at the airport
including visa and customs formalities arrangement when required
2.
Ensures cost-savings through proper use of vehicle through accurate maintenance of daily
vehicle logs, provision of inputs to preparation of the vehicle maintenance plans and reports.
3.
Ensures proper day-to-day maintenance of the assigned vehicle through timely minor repairs,
arrangements for major repairs, timely changes of oil, check of tires, brakes, car washing, etc.
4.
Ensures availability of all the required documents/supplies including vehicle insurance, vehicle
logs, office directory, map of the city/country, first aid kit, and necessary spare parts in the assigned
vehicle.
5.
Ensures that all immediate actions required by rules and regulations are taken in case of
involvement in accidents.
Provides other support as requested by the direct supervisor including provision of photocopies,
document scanning and other services to ensure more efficient operations within the country office.
6.
III. Recruitment Qualifications

Education and certification:
Experience:
Language Requirements:
Secondary Education required, Valid Drivers License

2 Years work experience as a driver, safe driving record, knowledge
of the following: a) Administrative Manual, b) Driving Principles , c)
UNDSS Guidelines, d) Local Driving Law
Fluency in English
All interested applicants must submit an application letter, CV with a UN standard personal history form
and send to: sourcing.liberia@unwomen.org . Please download the P11 form from
http://www.unwomen.org/en/about-us/employment. The deadline for application is March 2, 2015 at 17:00.
We will only consider applications with complete P11 attached. UN Women will only be able to respond to
those applicants in whom UN Women has a further interest. UN Women does not solicit or screen for
information in respect of HIV or AIDS and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status.
Women are strongly encouraged to apply.
Frontpage
Page 7
COMMITMENT, CRITICAL TURNING POINT

CREDIBILITY
UNMEER SRSG Arrives In Liberia, Declares WORST OF THE (EBOLA)OUTBREAK IS BEHIND US
Civil Society Network Commends

Senate on Election of Jallah
A
Monrovia-
network of civil society organization has commended

the Liberian senate for the election of Senator Armah
J. Jallah as Senate Pro Tempore of the Liberian Senate
describing him as a man who has shown commitment,
credibility and other values.
we have assembled here today to commend Members of the
Liberian Senate on the election of Gbarpolu County Senator
Armah Zolu Jallah as President Pro-tempore of the Honorable
Liberian Senate. The Civil Society Network of Liberia,
comprising five renowned civil society organizations, believes
that the election of Senator Jallah is in the right direction as he
has shown responsibility, integrity, commitment, credibility,
astuteness and willingness to serve the people, the civil society
group in a statement signed by Amos Kanneh, Executive Director
declared at a press statement in Monrovia.
The group stated that the election of Senator Jallahs was strongly
predicated based on the role he played as a Senator over the
time during which he sponsored and co-sponsored several bills;
prominent of which are the creation of Gbarpolu County, the 1999
Act that Established the Central Bank of Liberia and his persistent
advocacy that led to the inclusion of the Press Union of Liberia in
to our National Budget.
The group furthered that as Chairman of the Senates Statutory
Committee on Internal Affairs, Senator Jallah robustly and
vigorously exercised his oversight over local governance across
the fifteen political sub-divisions of Liberia.
Stated the group Few days ago, we call on Members of the
Liberian Senate to elect a leader with enviable record, requisite
qualification, experience, integrity, patriotism, accountability
and willingness to seek the Liberian Peoples interest. With such
adherence to our call to elect Senator Armah Zolu Jallah who
is endowed with these leadership qualities clearly demonstrates
that the Liberian Senate will for the next three years be more
independent and collaboratively work with the Executive and
Judiciary branches of government in the general interest of the
Liberian People.
The group called on Senator Jallah to view his election as a
victory for all senators; thereby reconciling with the other sides of
the divide for the common purpose of moving the Senate forward.
The group further stated We also call on all of our honorable
senators to see Senator Armah Zolu Jallah as a humble servant and
cooperatively work with him to push the agenda of the Liberian
Senate, as he has shown humility and accountability to the people
of Liberia.
As a civil society network, the group indicated that it believe
in the leadership of Senator Armah Zolu Jallah as Pro-tempore
of the Liberian Senate and is closely watching (as the societys
watchdog), the workings of the Liberian Senate under the
administrator ship of Senator Jallah to uphold the continuous
sanity, honorability and independence of the senate.
Condlued the group Members of the mainstream media, as the
Senate gears towards the election of chairpersons of Statutory/
Leadership committees, the Civil Society Network is again urging
Members of the Liberian Senate to elect new breed of leaders
who will seek the interest of the Liberian people instead of their
personal aggrandizement. Those to be elected must be individuals
who have exhibited the core values of leadership in the society.
The Civil Society Network of Liberia vowed that it remains
committed to the social, political and economic transformation of
Liberia as the country moves towards the expiration of the last
three years of the Unity Party led Government.
Danesius Marteh, danesius.marteh@frontpageafricaonline.com
Monrovia smail Ould Cheikh Ahmed,

special
representative
of the secretary-general
(SRSG) and head of the
United Nations Mission for
Ebola Emergency Response
(UNMEER), is in Liberia.
Mr. Ould Cheikh Ahmed arrived
Wednesday and is expected to
address a press briefing today
at the Ministry of Information,
Cultural Affairs and Tourism.
His visit to Monrovia follows
Wednesdays progress report
to the General Assembly by
secretary-general Ban Ki-moon.
Considerable Progress in Liberia
The UNMEER boss said since
his briefing last month, there
has been further considerable
progress in the response to the
outbreak in Liberia. As the
Secretary-General noted, we
have reason to believe that the
worst of the outbreak is behind
us, the UNMEER boss upon
arrival Wednesday said progress
has been particularly remarkable
in Liberia: The number of new
cases per week has decreased
from several hundred only a
few months ago to fewer than
five cases per week for several
consecutive weeks. On average,
there has been less than one
confirmed case per day in 2015,
with cases in recent weeks all
isolated to a single chain of
transmission in Montserrado
County.
In view of such progress in
Liberia, Mr. Ahmed noted,
UNMEER is now pursuing the
redeployment of some of its
resources and capabilities to
bolster surge efforts in Sierra
Leone and especially in Guinea.
In Sierra Leone and Guinea, we
also saw an overall, significant
decline in the number of new
cases in January. Since then,
however, weekly case incidence
has increased, demonstrating that
progress in fighting this outbreak
will not be linear and that there is
a need for constant vigilance to
ensure sustained progress.
The UNMEER boss said in
Guinea, the epicentre of the
outbreak has shifted to Basse
Guine, adjacent to Conakry,
while in Sierra Leone incidence
continues to be greatest in the
western district of Port Loko and
the capital, Freetown. In both
countries, he said, targeted efforts
are being pursued to further
reduce the number of cases, as
well as geographic dispersal, and
to strengthen active surveillance
to ensure that new cases emanate
from registered contact lists.
While acknowledging how far
we have come in the response,
the UNMEER boss said aid
agencies including UNMEER

cannot afford to become
complacent especially as the
rainy season comes around the
corner. The impending rainy
season poses a considerable risk
for the response. It will lead to
an increase in the prevalence of
other diseases, such as malaria,
which could be mistaken for
suspect Ebola cases. It may
also mask the presence of Ebola
cases that emerge, as well as
significantly impede our ability
to access affected communities
in remote districts. These factors
heighten the urgency for us to redouble our efforts over the next
10-12 weeks to get the outbreak
While significant progress has

been made, Mr. Ahmed said, a
number of important challenges
remain related to the integration
of active surveillance, case
management and community
engagement which must be
addressed in Guinea and Sierra
Leone. First, much success
in the response is attributable
to changes at the community
level. Where communities have
been engaged, we have seen
dramatic results.
However,
denial, mistrust and lack of
understanding continue to fuel
some pockets of resistance to
the response and lead some
of people across districts, as

well as across porous borders,
make it necessary for all districts
to be equipped with adequate
surveillance
and
response
capacities to rapidly identify and
treat Ebola cases before it can
spread further. While sufficient
case management and laboratory
capacities exist across the
affected countries, adjustments
continue to be needed in order
to ensure sufficient geographic
coverage
and
optimized
utilization.
Rigorous
Contact
Tracing
Crucial
He also averred that the number
of new cases per week decreases,
under control.
The UN system, through
UNMEER, he said, has continued
to adjust its operational posture
to the evolving nature of the
outbreak. As the epidemiology
has shifted to smaller, more
geographically
dispersed
outbreaks, the response has
become more nimble, with
greater emphasis on rapid
reaction capacities, in order to
detect cases earlier and address
a smaller number of cases in a
greater number of locations.
Strengthening Resilience
In this context, ahead of the
rainy season, he said, UNMEER
is accelerating its efforts to
deploy staff to the field and
build on basic surveillance,
contact tracing and response
capacities in each district.
This will help new cases to be
quickly identified and isolated,
preventing a new outbreak.
Longer-term, these response
capacities can also be leveraged
to strengthen the resilience of
the health sector in the affected
countries and pave the way
for a gradual transition from
UNMEER and the immediate
response to reconstruction and
recovery efforts.
to engage in unsafe practices

risking further transmission.
Enhanced
community
engagement efforts through a
more localized approach will
target these communities to
help garner trust, gain access
and overcome resistance. The
support of communities, even in
unaffected areas, is essential to
ensure active surveillance and
prevent transmission. In Guinea,
the rise in case incidence this
month likely reflects not greater
transmission, but rather, better
access to remote communities.
I just returned from a four-day
mission to Guinea where I visited
Forecariah, Nzerekoreh and
Lola. The progress made in the
Guine forestire illustrates well
that Guinea can overcome the
major outbreak we are currently
witnessing in Forecariah, Coyah
and the belt of Conakry. But this
ambitious objective will require
a major boost to the community
engagement efforts and a strong
international partners support
to the extremely committed
Government
of
President
Cond.
The UNMEER boss also said
the geographic dispersal of
Ebola cases and the movement
rigorous contact tracing is

crucial to further contain the
spread and ensure that any new
cases emanate from registered
contact lists.
Getting the
outbreaks under control requires
that all new cases derive from
registered or known contacts to
ensure that there are no unknown
transmission chains, especially
in border areas. Efforts are
underway to strengthen contact
tracing
through
deploying
epidemiologists to all districts
with cases.
Earlier, UN Secretary General
Ban Ki Moon, in New York,
hailed the proactive steps taken
by Presidents Ellen JohnsonSirleaf of Liberia, Alpha Conde
of Guinea and Ernest Bai
Koroma of Sierra Leone, along
with their governments and
the communities in protecting
themselves, which led to reduced
risks of infection and lower
incidence rates. Ban said the job
of eradicating Ebola from the
sub-region must now be done.
In his role as SRSG, Ould
Cheikh Ahmed will work closely
with the special envoy on Ebola,
Dr. David Nabarro, and with the
governments in the region and
other partners.
LIBERIA LEADER TO VISIT US, 1ST

VISIT SINCE EBOLA OUTBREAK
WASHINGTON
he
president
of
Liberia will visit the
United States later
this month, her first
trip to the country since the
Ebola outbreak in West Africa.
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
plans to speak Feb. 26 at an
event hosted by Democratic
Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware

and the U.S. Institute of
Peace, the senator's office said
Wednesday.
The event is part of three
days of meetings with Obama
administration officials and
lawmakers.
Since an Ebola outbreak began
in December 2013 in the West
African country of Guinea,

there have been about 7,900
deaths, mostly in Liberia,
Guinea and Sierra Leone.
The spread of the disease has
slowed. President Barack
Obama has announced plans to
withdraw nearly all U.S. troops
sent to West Africa to assist
with the response.
Page 8 | Frontpage
PART III
REGULATIONS FOR BY-ELECTIONS

(REVISED)
February 16, 2015
TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I

Section 1
: Citation 4
Section 2 :
Definitions
4
Section 3
: Application of Regulations 4

PART II
Section 4 :
Voter Registration
PART III
Section 5 :

General Provisions relating to Political Parties,

Alliances, Coalitions and Independent Candidates
PART IV
Section 6 :

PART V
Qualifications for Office and Proof of such

Qualifications
Obligation of Political Parties, Alliances
Limitation of Funding of Political Parties, Alliances, 10

Coalitions and Candidates, Accountability and
Limitation of Election Expenses
Section 18
:
Campaign Period and Matters Incidental Thereto
10
Section 19 : Complaints and Appeal 10
Section 20
:
Guidelines and Codes of Conduct
11
Section 21 : Effective Date 11
Section 22
:
Revision and Amendment
11

PART I
Section 1: Citation

These Regulations shall be cited as Regulations for By-Elections.
Section 2: Definitions

In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise indicates:
(i)
Application means a request by a political party, coalition, or alliance, or any aspirant candidate, to
the Commission to stand in a By-Election;
(ii)
By-Election means election to fill a vacancy in the Legislature as provided for under Article 37 of
the Liberian Constitution;
(iii)
Commission means the National Elections Commission (NEC);
(iv)
Candidate means any person nominated or endorsed by a political party, coalition or alliance, or
anyone applying to the Commission to stand as a candidate; aspirant candidate shall have the same meaning;
(v)
Independent Candidate means a person seeking electoral post or office with or without his/her own
organization, acting independently of a political party.
(vi)
Domicile means the residence in the constituency of an aspirant or candidate who seeks elective
public office in which he lives and pays taxes;
(vii)
Residence means the place where an aspirant or candidate lives;
(viii)
Alliance means any alliance accredited by the Commission to participate in elections;
(ix)
Coalition means any coalition accredited by the Commission to participate in elections;
(x)
Political Party means any political party registered as such by the Commission;
(xi)
Campaign, means canvassing for votes;
(xii)
The NEC, means the National Elections Commission;
(xiii)
The Regulations, means reference to any provision(s) contained in these regulations, and includes
these regulations in general
Section 3: Application of Regulations
These Regulations for By-Elections shall apply only to By-Elections.
PART II
Section 4:
5.2.2
In the case of an independent candidate, he/she shall display proof of deposit of and maintenance of a
bank balance of not less than $5,000USD in the case of a representative or $7,500USD in the case of a senator.

PART IV
PART VII
of
6.1
Any person, in order to be accepted to stand for office, in addition to any other
qualifications
required for the office of Legislator as provided for in the 1986 Constitution and the1986 New Election Law,
shall:
Section 16
:
Disclosure of Assets and Liabilities and account of 9
Elections Expenses
Section 17
:

5.2.1
He/she shall have a functioning office in the electoral constituency or district in the case
representative or capital of the county in the case of a senator.
Section 6: Qualifications for Office and Proof of such Qualifications
PART VI
:
5.2
Any person who is qualified for elective public office, whether or not he/she is a member of any
political party, shall have the right to apply to the NEC for
registration to stand in By-Election as an
independent candidate, provided that
such
candidate, in addition to any other requirements laid down
by the 1986 Constitution,
Statutory Laws, Regulations, Guidelines, Code of ethics by the Commission,
meets the following requirements for registration:
Section 7 :
Nomination of Candidates of Political Parties,

6

Alliances and Coalitions
Section 8
: Independent Candidates 7
Section 9 :
Nomination Procedures for Candidates of Political
7

Parties, Alliances and Coalitions
Section 10
Application Procedures for Independent Candida
Section 11
: Application Fees 7

Page

Section 12
:
Verification and Determination Procedures for all
8
Candidates
Section 13
:
Withdrawal of Nomination/Application
8
Section 14
:
Death or Incapacity of a Candidate
9
Section 15
Section 5: General Provisions Relating to Political Parties, Alliances, Coalitions

and Independent Candidates

5.1
All existing political parties, coalitions, alliances and eligible citizens shall be eligible to contest Byelections.
Voter Registration
4.1
All qualified citizens who registered as voters during the 2011 or the 2014 Voter Update Voter
Registration processes, and who are in possession of valid voter registration cards shall be entitled to use such
card to vote in By-elections.
4.2
The Commission may decide to replace lost, damaged or
destroyed voter Registration Cards.
In such event, the Commission shall inform
the
voters through the offices of the County
Magistrate of Elections.
6.1.1
Be a citizen of Liberia;
6.1.2

Have attained the age of twenty-five (25) or thirty (30) years for the House of
Representatives and Senate respectively;

6.1.3
Be domiciled in the district or county to be represented not less than one
year prior to the time of the by-election;

6.1.4
Be a taxpayer.
6.1.5
If a candidate of a political party, alliance or coalition, the endorsing coalition, party or alliance must
present proof of a bank balance of not less than $10,000USD or its Liberian Dollars equivalent. If an independent
candidate, he/she must present proof of a bank balance of $5,000USD in the case of a representative and $7,500
in the case of a senator.
6.2
Each aspirant candidate is required to submit a separate sworn declaration or
together with his/her application for nomination, attesting to:

affidavit
6.2.1
His/her citizenship;
6.2.2
His/her domicile;
6.2.3
His/her actual, regular and principal place of residence during the period of
one year immediately preceding the date of the By-election.
6.3
In addition to this sworn declaration or affidavit, aspirant candidate shall submit together
his/her application for registration a certified or notarized copy of
each of the following:

6.3.1
Each page of his/her passport;

6.3.2
National or international drivers license (if any);

6.3.3
Bank statement or any other official document reflecting his/her address;

6.3.4
Tax clearance as a taxpayer (income or property taxes);
with

6.3.5
Any other documentation containing information which the Commission may

in its sole discretion request to verify the authenticity of the aspirant
candidates claim to being qualified for the office sought.
6.4
Any person aspiring to stand as a candidate shall satisfy each and every one of
the
criteria set out in Section 6 hereof and comply in full with all provisions of
Sections 6.2 and 6.3 above
to be considered as a candidate.
PART V
Section 7: Nomination of Candidates of Political Parties, Alliances and Coalitions

7.1
Parties, alliances and coalitions shall not be required to hold local conventions
for
nomination of candidates. The National Executive Committees shall, in consultation
with
the
Committees, effect the nomination of their candidates.
7.2.
Each party, alliance and coalition shall nominate one candidate only for each By-
the
Local
Election.
7.3
Acceptance of applications for nomination, whether re-nomination, or new nomination shall be
subject to all the eligibility criteria including but not limited to those provided for under the Constitution
of Liberia, relevant statutory laws and Regulations, Guidelines, Code of Conduct of Political Parties and
Independent Candidates promulgated by the NEC. Only upon meeting all these requirements shall a candidate
stand for the office he/she seeks.
Section 8: Independent Candidates
8.1
Any person who satisfies the qualifications criteria laid down in Section 6 of these regulations,
may apply for registration as an independent candidate in By- Elections.
8.2
Acceptance of applications for registration shall be subject to all the eligibility criteria including
but not limited to those provided for under the Constitution of Liberia, relevant statutory laws and regulations
promulgated by the NEC. Only upon meeting all these requirements shall a candidate stand for the office he/she
seeks.
Section 9: Nomination Procedures for Candidates of Political Parties, Alliances, and
Coalitions
9.1
A registered political party, alliance or coalition, intending to contest By-Elections, shall, together with
payment of the prescribed application fee pick up the nomination package containing all relevant nomination
forms including endorsement form which shall be filled in by both the candidate and the party and submit same
to the NEC before the close of the nomination period.
9.2
Letters of intent from each candidate so nominated stating his/her willingness to serve
when
elected, together with the sworn declarations or affidavits and documents listed in Sections 6.2 and 6.3 of these
regulations shall be submitted to
the Commission not later than the close of the nomination period,
except where the situation contemplated in Section 12.3 arises, in which event the provisions of that
section shall apply.

9.3
The nomination of a candidate for elective public office by or on behalf of a
constituent
political party, an accredited coalition or alliance shall not be accepted by the Commission unless that
political party has notified the Commission of its withdrawal from the alliance or coalition, not less than ten
(10) weeks before election. In the event of such notice being received by the Commission less than ten
weeks before election, the Commission shall require the affected party and the
candidate to show cause
why the nomination of the candidate should not be rejected at a hearing to be held not later than seven (7)
days of receipt of the
relevant notice by the Commission.
9.4
The Commission may reject any application for acceptance/nomination by a
nominated
candidate for the elective office sought which does not meet the
qualification and criteria specified in
the Constitution or the New Elections Law,
or which does not meet any of the requirements laid down
in these regulations, subject to any such aspirant candidate first being afforded an opportunity to
remedy the defect(s) in his/her application in accordance with the procedure set out in Section
12.3.
Section 10:
Application Procedure for Independent Candidates
10.1
Any person who satisfies the qualifications criteria and other requirements laid
down in these
regulations whether or not such person is a member of any political party, and
who intends to stand for
the elective office of the Legislature shall, together with
payment of the prescribed application fee, pick
up a nomination package, fill in and
submit same to the NEC which shall contain in part the following
information: The full
name of the aspirant candidate, his/her age, address, sex, occupation,
previous positions held (if any), and details of the qualifications required
for the office sought as
provided for in Section 6 of these Regulations,
the Constitution and the New Elections Law.
10.2.
The provisions of Section 9.4 of these regulations shall also apply to all aspirant
candidates.
Section 11:
independent
Application Fees
11.1
An application fee of US$500.00 (Five Hundred United States Dollars) or US$750.00
(Seven Hundred Fifty United States Dollars) shall be payable directly to bank
designated
by
the
Commission by all political parties, alliances, coalitions and independent candidates which nominate
candidates for members of the House of Representatives or Senate respectively for By-elections.
Section 12:
Verification and Determination Procedures for all Candidates
12.1
The Commission shall, upon receipt of an application by a candidate, and a Letter of Intent by an
independent candidate, issue a written and dated notice of receipt
thereof.
12.2
The Commission may take all lawful steps which it deems necessary, including the holding
of
hearings, to verify the accuracy of the information and documentation submitted by aspirant candidates, in
order to ascertain that the candidate meets
the requirements under the Constitution and the New
Elections Law. A political
party, alliance, coalition or aspirant candidate, as the case may be, shall afford
full cooperation to the Commission in this verification process.
12.3
In the event of any application being defective, the Commission shall afford the candidate
an
opportunity to rectify the defect(s) in his/her application by notifying
the candidate of such defect(s) within
three (3) days of receipt of the application.
The candidate shall, within four (4) days of receipt of such
notice rectify the defect(s) and resubmit his/her application to the NEC for verification and determination.
To be entitled to seven (7) days to correct errors or deficiencies, a
candidate shall submit to NEC all
nomination papers within the first seven (7) days of the nomination period. Any candidate submitting such
papers after this period shall have only up to the end of the nomination period to correct any error(s) or
deficiency(ies).
12.4
The Commission shall notify all aspirant candidates in writing of its decision to
reject the request to stand for office on a date to be determined by the Commission.
accept
or
12.5
In the event of the Commission rejecting the request of an aspirant candidate to
stand for office,
it shall notify the candidate and the party, alliance, coalition and
as the case may be, of the reasons for
rejection. An aspirant candidate
whose request has been rejected may appeal the Commissions
decision to the
Supreme Court.
12.6
The Commission shall publish the names of all candidates accepted to stand for
local media.
Section 13:
office
in
the
Withdrawal of Nomination/Application/Candidature
13.1
Any political party, alliance or coalition or its candidate, or an independent
candidate may
withdraw a nomination/application. Such withdrawal shall be effected by completing and submitting the
prescribed form (which is available in the office of the Magistrate of Elections in the county where the ByElection is to be held) in person to the National Elections Commission at the close of the nomination
period.
13.2
In the event of the nomination of a candidate by a political party, alliance or
coalition being
withdrawn before the close of the nomination period either by the
candidate himself/herself or the
political party, alliance or coalition, such political party, alliance or coalition may endorse/nominate another
candidate for the seat
to be contested, by submitting the prescribed form, containing the name
of the new
candidate and the details and information required under the provisions of Section 6 and
Section 9.1 of these regulations. The new candidate shall submit all
required forms and documents to the
Commission, including the Letter of Intent
referred to under Section 9.2 of these regulations not later
than the close of the nomination period.
13.3
Where a candidate has been approved, such candidature may be withdrawn only under the joint
signatures of the head of the party, alliance or coalition, and the
candidate by not later than twentyfour (24) hours before publication of the final list of candidates. In the case of an independent candidate, his/
her signature shall be
sufficient notice of such withdrawal. No independent candidate, party, alliance,
coalition or candidate of such party, alliance or coalition may withdraw an approved

candidature
after the final list of candidates has been published.
13.4
If the candidate who is nominated by a political party is challenged and found ineligible, said party
shall not have a second chance to re-nominate.
Section 14:
Death or Incapacity of a Candidate
14.1
In the event of the death or incapacity of a candidate of a political party, alliance or
coalition
after the publication of the Final List of Candidates, including after the ballot papers have been printed, the
affected political party, alliance or coalition
may nominate another candidate in accordance
with the provisions of Section 9 of
these regulations, which shall apply in their entirety to a candidate so
nominated,
subject to all qualification criteria and other requirements laid down in the
Constitution, the New Elections Law, and these regulations being met by the candidate
so nominated.
Any votes cast for the deceased or
incapacitated candidate shall be transferred to and regarded as
having been cast for the candidate so nominated.

14.2
In the event of the death or incapacity of an independent candidate, any votes cast for him/her shall be
registered as invalid; but if said candidate wins, a new election shall be held.
Section 15.
Obligations of Political Parties, Alliances and Coalitions
Page 9
Frontpage
15.1
All Registered political parties, alliances and coalitions shall be required to establish
and
maintain functioning and standardized offices in the capital of the Republic of
Liberia and at least one
functioning and furnished local office in capital of the
county (in the case a senatorial By-election)
and in the headquarters of the district (in the
case of a representative by-election). These offices shall be
available for inspection by
the Commission during the process of a By-Election.
Section 16:
Disclosure of Assets and Liabilities and Account of Elections Expenses
16.1
Each Political Party, alliance or coalition shall maintain an updated bank account with a balance
not less than Ten Thousand Untied States Dollars (US$10,000.00) or
its equivalent in Liberian Dollars.
16.2
All candidates shall submit to the Commission a detailed statement of assets and liabilities,
which shall reflect the value of the assets, the source of all funds, and any other assets, liabilities and
expenditure, as required by the Constitution and Sections 7.1 to 7.4 inclusive, of the 1986 New Elections
Law.
16.3
The aforesaid statement must be submitted not later than thirty (30) days prior to the holding of the
election as required by Article 83(d) of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia.

16.4
All candidates shall submit to the Commission, accounts of their election expenses not later than
fifteen (15) days after the announcement of the results of By- elections.
Section 17:
Limitation on Funding of Political Parties, Alliances, Coalitions and
Candidates Accountability and Limitations on Elections
Expenses

17.1
The provisions of Article 83(d) of the 1986 Liberian Constitution and of Chapter 7, Sections 7.1 to
7.4 inclusive, of the 1986 New Elections Law (or any amendments thereto), relating to contributions to political
parties or candidates, the restrictions on the remittance of funds from outside the country to political parties,
alliances or coalitions or independent candidates, the limitation of election expenses, and the establishment of a
banking account by political parties, alliances, coalitions shall be strictly adhered to.
17.2
Election expenses shall not be incurred or authorized by any candidate and/or a party, alliance or
coalition for the office of Representative in excess of the Liberian Dollar equivalent of Four Hundred Thousand
United States Dollars (US$400,000.00); Liberian Dollar equivalent or Six Hundred Thousand United States
Dollars (US$600,000.00) in
case of a senatorial candidate. Failure to adhere to this requirement constitutes an election offense punishable
under the provisions of Section 10.7 of Chapter 10 of the 1986 New Elections Law.
PART VII
Section 18:
Campaign Period and Matters Incidental Thereto
18.1
The Commission shall determine, publish and announce the date when official
campaign shall
open and close. The campaign period shall commence upon such
publication and announcement.
18.2
No political party, alliance, coalition or candidate shall commence campaign until the
has been officially declared open by the Commission.
campaign
18.3
No political party, alliance, coalition, or candidate shall continue to campaign beyond
closing date of the campaign period.
18.4
Failure to comply with the provisions of Section 17.2 above shall constitute an
offense punishable under the provisions of Chapter 10 of the 1986 New Elections Law.
election
18.5
Activities of political parties, alliances, coalitions and independent candidates
extend beyond the boundaries of Liberia.
shall
18.6
the
not
The official campaign period shall end at midnight twenty-four (24) hours before Election Day.
Section 19:
Complaints and Appeals

19.1
The provisions of the Procedures and Regulations on Complaints and Appeal promulgated by the
National Elections Commission 2011 as amended and Regulations on challenges and complaints arising before
and during elections are adopted for the purpose of By-Elections.
Section: 20
Guidelines and Codes of Conduct
20.1
The Guidelines and Code of Conduct for Representatives of Political Parties,
Accredited
Alliances, Coalitions, and Independent Candidates of 2011, the Code of Conduct of the National Elections
Commission of 2011, the Code of Conduct for
Observers of 2011, the Liberian Political Parties Code of
Conduct of 2011, and the
Election Coverage Code of Conduct of the Press Union of Liberia, as amended
are
adopted for the purpose of By-elections.
20.2
The provisions of these Guidelines and Codes shall apply in their entirety to By-
elections.
Section 21:
Effective Date
These Regulations shall enter into force immediately upon their publication by the Commission and shall be
binding upon all candidates, political parties, alliances, coalitions contesting By-elections, and members of such
parties, alliances and coalitions.
Section 22:
Revision and Amendment

These Regulations may be revised or amended at any time by the Commission. All such revisions
or amendments shall be published by the Commission, and shall
become effective
immediately
upon such publication.
DONE UNDER OUR HANDS AND SEAL OF THE NATIONAL ELECTIONS COMMISSION (NEC),
IN THE CITY OF MONROVIA, THIS 16TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, A.D. 2015.
Page 10 | Frontpage
IN BRIEF
IRAQ ENVOY TO UN:

ISLAMIC STATE MIGHT BE
HARVESTING ORGANS
UNITED NATIONS (AP)

raq's ambassador to the
United Nations asked the
U.N.
Security
Council
on Tuesday to look at
allegations that the Islamic State
group is using organ harvesting as
a way to finance its operations.
Ambassador Mohamed Alhakim
told reporters that in the past
few weeks, bodies with surgical
incisions and missing kidneys or
other body parts have been found
in shallow mass graves.
"We have bodies. Come and
examine them," he said. "It is clear
they are missing certain parts."
He also said a dozen doctors have
been "executed" in Mosul for
refusing to participate in organ
harvesting.
Alhakim briefed the council on
the overall situation in Iraq and
accused the Islamic State group of
"crimes of genocide" in targeting
certain ethnic groups.
ISRAEL'S NETANYAHU
FACING NEW SCANDAL
OVER BLOATED EXPENSES
JERUSALEM (AP)
ith Israeli elections
looming and the
region in turmoil,
Prime
Minister
Benjamin
Netanyahu
found
himself once more enmeshed in a
gossipy scandal on Tuesday: a new
government report alleged possible
financial malfeasance at his
official residence, while his wife
faced criticism for pettiness and
possible security breaches after
complaining about their kitchen in
a video.
The uproar jolted an election
campaign in which Netanyahu's
opponents have tried to portray
him as enjoying a lavish lifestyle
and being out of touch with the
struggles of average Israelis.
witter,
the
social
media giant, is facing
mounting
questions
from members of
Congress and outside groups
over the abuse of its network by
Islamic State terrorists to spread
propaganda and recruit foreign
fighters.
An upcoming report has
identified as many as 46,000
Twitter accounts that were being
used by IS sympathizers during
a three-month period last fall
making it by far the most popular
social media service for the
terror group, according to J.M.
Berger, who conducted the study,
to be published next month by
the Brookings Institution.
But in recent weeks, how Twitter
as well as other social media
companies such as YouTube and
Facebook polices this content
is emerging as a central issue
in a vexing debate that pits the
limits of free speech against the
governments need to confront
the aggressive messaging of IS
and related terror groups. It is
expected to be a prime topic of
a social media panel scheduled
today at a White House
summit on countering violent
extremism.
This is the way [IS] is recruiting
they are getting people to leave
their homelands and become
fighters, said Rep. Ted Poe,
R-Texas, the chair of a House
foreign affairs subcommittee
on terrorism, who held a recent
hearing on the issue.
While acknowledging that IS
propagandists use all social
media platforms, Poe said
there is frustration with Twitter
specifically over what he views
as its insufficient response
to pleas to shut down clear
incitements to violence.
Poe told Yahoo News that he
and other members of Congress
will be sending a letter to Twitter
CEO Dick Costolo this week
demanding that the firm take
more active measures to shut
down IS tweeters. We want
PAGE
RONT
WORLD NEWS
TWITTER UNDER PRESSURE TO ACT MORE

AGGRESSIVELY AGAINST TERRORISTS
As the Islamic States go-to propaganda platform, the social
media giant faces increasing demands to police its network
them to treat this the same as

child pornography, said Poe,
noting that the firm has been far
more vigilant in shutting down
obscene images than it has with
those containing extremist and
violent content.
But Twitter officials say the
criticisms are misplaced and
that its policies are no different
from those of other social media
companies, which rely on the
public to report abuses. Officials
also say the critics ignore
behind-the-scenes cooperation
the firm has been providing to
the FBI, which at times seeks
to use Twitter to track and, with
luck, identify IS tweeters.
Like our peer companies, we
do not proactively monitor
content, a Twitter spokesman

said in an email. We review
all reported content against our
rules, which prohibit unlawful
use and direct, specific threats
of violence against others. Users
report potential rules violations
to us, we review their reports and
take action if the content violates
our rules.
In part, several sources said,
Twitters problems are of its own
making. Twitter is notoriously
close-mouthed in how they
handle suspensions and what
goes on in the company, said
Berger, an expert on the use of
social media. We dont know
who they suspend, and why. Of
all the social media companies,
they have been very reluctant to
be involved in discussions with

the government a stance
he attributes to the libertarian
views of the companys
founders and executives.
That attitude led to tensions with
White House officials when they
sought to engage the company
in discussions about the policing
of its network, according to two
sources familiar with internal
deliberations on the issue.
Lisa Monaco, President Barack
Obamas chief counterterrorism
adviser, has privately complained
that Twitter wouldnt even
return [White House officials]
phone calls, said one former
U.S. official. They were really
pissed off.
(A Twitter official declined to
comment on the record. A White
House official said Twitter will
be sending representatives to this
weeks White House summit, but
none of its executives are slated
to speak, either on the social
media panel or at any other
summit-related event. They
didnt see this as a good fit, said
one administration official when
asked about Twitters role in the
summit.)
The use and abuse of social
media platforms by IS and other
terror groups has been a growing
issue for U.S. and other Western
law enforcement and intelligence
agencies. IS has developed what
Matt Olsen, the former director
of the National Counterterrorism
Center, has described as the
most sophisticated propaganda
machine of any terrorist
organization. The group employs
a network of cyberwarriors,
based in Raqqa, Syria, whose
members target young people for
recruitment (leveraging popular
NIGERIA MILITARY SAYS KILLS 300 BOKO

HARAM MILITANTS IN COUNTER OFFENSIVE
GAMBIAN INDEPENDENCE FETE

OVERSHADOWED BY ABUSE REPORTS
Banjul (Gambia) (AFP) he Gambia marked its

50th year of independence
on Wednesday, with
festivities overshadowed
by growing complaints over its
rights record and the regime
increasingly seen abroad as a
pariah.
President Yahya Jammeh, who has
ruled the former British colony with
an iron fist since seizing power in
1994, launched three months of
celebrations with a parade at the
national Independence Stadium.
But preparations have been
clouded by growing accusations
from political opponents and
international rights groups of
enforced disappearances, torture
and the muzzling of journalists.
MAROUA,
Cameroon/
MAIDUGURI,
Nigeria
(Reuters) igerian forces have
killed more than
300 Boko Haram
fighters
during
an operation to recapture 11
towns and villages since the
start of the week, the military
said on Wednesday, as regional
neighbours also pounded the
militants.
"Weapons and equipment

were also captured and some
destroyed," defence spokesman
Major-General
Chris
Olukolade said in a statement.
"However, two soldiers lost
their lives while 10 others were
wounded," he added.
It was not possible to
independently
verify
the
military's statement. Nigerian
forces have in past been
accused of overstating enemy
casualties
while
greatly
understating their own and
those of civilians caught in the
crossfire.
Cameroonian forces supported
by Chad's air force carried
out air strikes and used heavy
artillery against Boko Haram in
the village of Gourgouroon, on
the Nigeria-Cameroon border,
Cameroon army spokesman
Colonel Didier Badjeck said.
Boko
Haram's
relentless
attacks on military and civilians

have killed thousands since
the group launched its violent
campaign for a breakaway
Islamic state in mid-2009,
threatening the stability of
Africa's biggest economy and
top oil producer as well as that
of the entire region.
Boko Haram was cited as a
reason for postponing by six
weeks a Nigerian presidential
election that had been due to
take place this past Saturday.
In a video on Tuesday, Boko
Haram
leader
Abubakar
Shekau appeared in a video
monitored by the U.S.-based
SITE Intelligence Group in
which he threatened to disrupt
the upcoming vote.
But in the past two weeks
the tide has appeared to turn
against them, as neighbours
Chad, Cameroon and Niger,
all of whom are plagued by
Boko Haram insurgents, have
weighed in.
VICTORIES
Nigerian soldiers recaptured
the strategic town of Monguno,
on the shores of Lake Chad
where the four countries meet,
hashtags like #World Cup and

#Ebola to extend its reach)
and repeatedly post vile and
threatening messages, including
graphic images of beheadings
and other executions, such as
the recent burning of a Jordanian
pilot.
CLICK IMAGE for slideshow:
A screengrab from an ISIS video
reporting to show Jordanian Pilot
Muath al-Kasasba prior
These efforts are believed to
be spearheaded in part by a
notorious British hacker, Junaid
Hussain, who has previously
been imprisoned for hacking into
former British Prime Minister
Tony Blairs address book and
posting personal details online.
The congressional concerns
about Twitters policies were
amplified by the recentdisclosure
of an internal memowritten by
Twitter CEO Costolo taking his
own firm to task for its failure to
shut down tweeters who engage
in cyberbullying and sexual
harassment on its network. We
suck at dealing with abuse and
trolls on the platform, Costolo
wrote in the memo. Were
going to start kicking these
people off right and left and
making sure that when they issue
their ridiculous attacks, nobody
hears them.
Poe said in an interview that he
wants to see Twitter take the
same attitude toward IS tweeters.
But even he acknowledges
that the issue is complicated.
In recent meetings, Poe said
Twitter representatives have
argued that they have taken
their primary guidance from
the FBI: The law enforcement
agency has indicated that it often
wants Twitter to leave IS-linked
accounts up, so the bureau can
track them.
from Boko Haram on Monday.

More than 5,000 people fled
the town after the insurgents
seized it last month.
Olukolade said troops had
seized five types of armoured
fighting vehicles, an antiaircraft gun, 50 cases of
bombs, eight different types
of machine guns, some 50
cases of ammunition and 300
motorcycles the rebels use to
launch attacks.
Chadian
troops
cleared
Boko Haram out of Nigeria's
Gamburu earlier this month.
Niger soldiers shot dead a
suicide bomber suspected of
belonging to Islamist militant
group Boko Haram on Monday
after he tried to detonate an
explosive belt near a military
post in the southern Niger town
of Bagara.
Violence in the northeast has
hurt the re-election prospects
of
President
Goodluck
Jonathan, accused of doing too
little to protect civilians from
the militants, although recent
victories could swing public
opinion in his favour.
The growing cooperation
between Nigeria's neighbours
is also attracting donor support
to fight the Islamists, with the
U.S. army providing equipment
and intelligence to allies.
s the Liberia Basketball

Association (LBA) in a
crisis?
Well, the LBAs congress
and elections have now been
postponed for the third time.
And
according
to
oxforddictionaries.com,
a
crisis is a time of intense
difficulty or danger or a time
when a difficult or important
decision must be made.
Tuesdays congress, which
should have been followed
by an election on Wednesday,
was abruptly called-off by the
Ministry of Youth and Sports
(MYS) following a complaint
by aggrieved stakeholders, who
are questioning the inclusion
of 14 third division clubs and
demanding a financial report
from the Rufus Anderson-led
administration.
At a meeting of the minds on
Tuesday at the MYS, a twopage comprehensive peace
agreement (CPA), a contrast
to the one signed by warring
parties in Accra, Ghana on
18 August 2003, was signed
by all parties after more than
six hours of closed-doors
deliberations.
It was agreed that the
leadership of the LBA presents
the current bank statement and
receipts of third division clubs
by close of business on 18
February to Deputy Minister
Henry B. Yonton to determine
their legitimacy in order for
their presidents or designated
representatives to vote or stand
in the elections.
They are Destiny Kings
(Julius Lewis), Star One
(Myers
Hinneh),
Island
Clippers (Samuel Bing), Bong
Shooters (Jean Murray), Island
Claves (Stephen N. Tugbeh),
Buchanan Braves (Milton
Quaye) and Harbel Tappers
Frontpage
Sports
BOILING POINT?
SPORTS
FORMER NIGERIA COACH KESHI IN

CONTENTION FOR BURKINA JOB
MYS, LBA and stakeholders carve a comprehensive peace agreement after three unsuccessful elections
(Vincent S. T. Willie).
Others are Mamba Point
Legends
(Abdallah
M.
Housseini),
Cape
Mount
Wizards (Elizabeth S. B.
Corneh), Fire (McDonald
Marshall), Ben Curser Pioneers
(Samuel L. Nugba), HISSO
(Abigail Freeman), Invincible
Invaders (Teddy Swaray)
and Junior Rookies (Tristen
Varflay).
It was also agreed that all
qualified teams must receive
their package on February 18
at the MYS as congress will be
convened from February 20-21
with a venue to be decided and
communicated to the MYS.
Registration for the elections
began on Tuesday and will
end on Thursday but new

candidates must now register
with the adhoc elections
commission instead of the
secretariat.
Clubs in arrears with the LBA
have been mandated to be zero
balance by close of business on
Thursday.
The CPA was signed by Ali
Sylla and Calvin Diggs for
the aggrieved party; President
Anderson
and
secretarygeneral Allen Goodrich for the
LBA and approved by Yonton
on behalf of the MYS.
The ministrys decision to
repeatedly
postpone
the
elections has been seen by
Anderson as a governmental
interference
but
Yonton
disagrees.
No, that is not true Danesius.
Our role is to make sure
that harmony exists among
federations and associations
because you know we are
the umbrella [for all of them]
and they received subsidies
from government through the
Ministry of Youth and Sports.
So it our responsibility to ensure
that harmony exists among the
clubs and associations and
federations, he said.
For his part, Sylla of D.
Rockas, who withdrew from
the
Montserrado
County
senatorial election on health
ground, said the Anderson-led
administration refused to heed
to calls for transparency and
dominated by the visitors, who

fell behind in the 11th minute
to a Derlis Gonzalez strike.
That would prove be Basel's
only meaningful attack of the
game though, as two-time
winners Porto ramped up the
pressure, with Cristian Tello
denied a leveller by the offside
flag late in the first half.
Casemiro was next to have

a goal chalked off, after his
flick from a corner was ruled
out for interference on Basel
goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik.
Porto were celebrating for an
extended period following
the goal but, following
consultation from his officials,
referee Mark Clattenburg
correctly ruled that Vaclik had
been impeded by both Jackson
Martinez and Ivan Marcano in
his attempt to save the effort.
Julen Lopetegui's men finally
got back on level terms with 11
minutes to play, however, after
Walter Samuel was penalised
for a handball from Danilo's
cross.
Samuel's intervention was
not deliberate but it was a
clear penalty, with Danilo
dispatching the spot-kick into
the bottom-left corner to give
his side an all-important away
goal.
Porto will now be favourites to
progress to the last eight when
they host the second leg on
March 10.
Porto, who had won just one
of their last 13 away matches
in the competition's knockout
stages, made the brighter start,

but it was Basel who would
take the lead with their first
chance of the game.
Fabian Frei's ball in and
behind the Porto defence sent
Gonzalez free and his excellent
first touch set up a chance on
goal.
Defenders Alex Sandro and
Maicon were closing in but
Gonzalez did just enough to
prod the ball past onrushing
goalkeeper Fabiano and into
the bottom-left corner before
the pair collided.
Gonzalez required treatment
after his goal and was
eventually taken off in the 25th
minute, replaced by Davide
Calla.
Basel were happy to sit back
following their opener but
Danilo gave them a scare when
his 25-yard effort required a
clever save from Vaclik.
And Porto had claims for a
penalty when Martinez went
to ground under close attention
from Samuel on the half-hour
mark.
Samuel pulled the captain's
armband, worn by the Porto
forward, off as the pair tangled
accountability.
This is not about the election

being postponed or the election
been suspended. This is
about doing the right thing.
There are many provisions
in our constitution that the
administration have violated.
There are many executive
committee
[members]
positions that have not been
occupied for many, many years.
So we think this resolution will
take us to elections and set the
basic for doing the right thing,
Sylla said.
But Anderson remains upbeat
about his chances despite the
many hurdles in the way of his
reelection.
I am and I have always been
[positive about my chances
of reelection], he told
FrontPageAfrica.
The congress and elections
should have taken place last
November but was called-off
due to the widespread of Ebola.
With new dates like 25 January,
11 February and 17 February
having failed to materialize, it
was agreed that the aggrieved
party subsidized day two of the
congress. Said amount will be
channeled through the MYS on
Thursday.
Meanwhile, FPA gathered that
the congress and elections
will go ahead at the Baptist
Seminary on the agreed date
and time.
BASEL 1-1 PORTO: DANILO RESCUES DRAW FOR PORTUGUESE SIDE
anilo's 79th-minute
penalty
gave
Porto a deserved
equaliser as their
1-1 draw at Basel moved them
a step closer to the Champions
League quarter-finals.
Wednesday's first leg of
the round of 16 clash in
Switzerland was completely
Page 11
but perhaps the Colombian's

theatrical fall went against him
as Clattenburg waved play on.
Tello was denied by the offside
flag as the first half drew to a
close and once play resumed,
Porto had another goal ruled
out.
That did not deter the
Portuguese giants though, with
Vaclik required to keep out
a smart Tello effort from an
acute angle in the 58th minute.
A heavy first touch then robbed
Martinez of a quick shot on
goal, although he was still
clever enough to lift an effort
over Vaclik - only to see his
effort drop onto the roof of the
net.
The avalanche of Porto attacks
continued as Hector Herrera
tried his luck from distance
against a Basel side that had
still registered just one shot
on target before the equaliser
finally came.
Samuel could not get his arm
out of the way from Danilo's
cross and the 23-year-old
stepped up to take the penalty,
scoring emphatically to give
his side the upper hand in the
tie.
Ouagadougou (AFP) ormer Nigeria coach

Stephen Keshi is one
of three names on the
shortlist to become
Burkina Faso's new manager,
the Burkina Faso Football
Federation (FBF) said on
Wednesday.
Also in the hunt to succeed
Paul Put are ex-Ghana coach
Milovan Rajevac and former
Gabon and Niger boss Gernot
Rohr.
"The FBF plans to name the
successful candidate within
three weeks," a federation
statement read.
Belgian Put stood down after
a disappointing Africa Cup of
Nations campaign in Equatorial
Guinea.
MANCHESTER CITY WILL SELL

NASRI, KOMPANY AND YAYA
TOURE TO GET ME, JOKES BILIC
laven Bilic has joked

that Manchester City
are willing to sell
Samir Nasri, Yaya
Toure and Vincent Kompany in
order to acquire his services.
Reports earlier this week
suggested the Besiktas boss
could be tempted to take over
from Manuel Pellegrini in the
summer if City decide to part
company with the Chilean.
When quizzed about the
interest,
Bilic
issued
a
lighthearted response, but also
reaffirmed his commitment
to the Turkish club, who
currently lie one point clear of
Fenerbahce at the Super Lig
summit.
BLATTER HITS OUT AT

RACIST CHELSEA FANS
ifa president Sepp

Blatter has hit out at
a group of Chelsea
supporters, after they
were filmed racially abusing a
black man on the Paris Metro
system.
Footage emerged on Tuesday
night of a group of fans
blocking a man from boarding
a train, while other people can
be heard singing, "We're racist,
we're racist and that's the way
we like it."
The leader of world football's
governing body has now
stepped in to have his say on the
events.
Page 6a
12 | Frontpage
Monrovia our men, who allegedly

carried out an arson
attack at the home of a
woman called Roseline
Toe, have been arrested charged
and detained at the Monrovia
Central
Prison
awaiting
prosecution.
The attack allegedly left one
man dead in the Battery Factory
Community along the Somalia
Drive.
The men also face multiple
charges to include theft of
property, rioting, failure to
disperse, disorderly conduct as
well as criminal facilitation.
Police have identified the four
defendants, as Alfred D.Gadeh,
Emmanuel Pappoe, Emmanuel
Titus Wee and Fomba Fofana
all reported to be residents of
the Swamp City block A in the
Battery Factory area.
The arrest of the men stems from
a formal complaint filed to the
Special Investigation Unit (SIU)
of the Liberia National police
(LNP), by Madam Toe as stated
on the Police charge sheet.
In the complaint, she stated that
in 2013 she sold four acres of
her land situated in the Swamp
City Community, also in the
Battery Factory vicinity to a man
identified as Joe Mulbah. She
said to her dismay, she continues
to receive threats from some of
the squatters on the land.
Madam Toe explained that on
Tuesday, February 10, 2015,
Mulbah was denied by the same
squatters, who had earlier issued
threats, from clearing the four
acres of land.
LAW & ORDER
BROAD DAY ARSON

F
PAGE
RONT
Four Men Charged In Battery Factory Attack

Kennedy l. Yangian kennedylyangian@frontpageafricaonline.com 077296781
In continuation of her complaint,

Toe stated that on February 11,
2015, the same squatters along
with other community members
allegedly armed with cutlasses
and other dangerous weapons,
including petrol bomb and a
gallon of gasoline, set ablaze four
of her houses and vandalized the
one, she resided.
She also stated in her complaint
that the rioters, allegedly
assaulted her fianc identified as
Saye Konah, with cutlasses and
wounded him severely.

Madam Toe said her properties
including cash of L$150,000.00
and US$7,000.00 kept in her
safe in the house, were all stolen
allegedly by the perpetrators,
before setting the houses ablaze.
Defendant Fofana according to
the police charge sheet denied
any involvement in the riot that
led to the burning of the houses.
He claimed that the police
arrested him when he went to
Battery factory, after receiving
a call from his grandmother

who lives the area. He said his
grandmother was afraid and told
him that people were running
away and wanted him to come
rescue her.
Police say another defendant
Titus admitted being within the
Swamp Community on February
11, 2015, when the riot was
ongoing.
He stated further that some of the
rioters led by Lazo and Junior
crossed the river to Madam
Toes residence and said that

Master Young had killed one of
the community members only
identified as a Nigerian Man.
He also said when the rioters
crossed the river; he saw heavy
smoke with fire blazing from the
residence of Madam Toe.
Titus denied involvement in the
rioting and burning of Madam
Toes home. But on the police
charge sheet, he stated that he
was arrested when some police
officers arrived on the grounds
Fayiah Tamba believes they

chose a quality tool for a tough
job.
Today in Liberia, there are
two things normally that I can
count that Liberians are very
glued to: the issue of music
[and] the issue of football.
And this is one way we think
[we can promote this antistigmatization
campaign]
because if you listen to the
message, I am sure a lot of
Liberians are going to be
attracted to it.
And once people get attracted
to it, the message will go
through. As the message goes
through, of course, our belief is
that our people in the difference
communities in this country
will get to realize that survivors
are our colleagues. They are
our family members and they
can be reintegrated back into
the communities and they are
harmless, Tamba emphasized.
Tamba doesnt want to put a
monetary value to the song,
arguing that the effort of all,
especially the artists, is more
than dollars and cents.
Producer Florence Jlopeh had
hopes that the song would have
been launched in grand style.
Jlopleh (left) and Ebola survivors Makulah and Gerald perform on stage "...If it has fallen in my
Give Me Hope, Show been produced by the Liberia the Ministry of Information, purview, I would want for the
Me Love, Show Me Musicians Union (LMU) and Cultural Affairs and Tourism song to be launched, where
the government and citizenry
Care, Im Like You the Liberia National Red Cross on February 13.
Again, I am a Survivor. Society (LNRCS).
The song aims to discourage of Liberia, go at the ATS
Show Me Love, Show Me The song, an initiative of the the discrimination of survivors [Antoinette Tubman Stadium]
Care, Im Like You Again. Red Cross Movement (RCM)s and promotes values such or SKD [Samuel Kanyon Doe
Don't Send Me Away-A-A-A- Ebola response in Liberia, as tolerance, solidarity and sports complex] though we are
A-A-A-A, Don't Neglect Me, I is intended to support the compassion and encourages saying we are not supposed
Am From This Family.
reintegration of Ebola survivors families
and
community to be into crowded places but
"Don't Send Me Away-A-A-A- into their communities.
members to welcome, accept at least it should be played
A-A-A-A, Don't Neglect Me, Let us live together again and live together with those [launched there] and let the
I Am From This Community" was presented to the media who have survived the disease. government and [people] hear
is the chorus of a song that has during a press conference at LNRCS
secretary-general it.
"In every corner of this country,

let the song be heard. And
another thing I have to say is let
the ICRC have a video to this
song that dramatizes against
stigmatization. So that those
that are stigmatizing people
[Ebola survivors] can stop
once and for all," said Jlopeh.
All vocaliststhree females
and a malewere lucky not to
have their immediate families
hit by the disease.
Liberia is recording fewer
cases of Ebola than last
August when President Ellen
Johnson-Sirleaf closed all
schools and border points
and give non-essential civil
servants compulsory leaves as
part of measures to curb the
widespread of the disease.
Most, if not all, of the doubting
Thomases believe that the
disease is real but welcoming
survivors into their families
and communities is a new
problem.
"It [stigmatization] is real; it is
real because opposite to where
my mother lives, there is a
family, who were affected from
the Ebola Virus [Disease].
After a few of them live, they
[community members] started
to point to their house as 'Ebola
house'.
"[As a result], they classified
that family to be Ebola family.
So they were also stigmatized.
And it took time for people
to be educated to have that
people [family] feel free in that
community. So I saw it," says
vocalist Abigail O. Vinton.
Vinton, a minister at the
Congregation of God Church
in the capital of Monrovia,
believes the song will be a big
contribution to the fight against
Ebola.
PAGE
RONT
LIFE STYLE
IN STOPPING
STIGMATIZATION
Red Cross, LMU launch song for Ebola survivors
"
and accused him of being one

of those who looted, burned
and damaged the properties of
Madam Toe.
The third defendant Pappoe
reportedly told the police that
he is a resident of the Swamp
Community, but left the
community on Tuesday for the
Freeport area where he slept. He
told the police that he returned
to the community the following
day, but while walking around
in the community, the police
arrested him on claims that he
was one of those who took part
in the rioting.
The fourth defendant Gadeh
reportedly told the police in
his statement, that he had no
knowledge of the rioting, but
was arrested after he tried to
secure the release of his aunts
son.
However the police stated that
testimonies
gathered
from
witnesses coupled with the facts
and circumstances in the case,
their investigation established
that the four defendants were
allegedly involved in the rioting.
He said this led the police with
no alternative, but to charge
them with the commission of the
crimes, which is in violation of
Section 15.5, 15.1 of the revised
penal law.
"I know when this song is being

played all around, there are a
lot of things that will happen
because the song hasn't even
gone out yet but yet people
who hear the song feel some
sorrows in them. And they feel
that something great has hit our
country.
"I [can] see that this song
will also revive somebody.
This song is not actually
100-percent gospel and it is not
100-percent secular. It is just
a contemporary song. I know
that this song will hit people's
heart all over the world and
they will know that they [Ebola
survivors], are still needed in
the society," added Vinton.
George T. Worjloh, sound
engineer at the T-Bund
Recording Studio where the
song was recorded, wants a
localized version for Guinea
and Sierra Leone, which were
also worst hit by the disease.
It is a great song. It should
not only be for Liberia because
I dont think Ebola is only
limited or restricted to Liberia.
This song, with the kind of
information, it depends on
those that are going to be
responsible for the promotion
and spreading of it. It is a good
song and it is going to impact
peoples lives [so it should go
places], said Worjloh, alias
Deeboy.
Although songs have been
produced about Ebola but
this joint collaboration by the
Red Cross Movement and
LMU is arguably the first
anti-stigmatization song that
portrays the compelling need
for Ebola survivors to be loved
and welcomed back into their
families and communities.
COUNTING THE GAINS
NEC REVIEWING
HIGH COURT
MANDATE
Henry Karmo (0886522495)
Monroviahe National Elections

Commission (NEC)
says it is reviewing
the mandate from
the Supreme Court of Liberia,
ordering it to investigate disputed
election matters in Maryland,
River Gee and Margibi Counties.
The Spokesman of the NEC Mr.
Joey Kennedy told FrontPage
Africa via mobile phone that the
commission would honor the
mandate from the high Court.
He said the NEC is currently
investigating the courts mandate
through its legal department.
The commission is willing
to honor the mandate of the
Supreme Court and in fact
the NEC commissioners have
ordered the legal department of
the Commission to review and
act. That is all I can say for now,
he said.
Tuesdays
Supreme
Court
opinion read by Associate Justice
Jamesetta Wolokolie stated that
the NEC was in gross violation
of the elections law by allowing
four commissioners to hear
election complaint and rule in an
election dispute.
Associate Justice Wolokolie
stated that the election laws
section 2.4 provides that five
commissioners of the NEC
should rule in an elections
dispute.
In a ruling on the writ of
prohibition filed by several
candidates in the elections,
Associate Justice Philip A.
Z. Banks stated that the NEC
should not have certificated
any candidate whose complaint
had been filed and pending
either before the NEC Board of
commissioners or the Supreme
Court.
Justice Banks stated that the
writ of prohibition filed on all
appeals in the December 2014
senatorial election before the
Supreme Court, remains in force
until NEC investigates these
complaints.
The latest information from the
Court has led many to wonder
whether or not the outcome of
the investigation could impact
current
Maryland
County
Senator Gbleh-bo Brown or
affect the just ended Senate
Pro-Tempore election that saw
Brown voting for one of the three
candidates.
In Maryland County Brown
was announced winner of the
December 20 special senatorial
election, but his rival Rep.
Chambers challenged the result
and called on the NEC to do a recount of the votes. Rep. Bhofal
Chambers contended that some
of the polling centers where
Brown purportedly won were
marred by serious irregularities.
On Tuesday the Senate officially
inducted
Senators
Morris
Saytumah (UP-Bomi County)
and Varney Sherman (UP-Grand
Cape Mount County), a day after
their certification by the NEC.
Senators Sherman and Saytumah
were two of the three candidates
elected in the December 20,
2014 special senatorial election,
whose results were challenged
by their opponent through the
legal process. But the Supreme
Court last week ruled in the
matter and declared the two UP
candidates legitimate winners of
the Process.
Frontpage
Page 6b
13
EGIRP IMPROVING EFFICIENCY AND TRANSPARENCY IN PUBLIC FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
Monroviahe fourteen years

of civil unrest left
Liberia with poor
governance structure
characterized by corruption
and abuse of public resources.
The war destroyed productive
assets, physical infrastructure,
institutional
and
human
capacity and eroded public
confidence in the government.
In 2006, when President
Ellen Johnson took office,
improving
economic
governance and strengthen
public administration became
her priority.
With this, the government and
her partners decided to design an
initiative to improve economic
governance and strengthen
public administration which
is expected to increase
transparency and efficiency in
management and utilization of
Liberias rich natural resources
for the provisioning of public
services.
The Economic Governance and
Institutional Reform Project
[EGIRP] was established in
2008 to improve efficiency
and transparency in managing
public financial management
and human resources, focusing
on revenue administration,
public procurement, budget
execution
and
payroll
management.
Tasks completed
The Project Coordinator of
EGIRP Boniface Satu said, the
EGIRP program has completed
all of its project activities
adding that it is expected to
close in June 2015.
Satu said, project over the years
has supported governance
and institutional reforms by
strengthening Public Financial
Management processes and
systems.
Part of our work is to build the
Al-Varney Rogers alvarneyfrontpageonline.com 0886304498
capacity of civil servants with

focus on public procurement
as a pilot and initiating civil
service reform, Satu said.
Satu added, that due to the scale
up activities the government
requested
for
additional
financing of USD 7million.
He said the fund is meant to
finance activities to cover the
cost overrun and to establish
the project management as a
separate component.
Satu said, through EGIRP the
Liberia Expenditure Control
and
accounting
program
[LECAP] with the sun
Accounting system established
a wide area network amongst
ministries and agencies.
Satu added that the additional
funding request by the
government contributed to
the completion of Integrated
Financial
Management
Information System [IFMIS].

EGIRP coordinator named the
Human Resource Management
Information System [HRMIS]
at the Civil Service Agency as
part of the activities initiated
from the additional funding.
It [AF] support the civil
service reform by supporting
the continued maintenance
of well performing qualified
staff contracted under Senior
Executive Service [SES] and
enable their mainstreaming
into regular civil service, Satu
said.
Satu further said that the
programs designed under the
EGIRP project accrued benefits
for the people and government
of Liberia.
IFMIS has helped in the
budget
preparation
and
execution, now we have online
availability of information for
planning the budget, Satu

added.
He said, with the IFMIS there
is better commitment and
expenditure control for the
execution of the budget.
Satu said, the project was able
to improve the preparation and
execution of the budget and the
establishment of the Financial
Management
Training
Program.
With less than four months
remaining for the completion
EGIRP program, the project
has achieved and spends 95
percent of the 18 million
allocated, Satu added.
Satu recounted that the project
became effective on May 23,
2008 and originally expected
to close on August 31, 2011 but
extended.
The newly expected close date
is June 30, 2015 due to Ebola a
WE REMAIN VIGILANT
- CDC Predicts Chambers Victory in Maryland County Election results
Monroviahe Supreme Court

of
Liberia
on
Tuesday ordered the
National Elections
Commission to investigate
complaints
of
election
related irregularities filed by
Senatorial candidate Dr. Bhofal
Chambers of Maryland County
and the opposition Congress

for Democratic Change says its
welcomes the decision by the
high court.
The opposition party youth
League Chairman, Jefferson
Koijee told FrontPageAfrica
that the party remains vigilant
in the wake of the Supreme
court ruling as it looks up to
the NEC to investigate the
complaint.
We remain vigilant and we
welcome the decision by the
high court, we are now waiting
to see what NEC is going to
do, Koijee said.
He praised that the decision
by the court means the justice
system of the country is
working and also called on NEC
Chairman Jerome G. Korkoyah
to maintain the independence
of the commission by fairly
looking into the complaint.
Said Koijee We hope

Chairman Korkoyah will
work to maintain the emerging
credibility of the commission
judging from the manner and
form in which the commission
handled the 2014 special
senatorial election.
He described as a victory
for the justice system of
Liberia the firm action of the
Supreme Court to work against
manipulation from President
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
The Supreme Court work
against the surprise visit by
the President and attempts to
manipulate the process and it
is now left with NEC to do the
same, declared Koijee.
CONVINCED
OF
CHAMBERS VICTORY
The CDC official said the party
no cost extension request from

the government of Liberia.
Satu said, the program
produces fifty four procurement
graduates and one hundred
eleven
MBA
graduates
deployed in various Ministries
and Agencies.
Satu also said, graduates are
serving as Technical focal
points,
lead
consultants,
financial
advisors,
comptrollers,
Chief
Accountants and Directors
at various Ministries and
Agencies for sound financial
management
Satu said, the program
has improved quality of
procurement documentation
with the introduction of
relevant PCC standard forms
and documents at all stages of
the procurement process.
is convinced based on evidence
gathered that Dr. Chambers is
the winner of the Maryland
County senatorial election.
We will not accept anything
other than a Chambers victory
because we are convinced that
he won the election, the facts
are there and we only NEC to
look into the matter with care,
Koijee said.
According to him reports
gathered from observers on the
ground in the county during
the election indicates that
Chambers won the election.
After nearly two months of
legal wrangling, the Supreme
Court ordered NEC to
investigate the complaint filed
by Dr. Chambers.
Two other senators who faced
similar complaint Cllr. Varney
Sherman of Grand Cape
Mount and Morris Saytumah
of Bomi have been cleared and
certificated by NEC.
FrontPage
www.frontpageafricaonline.com
VOL 9 NO.33
eal Madrid equalled the

longest winning run in
Champions League history
as they beat Schalke 2-0 in
Wednesday's last-16, first-leg clash in
Gelsenkirchen.
Cristiano Ronaldo's 73rd goal in the
competition set the defending champions
on their way in the first half, before
Marcelo sealed victory with a stunning
79th-minute strike into the top corner.
It was the 10th consecutive win in the
tournament for the visitors, equalling a
record set by Bayern Munich just two
years ago.
Ronaldo's perfectly placed header lit up
a first half that was otherwise lacking
in clear-cut chances, the Portugal
international losing Joel Matip to score
his 58th Champions League goal in as
many games for Madrid.
Having scored six on the road against
Schalke at the same stage last season,
Real pushed for further goals in the
second half, but their attacking play was
largely devoid of the quality normally
on show from the 10-time winners of
Europe's premier competition.
Roberto Di Matteo's side had posed
some threat in the final third in the first
half and came closest to getting on the
scoresheet in the 74th minute as Felix
Platte crashed a volley against the
crossbar.
The visitors raised their game after that
scare and Marcelo ensured a two-goal
advantage heading into the second-leg
in the Spanish capital on March 10.
Schalke created the better openings
early on, but Dennis Aogo wasted two
attempts on goal, while Klaas-Jan
Huntelaar brought a good save out of
Iker Casillas with a low shot.
Having been restricted largely to
wayward long-range efforts, Real found
a way through in the 26th minute when
Ronaldo opened the scoring.
Daniel Carvajal was the architect
with an inviting cross from the right
that Ronaldo converted with ease, the
30-year-old ending a wait of four hours
and 59 minute for a competitive goal
as he headed past Champions League
debutant Timon Wellenreuther.
Sports
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2015
PRICE L$40
SCHALKE 0-2 REAL MADRID
REAL ON POINT
Ronaldo and Marcelo give visitors the edge
Huntelaar, who is serving a domestic suspension, saw his night come to an

early end just after the half hour following a strong challenge from Raphael
Varane, further reducing Schalke's attacking options.
As half-time approached a second Real goal looked inevitable, but they were
twice thwarted by Wellenreuther, the 19-year-old denying Karim Benzema
before producing a stunning stop to keep out a Ronaldo free-kick.
Sensing more goals were in the offing, Carlo Ancelotti's side raised the
tempo after the break with Gareth Bale and Ronaldo taking centre stage, but
Wellenreuther commanded his area well to keep his side in the game.
Real went close to doubling their advantage through Isco with 18 minutes
remaining, the midfielder playing a one-two with Bale before blazing over
the crossbar.
They were nearly made to rue that miss a minute later as Platte finally beat
Casillas with a superb volley, but his effort thudded against the crossbar and
Atsuto Uchida failed to convert the rebound.
Ancelotti's men did grab a second with 11 minutes remaining as Marcelo
sent a right-footed effort arrowing into the top corner, giving the visitors a
comfortable cushion heading into the second-leg.
VISIT UNCLE ZEH'S LAUNDRY & DRY CLEANING SERVICE ON

CROWN HILL, BROAD STREET WHERE THE CUSTOMER COMES FIRST
CALL: 0775 149 376, 0775 149 161

Frontpage: Liberia Better Off Racist?

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County News

CENTRAL BANK OF LIBERIA

President Sirleaf Trumpets

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2015

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

These are indicative rates based on results of daily surveys of

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2015

ON DUAL CITIZENSHIP FORMER ASSOCIATE JUSTICE

EBOLA SHUTS DOWN

30 Quarantined after woman accused

Law & Order- pg.10

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Monroviahe widespread suspicions over the death of the late Atty.

The Allison family is deeply hurt and

hired by the Liberian legislature and became a Consultant to the

selection of the Sierra Leonean pathologist to conduct an autopsy

Thursday, February 19, 2015

AGAINST CORRUPTION IN LIBERIA

he mystifying death of Cllr. Michael N. Allison is panicking

THIS IS CERTAINLY going to be long standing argument into

sufficient explanation on how Dr. Koroma was selected to

Thursday, February 19, 2015

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING

GEORGE K. FAHNBULLEH TOP COMMENTER

The Reader's Page

Send your letters and comments to:

COUNTERING THE CONTRADICTIONS: AN

Dear Mr. Dillon:

n 1912, former United States President Woodrow Wilson, in

is to eventually lay national claim to these individuals' properties in

Rodney D. Sieh, Managing Editor, 0886-738-666;

Sports Reporter, A. Macaulay Sombai,macaulay.sombai@

Thursday, February 19, 2015

LAW & ORDER

LIBERIA BETTER OFF RACIST?

Stephen D. Kollie, stephen.kollie@frontpageafricaonline.com 0776329124

message before the 53rd

in her government are holders

them [land] should not be

away for twenty eight years

Gbarnga, Bong County

the deconcentration platform

inadequate service delivery.

seeks to transfer some basic

Natural resources for all

indicate what measures can be

of drivers licenses and

Thursday, February 19, 2015

LIBERIAN MUSICIAN EMMA GETS AWARD

has suffered in the ETUs, so

back in the community brings

Monroviahe Gender International

Using her little resources

communities in the three most

II. Functions / Key Results Expected

to people who share similar

stop stigmatizing survivors

Provision of reliable and secure driving services

III. Recruitment Qualifications

Secondary Education required, Valid Drivers License

Thursday, February 19, 2015

COMMITMENT, CRITICAL TURNING POINT