Diplomatic News

TOP

pg 6
STORIES

COHESIVE
RELATIONS

Indian Ambassador craves for

culture, religious exchanges
between Liberia and India

NEWS EXTRA

pg 6

FRAUDSTER
PASTOR?

Man of God Allegedly

Linked To Fake Property
Administration

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

pg 7

IMPROPER
CHEMICAL
USE
Sime Darby Faces Fine for
Explosion, Investigative
committee recommends

FrontPage
www.frontpageafricaonline.com

VOL 9 NO.158

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2015

PRICE L$40

LIBERIA AGRICULTURE SECTOR FACES

DAUNTING TASK AFTER US PROJECT

BLEAK AGRO FUTURE

Many local farmers have over the years complained about the lack of technology center
(machines) to enable them add value to their produce, improved market linkages and deplorable
farm to market roads. These existing challenges limit opportunities for local farmers.
NEWS EXTRA- pg. 5

CENTRAL BANK OF LIBERIA

MARKET BUYING AND SELLING RATES

LIBERIAN DOLLARS PER US DOLLAR

BUYING

SELLING

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

L$88.00/US$1

L$89.00/US$1

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2015

L$88.00/US$1

L$89.00/US$1

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2015

L$88.00/US$1

L$89.00/US$1

These are indicative rates based on results of daily surveys of the foreign exchange market
in Monrovia and its environs. The rates are collected from the Forex Bureaux and the
commercials banks. The rates are not set by the Central Bank of Liberia.
Source: Research, Policy and Planning Department, Central Bank Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia

Page 2 | Frontpage

FROM PAGE 1

Thursday, October 8, 2015

RODNEY D. SIEH, rodney.sieh@frontpageafricaonline.com

W
MONROVIA -

hen executives of ArcelorMittal flew into Liberia last

week, local managers and staffers were optimistic
of a breakthrough in a long-running effort by the
steel giant to keep its Liberia operations afloat. But
when the visiting executives only decided to meet expat managers
and the local CEO, jitters began to fly.
Multiple sources confirmed to FrontPageAfrica that the meetings
held by the visiting delegation were strictly with CEO and expat
executives and involved costing issues and making adjustments in
a bid to stay afloat amid rising prices. The source acknowledged
to FPA that the ongoing nervous environment could continue and
things could tighten up more as the company aims to keep its
Liberia operations afloat.
Mittal is keen on remaining committed to Liberia and is the only
mining company operating in West Africa and intends to keep it
that way, a source told FrontPageAfrica last week.
A lengthy meeting was held at the RLJ Resort last week without
the presence or input of local managers who sources say, were
kept in the dark about what was discussed regarding their future.
Mittals desire to keep their operations afloat in Liberia and
reputation as the only mining company operating in West Africa
in tact has been costly, leading to more than 300 job losses at
operations in Bassa and Nimba counties respectively.
The company explained earlier this year that it was forced to
lay off workers because the mining industry has faced major
challenges over the past year as a result of the significantly lower
iron ore price, which has placed pressure on mining companies.
Between January 1 and August 12 2012, the company shipped
1,896,000 tonnes of iron ore. Recent slump in ore prices prompted
the company to layoff staffers as it announced its intention to
reduce employment by about 20%, impacting possibly 270
jobs related to the mine support infrastructure, as well as some
indirect contractor jobs associated with the mine.
In addition to job losses for regular staffers, the company has been
forced to send packing 30% of its expats workforce, impacting 31
employees.
In total, the company has seen a reduction of 15% of its national
workforce, which impacted 190 jobs although Mittal maintains
that the redundancy impacts the position and not the employee,
meaning that only the positions have been made redundant.
But with each passing day, remaining staffers, including local
managers are feeling the pinch and fearing that their jobs would
be the next. Despite repeated assurances from Mittal Corporate
Executives that it is in Liberia for the long term, industry
observers say, the existing reality of slumping ore prices may
push the company over the edge.
Complicating Mittals predicament is the fact that the company

finds itself in a tricky dilemma, having to re-examine the

competitiveness of its mining business globally in order to
identify the areas where costs were too high, and in effect, take
steps in order to ensure the company remains competitive.
ArcelorMittal emerged as the first major international company
to invest in post-war Liberia, kicking off in 2005, when it signed a
mineral development agreement with the Liberian Government.
The first shipment of iron ore left Liberian shores on September
27, 2011. During those periods the company trumpeted that it
has proven to be sustainable and had the ability to do much more.
However, layoffs and slumping ore prices in recent years has seen
fortune take a dip and expectations lower to the extent that many
are feeling the pinch and unsure whether they will have a job
before the slump is over, if it ever does come to an end.
While numerous discussions have been held with the government
to ease concerns and assure that those affected by the redundancy
are benefiting from the best benefits packages possible, the tough
but necessary measures by Mittals own description, is lowering
morale among remaining local managers and staffers, signaling a
short-term pyrrhic victory for the mining company but a potential
long-term problem for Liberia.
The Ministry of Labor has already signaled its dissatisfaction
with the company for the level of redundancy. In March this year,
Labor Minister Neto Lighe ordered Mittal to halt all redundancy
action until all the economic variables are determined and
understood. The letter dated March 3, 2015 read: The Ministry
of Labor, pursuant to Regulation No. 8 of the Labour practices law
of Liberia, hereby orders your management to halt any and all
activities leading to your planned redundancy action until at such
time the ministry shall be fully abreast of the economic pitfalls
associated with the to-be-redundant portfolios and personnel.
None of these concerns have been met with favorable reactions
by Mittal which continues to profess its willingness to stay afloat
and remain in Liberia but appears to be rapidly outpaced by the
realities of slumping ore prices.
All this coming on the heels of a 2014 report: Liberia: Poverty In
The Midst Of Plenty How Post-War Iron Ore Mining Is Failing To
Meet Local Peoples Expectations, released by the Sustainable
Development Institute which it found that in addition to concerns
about Mittals community obligations, the companys practices
of exclusion of affected communities in government decision
making and a general failure to deliver benefits to communities
outlined in the renegotiated MDA have defined relations between
host communities and all other stakeholders since extensive
fieldwork was last done on ArcelorMittal in 2011. Communities
interviewed confirmed the conclusions found in previous research
into the ArcelorMittal concession and provided updates that
paint a grim picture: Project affected and host communities have

seen limited tangible benefits from the mining operation since

its inception; There is a limited number of lasting employment
and more contract work that absolves ArcelorMittal of providing
employee benefits.
In addition, the company has reneged on its promise to fund the
Ganta-Yekepa road, laying the blame squarely on the slumping
ore prices. The Liberian government was forced to put up the
first US$10 million for the contractors to commence the road
construction.
Industry observers fear that Liberias immediate financial future
could be at risk unless market conditions of ore improves in the
coming months.
As the SDI noted in its 2014 report: The iron ore mining sector
in Liberia sits at a fundamental crossroad. It will either create
viable jobs and revenue that can stimulate economic growth or
it will facilitate the devolution of the state into a feckless rentier
economy wherein citizens are reduced to casualties of natural
resource exploitation.
But more importantly, a sector which has seen its share of
violence between concessionaires and villagers over failure
by concessionaires to hold up their part of the community
engagement bargain, is racing against time as companies like
Mittal juggles itself out of a financial predicament it says is
keeping it from fulfilling its obligations to Liberia.
As the SDI report rightly asserted: If there ever was a sector
capable of ushering in a transition away from serial poverty
towards a peaceful and prosperous future, mining is that sector.
However, there must be a precise and pre-meditated plan for
development that is systematically executed by a strong central
government. Such a plan requires the government and the
populace to move in a single direction, buttressed by a relationship
of trust and accountability.
It can be recalled that similar situation occurred where a visiting
international team from the Golden Veroleum, an oil palm
company operating in Sinoe County refused to meet with locals
who were demanding to hold discussions with the foreign guests,
resulting to protest.
The locals wrote a letter requesting to meet the international
visitors, but the visiting team held discussions only with local
senior officials of the company, informing the locals, that the team
was studying the possibility of meeting them.
The locals follow-up their letter by writing and positing on the
walls at the company facilities, still requesting the meeting but all
their efforts failed.
A protest was later staged which turned violent and led to
destruction of some properties of GVL. State security officers
later arrested some of the protestors who are currently facing
prosecution.

Thursday, October 8, 2015

Frontpage

Page 3

FrontPage COMMENTARY
EDITORIAL OVER BOAKAIS PRESIDENCYv

LONESTAR
GIVE US
VICTORY

ON SEPTEMBER 25 the National team of

Liberia, the Lonestar secured a crucial 1-0
victory over the Tunisian National team in
an African Cup of Nations qualifier football
match played in Monrovia.
THE LONE GOAL was scored by Francis
Grandpa Doe, in the last quarter of the match,
a goal that sent the entire country wild into
jubilations and unending celebrations.
THE GAME WAS the first international match
played by the senior national team after a
devastating outbreak of the deadly Ebola
virus that killed thousands of Liberians.
LIBERIANS CELEBRATED THE victory to get
rid of their sorrows sustained from at the
hands Ebola with many saying the country is
returning to its usual best.
SINCE THE MATCH the euphoria that once
greeted Liberian football when the likes of
the only African to become world best player
George M. Weah and co, current Coach James
S. Debbah, Kelvin Segbwe and others played
for the national team and defeated bigger
African teams including Nigeria, Ghana and
other.
DURING THE DAYS of what is known as
George Weah 11, the brilliant performance of
the national team created huge interest in the
game from Liberians as every time there is an
international game, the stadium is normally
parked to capacity, sometimes resulting to
crowd trouble.
STRAINS OF POOR performances and bad
results led to public interest in football
dwindling leading to poor turnout at
international matches played in Monrovia.
BUT WITH THE win over one of the best teams
in Africa-Tunisia that enthusiasms looks to
be returning with Liberians eagerly awaiting
another game this time with Guinea Bissau.
LIBERIA MEETS ITS West African counterpart
in a world Cup preliminary round qualifier
and Liberian are anxious to see another good
performance from their team.
SEVERAL LIBERIANS HAVE expressed that
they are upbeat about todays match and are
expecting nothing less than victory from the
National team.
AS THE NATIONAL takes on its Guinea Bissau,
we hope that the national team will give
nothing but resounding victory for Liberians
to have something cheer.
WE CHALLENGE THE players to continue
on the path of success and restore the lost
interest in football.
LONESTAR GIVE IS victory.

LOFA IS RESOLVED

By: Robert W. Kpadeh , Contributing writer

have read and heard with consternationall
sorts of stories here in Monrovia regarding
the presidential bid of Vice president Joseph
N. Boakai (the wise) on the one hand and
the resolve of the great people of Lofa County to
lend their full support on the other hand.
However notwithstanding, it doesnt come as
a surprise anywayas the Monrovian society
is one that is accustomed to cynicism, rumors,
gossip, doubts and sheer falsehood.
Besides, we are reliably aware that lazy and
unproductive politicians who have vested
interest in the 2017 presidential race but lack
the intellectual ability and the political knowhow to commandeer the support of the Liberian
people, are bankrolling misfits, degenerates and
renegades to spew out verbiages and outright lies
about the county and its resolve to stand behind
Boakai. But I can understand their problem
they are fiercely strike by the Boakai fever that
erupted since his earth-moving petitioning in day meant Lofa is resolved, ready and prepared
to stand by their son and Uncle and any one
Lofa, Voinjama city.
Some are heralding the view that because one doubting such resolve is certainly a sad, JOKER
or two sons of Lofa similarly have presidential and I should add a big time LOSER.
ambition comes 2017 ultimately suggest that The May,22,2015 momentous and massive
the county is divided and Veep Boakai does not petitioning ceremony that the nation witnessed
enjoy the overwhelming support of his county in Voinjama city was not one of the regular
and that Lofa is currently dogged by segmented dollarized petitioning exercises we see
loyalty. This is sheer misrepresentation of the around here every now and then, No, it was
the expressed will, vigor, courage, collective
facts obtaining in Lofa County!
So I pen this little piece to rubbish these filthy spirit and unbending desire of the Lofa people
innuendoes, infertile rumors and concocted shielded by rich traditional values and dictates,
fairytales circulated by so called advocates for hence, every Lofa citizen who is committed to the
hire. As a matter of fact, such characterization is county tradition is under obligation to respect
in clear contrast to the traditional values of Lofa and uphold this decisionand that anything to
and its unique citizenry as well as the enviable the contrary, is deemed abominable and certainly
has a daring and proportional repercussions, my
customary doctrines of our great county.
Lofa remains proud of all of its great sons father Robert Woiyee Kpadeh, a traditionalist
including the writer of this little piece and will told me the other day.
continue to acknowledge and wish them well in I repeat, in Lofa, we have no place for deceit,
all that they expire for in life, but the traditional machination, scheming and disrespect when it
values and norms of the county take precedence comes to upholding our sacred traditional norms
over all its citizens and no one Lofian can defy and values. We are a people of strong traditional
that. In Lofa, we do not circumvent the doctrine discipline, moral decency and culturally
of our tradition for any reasonin fact, it is an regimented.
abomination to do soand sons and daughters of So Lofa has spoken decisively and Lofa is rallied
Lofa County know this and live it as part of their behind Hon. Joseph Nyumah Boakai for president
comes 2017and this is a concession Lofians do
values.
What was witnessed during the historic and not take lightly and even the ones with different
colossal petitioning of Vice President Joseph political opinions know in their hearts that
N. Boakai clearly represents the true value of the county is wholly and surely behind Uncle
the Lofa people. Every segment of the county Joe. Ours now is to reach out to the other great
was fully represented indicating the generality counties and hold a conversation with them on
and diversity of the Lofa people rallying behind the need to give Boakai, a man of peace, integrity
their Son and Uncle as he contests the 2017 and humility the torch in 2017so that Liberians
presidential poll. It was not the usual stage game can once more own their country.
you see around here because in Lofa, we do not Long live Liberia and may bless the dynamic
people of Liberia and sustain the peace of our
play and settle for deceit and machination.
The incredible and heroic turnout of Lofians that Land!!

Thursday, October 8, 2015

Page 4 | Frontpage

FrontPage

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING

ABOUT OUR STORIES ON THE
WORLDWIDE WEB

COMMENTS FROM
FPA ONLINE
WHY NGAFUAN QUIT:
FOREIGN MINISTERS BOLD
POLITICAL STATEMENT
FREDERICK JAYWEH EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AT CENTER FOR
IMMIGRANTS AND IMMIGRATION SERVICES, (CIIS)
Did Mrs. Sirleaf nominate and commission the former finance Minister
of Nigeria to Represent Liberia at an international function?
Why is Mrs. Sirleaf in constant violation of the Constitution and
Ststutory Laws of Liberia with absolute impunity?
Well, when the National Legislature of a nation is consistently bribed
by the President to have her way done, this is what Liberia gets.
Wow, Mrs. Sirleaf really thinks the constitutional power to appoint
in Liberia certainly includes appointing every citizen of West Africa.
WOW!
While one powerful NIGERIAN Minister faces arrest and possible
prosecution in the UK for allegedly STEALING billion of Nigeria's Oil
money, the other Minister is unlawfully appointed to Represent Liberia.
Is this why some Liberians are opting for a Ghanian style of Revolution
to change Liberia?
Cllr. Frederick A. B. Jayweh
fjayweh@hotmail.com
Website: www.liberianlaw.org
Ph: 720-278-8735
JARWINKEN WIAH CASEWORKER AT BENSON COUNTY SOCIAL
SERVICES
Here is why we have the current situation in Liberia. When the 5th
President of the United States James Monroe saw repatriating the
former slaves to Africa as a way to end slave trade in the U.S. and to
avoid an uprising in the U.S.
Several of the colonies joined together to form the Commonwealth of
Liberia in 1838 and Liberia declared its independence in 1847. The
name Liberia originated from the word Liberty or freedom, and the
capital city of Monrovia was named for President Monroe. This new
country was created with the objective of providing freedom, prosperity
and justice for all. Because of this objective, the wording on the official
seal of Liberia is The Love of Liberty Brought Us Here. It is now 168
years, but the vast population of Liberia has not experienced true
freedom because the appropriate mechanisms for creating awareness
empowerment structures for equal opportunities for all Liberians
have not been put in place. The founding of Liberia was meant to end
enslavement and was intended to appease the segment of Africans who
were victims of the slave trade. The second aspect was the creation of a
new country based on rule of laws and strong institutions but Liberian
leaders main concerns for the 168 years have been personal gains
for themselves, families and friends. Personalizing the resources of
the country when one is the position of power and control is the only
experience all Liberians. This culture grew out of the returnees because
it was the only thing they also learned from their former slaves masters
from the United. We must change this culture because this is part of the
fundamental problems for Liberia. Liberia's problems are not due to
ethnicity and religion or any particular tradition, instead they are due
to the nonexistence of awareness and empowerment structures.
JESSE FAHNGON METROPOLITAN STATE UNIVERSITY
I didn't expect for ALL ministers in the EJS government to hang in there
with her for 12 unbroken years. REALITY FOLKS! Secondly, presidential
appointees follow the "At Will" doctrine. Meaning either the President
or appointee can let go at anytime. Big news for ministers to quit but it
is part of public service. Maybe in Liberia we see being a Minister as a
profession. So folks stay in for 10 years behind one wood calling it desk.
ELIJAH BARNARD UNIVERSITY OF LIBERIA
I don't know if I mistakenly read part of this story which said that
President Sirleaf was represented at a function by a former Nigerian
minister.? Someone please tell me quick quick that I misread the sorry.
More to come.
JAMES DAVIS
OK , let reason this out together , shall we ? First , the author of the
article did not say at which functions did the former Nigerian Minister
represented the President while the Foreign Minister was present .
Was this a world Bank function , United Nations functions ? If so , at
what capacity ? UN women conference that was to be chaired by the
President , but was then co-chaired or represented by the former
Nigerian Minister while the Foreign Minister of Liberia was present ?
The author did not say whether the Nigerian Minister was still active
in her government or not . But one thing that is clear , is that the
President of Liberian belongs to so many organizations which she also
chaired with a co-chairperson or persons . And should the President be
unabled as in this case , her co-chairperson can represent her . The is
not like government to government signing agreements or one that is
representing the country Liberia . The author speaks of representing
the President Sirleaf at some unknown functions , but not in the
capacity of representing the Republic of Liberia at some functions .
The President just received an award , but anyone could represent the
President to receive that award on behalf of the President while the
Foreign Minister of Liberia is present . Especially , if it is coming from
an organization for which the President is a member . The author is
not very clear , neither did he asked the right question to find out the
reason why .

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represent the views of FrontPageAfrica

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REF: FOHRD REQUESTS CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS

INTO MISUSE OF EBOLA DONATIONS

Cllr. Benedict Sannoh

MINISTER & Attorney General
Ministry of Justice
Republic of Liberia
Dear Mr. Minister:

Thank you for the opportunity to write you on an issue, like several
other issues of public accountability, that the Government of Liberia
appears to be forgetting about. In April, 2015, the Auditor Generals
Report on the National Ebola Trust Fund For the period August 1 to
October 31, 2014, found:
financial irregularities amounting to US$792,663.20 and
L$5,281,189.96 resulting from inadequate supporting documentation,
unsupported transactions, variance from allowance distribution
records and other supporting documents, unreported fuel balances,
fuel purchases without evidence of distribution, unverified fixed
assets and negative confirmation by third party among others.
FOHRD writes to inquire from the Ministry of Justice, whether or not,
the Ministry of Justice has acted upon or has any intention to act on
the findings of the Auditor Generals Report on the National Ebola
Trust Fund. The report was dated and released in April, 2015.
In particular, FOHRD wants to know, whether or not, the Ministry of
Justice has instituted, or intends to institute, criminal investigations
against individuals and/or entities found by the audit report
to have spent public funds intended for Ebola victims, without
documentation and supporting records, as required by financial and
procurement laws of Liberia. The audit report also found significant
variances between disbursed amounts, and amounts actually paid to
vendors and service providers. Also, fixed assets (including motor
vehicles, motorbikes and generators), reportedly purchased, were
not accounted for and verified.
Mr. Minister, FOHRD wishes to remind you that the Auditor Generals
findings raise seven (7) important issues of legal significance, which
require the urgent attention of the Ministry of Justice:
First, even though the lack of documentation and supporting records
to substantiate public expenditures is not conclusive evidence and a
necessary factor to suggest wrong doing on the part of the accused,
especially in time of public health emergency like the Ebola outbreak,
- such lack of documentation and supporting records creates a
presumption, albeit rebuttable, that fraud was likely committed or
intended to be committed.
Second, the lack of such documentation creates reasonable suspicion
that fraud or intent to commit fraud was a desired-outcome - probably
envisioned by the accused, likely planned and executed by them, with
intent and motive to steal, and complicity to defraud Ebola victims,
the Government and people of Liberia, and international donors.
Third, the lack of documentation and supporting records casts
doubt on the genuineness of the transactions; and supports the
presumption that supporting documents were not kept because the
individuals and entities involved knew and planned beforehand that
they desired and intended to divert and syphon public funds, and
that the absence of documentation, under the guise of public health
emergency operations, would be a perfect excuse and defense to any
inquiry for accountability; or
Fourth, documentation and supporting records were deliberately
destroyed to conceal the criminal nature of these transactions;
thereby further raising another legal issue concerning destruction of
viable public records.
Fifth, FOHRD is of the view that while huge variance between disbursed
amounts and actual paid-outs is not sufficient and necessary element
of a crime, or intent to commit crime, such variance, if it occurred
as result of deliberate human conduct with intent to accrue personal
benefit, could also suggest and indicate criminal intent and criminal
effort, respectively.
Sixth, the non-existence of physical assets for verification (i.e.
motorbikes, buses, and generators), reportedly purchased during the
Ebola emergency, without evidence that they have been destroyed or
properly disposed of, is suggestive of theft or larceny, in violation of
the Penal Code of Liberia.

Seven, deviation from standard practices and procedures, unless

absolutely necessary, is probative of criminal intent.
To address these presumptions, all of which point to criminality,
FOHRD requests the Ministry of Justice to launch criminal
investigation. The investigation will establish and determine, whether
or not, these questionable and unsupported financial transactions,
discovered by the Auditor Generals report, were done in good faith
and honest manner during period of Ebola emergency. It is possible,
the individuals and institutions accused were just lost in the moment,
and did not insist on documentation due to the pressures of the Ebola
tragedy. It is important that an independent criminal investigations
be conducted so the names of these individuals or institution can be
cleared.
In the alternative, the investigation will be able to discover whether
or not, these transactions were done with criminal mind and motive,
with intent to defraud. Furthermore, such criminal investigation will
discover whether or not, public money intended for Ebola victims was
misapplied, misappropriated or embezzled. The Ministry of Justice
has legal obligation to launch criminal investigations and determine
whether a crime has been committed. Such criminal investigation is
necessary and imperative to determine if and whether prosecution
is necessary. The Ministry of Justice cannot and must not ignore the
issue and pursue the path of business as usual.
In FOHRDs opinion, the Auditor Generals report, in some aspects,
provides probable cause for the Ministry of Justice to proceed with
immediate arrests and prosecutions against some individuals and
institutions named and identified. Even if, in the opinion of the
Ministry of Justice, the Auditor Generals report does not provide
enough and compelling evidence to support arrest and prosecution,
the Auditor General report creates reasonably suspicion, sufficient
and necessary, to support criminal investigations - to gather and
unearth additional evidence, and determine if and whether a crime
has been committed or not. This is a legal obligation, which the
Ministry of Justice owes taxpayers of Liberia, the victims of Ebola, and
the international community who made these donations.
If the Ministry of Justice has or intends to proceed with criminal
investigation, FOHRD requires to know how far the Ministry has gone
in its plans, and how soon we expect results.
On the other hand, if the Ministry of Justice has concluded or intends
to conclude that the Auditor Generals report has not provided
sufficient basis for probable cause or reasonable suspicion to support
prosecutions or commencement of criminal investigations, and on
the basis of that conclusion, the Ministry of Justice has determined
that a crime was likely not committed, and that there is no reasonable
ground to believe that prosecutable evidence is likely to be discovered
through further criminal investigations, FOHRD requests the Ministry
to provide copies of such opinion or conclusion. FOHRD would like
an opportunity to evaluate the legal sufficiency of such opinion, the
evidentiary support of such conclusion, and the merits and logical
basis of the reasoning used to arrive at such conclusion.
However, if the Ministry of Justice reluctance or unwillingness
to pursue prosecutions or criminal investigation is influenced by
statement in support of those accused by the audit, published in the
May 21, 2015 edition of Front Page Africa, and attributed to President
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, then FOHRD urges the Ministry of Justice to
institute criminal investigation or proceed with prosecution; and
FOHRD advises President Sirleaf to reserve her support for the
accused and serve as defense witness at trial.
Mr. Minister, it is common knowledge that corruption and outright
theft of public resources are pervasive and widespread in Liberia.
But how and why the Ministry of Justice is unable and or unwilling
to commence, prosecute, and win any corruption case defy
commonsense, insults public intelligence, discourages international
goodwill, and sets Liberia on a path to future conflict. White collar
crimes that drain national coffers like some demonic suction tube
cannot and must not always be ignored by the Ministry of Justice, as if
they do not matter, while the Government jumps at every opportunity
to manipulate and stage-manage the arrest and prosecution of
journalists for publishing corruption stories.

EDITORIAL TEAM

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077-936-138, editor@FrontPageAfricaonline.com;
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Thursday, October 8, 2015

BUCHANAN, GRAND BASSA
COUNTY ver US$200 million
is extracted from
Liberias economy
every
year
to
import rice into the country;
something, experts say leaves
the already shaky economy in
predicament. The intricacies
of hullabaloo connected with
rice in Liberia have a deep
root in the countrys civil crisis
and the collapse of all of its
sectors. According to a 2009
Central Bank of Liberia report,
agriculture contributed 42%
of the national Gross Domestic
Product (GDP) in 2008 and
food crops sub-sector still
dominates
agricultures
contribution to the national
GDP.
The countrys Ministry of
Agriculture has, over the years,
performed dismally to solve
the problem as local farmers
remain unable to provide
50% of the total amount of
rice consumed annually in
the country. President Ellen
Johnson Sireaf has appointed
individuals with remarkable
rsum to help transform the
sector; but the end has not
justified the means. Backed
by
several
international
partners including the African
Development Bank and the
United States Government
through its Agency for
International
Development
(USAID), the Ministry of
Agriculture can boast of
massive
support
despite
existing lapses.
For example, the US has its
biggest Africa base agriculture
project in Liberia only second
to the South American country,
Haiti, in the world. The USAID
sponsored Food Enterprise
Development (FED) is a five
years US$75 million project
which began since 2012. And
with the clock ticking for
the project to shutdown in
September 2016, there are
concerns over sustaining the
gains the project has made.
Newly appointed Minister of
Agriculture, Dr. Moses Zinnah,
often sounds pretty much
optimistic when speaking to

Frontpage

BLEAK AGRO FUTURE

LIBERIA AGRICULTURE SECTOR FACES DAUNTING TASK AFTER US PROJECT

Many local farmers have over the years complained about the lack of technology center
(machines) to enable them add value to their produce, improved market linkages and
deplorable farm to market roads. These existing challenges limit opportunity for local farmers.

Alpha Daffae Senkpeni, alpha.senkpeni@frontpageafricaonline.com

the press. However, the traits

of low-key performances of his
predecessors cast a dark show
over his prospect.
Five years from now my aim is
to ensure that we have a lot of
private sector involvement;
we as a ministry will be
really focus on regulatory
issues, policies and creating
the environment for private
sector to thrive, Dr. Zinnah
told journalists in Buchanan
recently after witnessing the
inauguration of a modern
agriculture science lab at
the Grand Bassa Community
College.
Transforming the countrys
agriculture sector to a
private investment sector is a
herculean task because more
than 70% of the countrys
population rely on it as a source
of livelihood. Even President
Sirleaf has acknowledged
the need to mobilize private
investments in other to
improve the value chain from
land and water management
to market access. But first,
local farmers empowerment

is crucial to reducing import

dependency
and
limiting
unemployment.
We want to identify those
who are really doing well
in farming private people;
private citizens and see
what are the constraints they
are facing so that we will help
them to be able to get improve
planting materials like seeds,
cassava cuttings - if they are
in livestock - the best breeds,
so that their farming can be
improved, Minister Zinnah
assured.
Many local farmers have over
the years complained about
the lack of technology center
(machines) to enable them
add value to their produce,
improved market linkages
and deplorable farm to
market roads. These existing
challenges limit opportunity
for local farmers. A Liberian
rice processing company,
Fabrar Liberia in 2014 opted to
become the countrys largest
with eyes on buying rice from
local farmers.
The opportunity for local

rice is enormous.
Many
people think its difficult to
compete with imported rice,
but this rice has a natural
advantage; its grown here
in Liberia, a USAID-FED
release quoted the companys
CEO, Fabio Lavelanet in 2014
while purchasing rice from
local farmers in Lofa County.
Fabrars optimism is to provide
competition for imported
rice by supplying rice to
government but this is only
achievable when local farmers
across the country improve
their quality of farming
by transforming to a more
mechanized sector.
USAID SETTING THE PACE
FED is heavily involve with the
sector and focuses its program
on helping Liberia achieve food
security by working to improve
productivity and profitability
for farmers, stimulate private
sector growth and build
the human managerial and
technical capacity of Liberians
to support growth in the
agriculture sector. Several

farmers across the country

have been nurtured into
agribusiness
while
three
community colleges in Nimba,
Lofa and Grand Bassa Counties
and the Booker Washington
Institute in Margibi County
will offer National Diploma in
Agriculture a market driven
agriculture career program
harmonized in West Africa.
FED Chief of Party, Agnes
Luz described agriculture
as the future of Liberia and
emphasized that, just as the
youth is the future of Liberia,
we will like to train the youth
to get into agriculture. With
the existing modern labs,
Luz assertion is that the NDA
program is bound for success.
The impact of the USAID
sponsored project on the
sector ranges from the training
of almost 1,200 youth in
agriculture, training of 164
women in food processing
and preservation, providing
technical training for 18,646
farmers and contributing
to the development of
National Agriculture Diploma

IMPROPER CHEMICAL USE

Sime Darby Faces Fine over Explosion, Ministerial committee recommends
Henry Karmo (0886522495) henrykarmo@frontpageafricaonline.com

Monroviajoint
Ministerial
Investigation
Committee
investigating
the
Sime
Darby
Plantation
Company
over
recent
explosion in Bomi County has
recommended that the Palm
Oil Plantation be fined for
violating the Health and Safety
Standards and Environmental
Protection and Management
Law of Liberia.

Page 5

Following a recent explosion

at one of the plantations
operation
sites,
the
Government of Liberia setup
a committee to investigate and
produce findings.
After nearly three weeks
of
investigation,
the
committee
among
many
recommendations in a leaked
report in the possession of
FrontPageAfrica signed by
Emmett Cryton, Assistant
Minister of Labor for Trade

Union on behalf of the Labor

Ministry, Jerry Toe on behalf of
the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) and Robert
Holder on behalf of the National
Fire Service recommended
that; Angel Garlo a victim who
was severely injured in both
eyes while fighting the fire
with extinguisher during the
incident is sent for advanced
medical treatment abroad and
all other victims who were
discharged from treatment be
monitored and treated.
The committee in its report is
also recommending that the
company applies for permit
for importing, handling and
storing chemicals and that
the
government
ensures
that the company maintains
the
requisite
firefighting
equipment and recruit, train
and maintain fire warden
as well as establish a Fire
Department.
Additionally, the Committee is

recommending that a Mobile

Clinic be established and
maintained over a period of
three months in nearby Towns
and villages to respond to
any possible case from the
explosion and that Sime Darby
cleans up and properly dispose
of the debris at its own cost on
EPAs instruction.
At
least
nine
people
sustained injuries following
an explosion at one of Sime
Darby's Plantation Chemical
Warehouses in the company's
plantation office in Bomi
County.
The incident occurred on
Sunday, September 20, 2015.
The cause of the fire is believed
to be from an electric shock
Improper
handling
of
chemicals
The committee in its findings
stated that it was observed
during the investigation that
the
company
improperly
handled the chemicals by

storing them together in one

large compartment.
The team also observed
that adequate education on
the proper use of Personal
Protective Equipment was not
passed onto the employees and
were not monitored constantly
considering the types of
chemical imported and stored
in the warehouse, the report
stated.
Other findings indicate that
vibration from the blast
traveled over 800 meters
across the plantation and also
broke window glasses at the
plantation hospital which is
located approximately 800
meters from the building
housing the chemicals.
The findings also state that
Sime Darby did not work with
the EPA on environmental
issues as stated in the
concession agreement signed
with the Government of
Liberia.
Residents of two of the most
affected communities in Sime
Darby Plantation known as

Curriculum. Recently, USAID

Mission Director, Dr. Anthony
Chan reaffirmed the agencys
commitment
to
working
with Liberia to improve the
agriculture sector while calling
on Liberians to take advantage
of the assistance.
We are partners with the
various agencies, particularly
the Ministry of Education,
to help develop Liberias
agriculture
work
force
capacity and with the Ministry
of Agriculture on developing
policies that create an enabling
environment for growth and
development, Dr. Chan said.

DAUNTING TASK FOR MOA

But with just a year left for
FED project to shut down,
observers are curious about
the ministrys plans to take
over and continue the NDA
and other components of the
US sponsored initiatives in the
sector. Dr. Zinnah disclosed
that his ministry is engaging
the University of Liberia to
build a first class science lab
which will continue to train
agriculturists in the country.
We will be connected to this to
ensure that we take ownership
of these facilities and with the
college to ensure that we work
with the Ministry of Education,
the youth and other ministries
and agencies, he said. With
a joint fiscal budgetary and
donor support around US$90
million, Dr. Zinnah is challenged
as the last of three Agriculture
ministers to salvage a legacy
in the sector under President
Johnson-Sirleaf reign.
Interestingly, the agriculture
sector has to compute with
other sectors to get a bigger slice
of the next three fiscal budgets
under Sirleaf administration,
notwithstanding; the sector,
experts say can serve as a
trajectory to achieving national
economic growth.

Married Camp and Kennedy

Camp have expressed fear that
there might be an outbreak
of skin and other diseases in
the future if nothing is done
by the Government and the
Companys Management to
prevent such outbreak.
Two of the residents of
Married Camp, Michael Varney
and Yusuf Turay, Jr. said the
chemical explosion has caused
serious damage to their
communities.
They explained that the nearby
communities
have
been
warned not to drink, wash
with any running creek or river
within the area; they also said
they were told not to eat any
green or food stuff produced
from
their
communities,
thereby restricting them to
only eat the little ration they
are getting from the company.
The Sime Darby Plantation
Liberia is a Malaysian based
multinational
palm
oil
company. In 2009, Sime Darby
through its division, Sime
Darby plantation signed a 63year concession agreement
with the government of Liberia
for 220,000 hectares of land to
be developed into oil palm and
rubber plantations

Thursday, October 8, 2015

Page 6 | Frontpage

COHESIVE RELATIONS
Indian Ambassador craves for culture, religious exchanges between Liberia and India

By Edwin G. Genoway, Jr (231886458910)-edwin.genoway@frontpageafricaonline.com

Monroviandian Ambassador to
Liberia, Ivory Coast and
Sierra Leone, Dinesh
Bhatia has called for
more cohesive relationship
between both Liberia and
India. The Indian Ambassador
said Liberia and India have
been friends since his country
got its independence, saying
the two countries have some
similarities when it comes to
culture and religion.
The people of the both
countries are similar in
thinking and behavior, the
similarities are the people of
India and the people of Liberia
are similar to each other in
terms of the behavior, the only
small difference is that when
you ask an Indian woman if
she marry, she may not have
kids but if you ask a woman
in Liberia if she is marry she
may have one or two kids, this

is because we all come from

different backgrounds in our
respective countries, he noted.
Addressing a group of Liberians
who have acquired education
from India at an acquaintance
meeting in Monrovia, the India
Ambassador noted that it is
prudent for both Liberians and

Indians to come together and

share common religion and
culture.
He said the behavior of people
of in the two countries to some
extent are alike in more ways,
saying the two countries are
blessed by God with natural
resources.

He encouraged citizens of both

India and Liberia to make good
use of the land God has blessed
them, look at this land here if
you look out there you will see
natural resources, look at the
sea, the green tress and other
wonderful things out there
that we can make good use of,

become public discussion in

the wake of his resignation
with speculations that he is
expected to join the opposition
CDC but an official of the party
has warned that all individuals
including Ngafuan wanting
to join the party should come
with what he termed Clean
Hands.
Jefferson
Koijee,
Youth
League Chair of the CDC told
FrontPageAfrica
Tuesday
that supporters of Ngafuan
should not be celebrating
that their man has joined the
CDC because the party does

embrace everybody who wants

to join just for the sake of
having more members.
The CDC will welcome
everybody who wants to join
but such people must come
with clean hands. Let me state
here that Ngafuan must come
with clean hands if he wants to
join the CDC, Koijee said.
According to Koijee such
individual as Ngafuan who
served two key positions in
government should have clean
record before joining the CDC
as the party will not be what
he referred to as a dumping

ground people finding safe

haven from a failed regime.
Said Koijee The CDC is not just
hungry for support, so we will
not just accept every individual
that wants to join, we will have
to scrutinize people and check
their past dealings before
allowing them within the CDC,
the party is not for people from
failed regime to find their way
out, we need clean people.
The CDC official believes
there are number of issues
hanging over Ngafuan which
he needs to address before
joining the party including his

NGAFUAN
MUST
COME
CLEAN
CDC sounds caveat to former Foreign Minister

Monroviane of President
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
longest
serving
cabinet
Ministers,
Augustine K. Ngafuan who
served two key cabinet
positions resigned his post
recently amid speculations that
he is inching towards joining
the opposition Congress for
Democratic Change ahead
of the 2017 general and
presidential elections.
Ngafuan while still serving
as Foreign Minister told
FrontPageAfrica
in
an
interview that he will not be
inactive during the 2017
election even though he did
not elaborate the meaning of
the word inactive.
With a Code of Conduct
governing individuals in the
public sector which requires
those desirous of contesting
elective positions to resign
their post two years prior to
contesting, Ngafuan tendered
his resignation which takes
effect effective October 10
which is two years to the
conduct of election in October
2017.
His popular phrase of I will
not be inactive has come to

he said.
Ambassador Bhatia extended
thanks and appreciation to
the Government of Liberia for
keeping the good relationship
between Liberia and India,
saying, Liberia has always been
there for its people.
The
Indian
envoy
also
encouraged Liberians who
have studied in India to
continue being a united force
that will keep the friendship
strong and long lasting.
For his part, the Honorary
Indian Consul General to
Liberia, Upjid Singh Sachdeva
commonly known as Jeety has
pledged his support to keep
together Liberians who have
studied in Indian.
He wants the Indian trained
Liberians to form a common
force that will have the
opportunity
to
celebrate
or observe some of the key
holidays of both India and
Liberia.
Speaking earlier at the
program,
Liberia
Deputy

time at Finance Ministry and

an ongoing alleged scandal
involving Japanese Grant.
We will fight to protect the
CDC, we do not want people
calling the party the exit route
for officials of the current
regime, we will welcome
everybody only if they come
with clean hands, the CDC
official added.
On whether there has been
ongoing discussions between
the CDC and former Minister
Ngafuan, Koijee said the party
is in talks with all likeminded
Liberians and Ngafuan is no
exception but those that will
be accepted to join the party
must meet the requirements
on majors issues the party is
striving to put into practice
when it ascends to state power.
Few months ago news surfaced
that Ngafuan was close joining
the CDC to contest as Vice
Presidential candidate to a CDC
candidate, which all the party
partisans are saying must be
George Weah.
Senior officials of the CDC have
consistently said only Weah
can contest as standard bearer
of the party come 2017 and
other political parties desirous
of forming collaboration must
bear in mind that only a vice
running mate position can be
discussed.
Although Ngafuan has resigned
from the position of Minister
of Foreign Affairs, he is yet to

Foreign Minister Sylvester

Grisby thanked the Indian
Government for affording
Liberians the opportunity to
study in India. Minister Grisby
joined the two Indian envoys to
encourage Liberia to keep the
torch burning that will further
strengthen the relationship
between the two countries.
He told Indians trained
Liberians to always unite, I
think most of you here know
me because when you were
processing your papers to go
India you always saw my face.
I know that you have learned
for yourself in that part of
the world, I encourage you to
continue to be together always
as it has started, he noted.
The acquaintance meeting
is the second meeting since
the Indian trained Liberians
returned to the country and
it brought together over fifty
persons that were trained in
different disciplines.
denounce his membership
with the ruling Unity Party.
Ngafuan has been one of
President
Ellen
Johnson
Sirleaf trusted officials who
campaigned against the CDC
during the last two elections
2005 and 2011 when the CDC
political leader Weah was
labeled as incompetent and
uneducated.
If the news of Ngafuan joining
the CDC becomes a reality it
will come as surprise to many
especially when the former
Minister and others once said
the Weah and the CDC were not
the best options for Liberia.
Ngafuan political sojourn
also looks rocky especially
when Vice President Joseph
Boakai who hails from the
same county as Ngafuan has
already accepted a petition
from citizens of the county to
contest as president.
Several prominent citizens
from Lofa which is one of
the traditional counties in
Liberia believe that with Vice
President Boakai pronounced
presidential bid, Ngafuan, a
traditional nephew to Boakai
should support his Uncle in
2017.
In politics anything is possible
as 2017 could see Ngafuan
lining up against Vice President
Boakai both of whom have
been from the same ruling UP
for over 10 years now.

Thursday, October 8, 2015

FRAUDSTER PASTOR?
Frontpage

Page 7

Man of God Allegedly Linked To Fake Property Administration

Kennedy L. Yangian kennedylyangian@frontpageafricaonline.com

Monroviaingers have been

pointed at Pastor Sam
Stewart of the Banjor
Community
Church
outside Monrovia of posing
as fake Administrator of the
interstate of the late Madam
Frances Stewart.
The Late Madam Stewart died
on May 22, 2015 but Madam
Margaret Dyson a US based
Liberian who says the deceased
was her mother through legal
document is claiming that
since Madam Stewarts death
Pastor Stewart prepared unto
himself a Power of Attorney to
serve as administrator of her
interstate.
In a communication written
by Madam Dyson from the US
to her Legal Counsel in Liberia,
Cllr. Samuel Clarke, a copy of
which is in the possession of
FrontPageAfrica, it states My

mother Frances C. Stewart of

the United States of America
has been experiencing mild
dementia starting late 2004
which progressed in 2006.
In her communication to
the lawyer, Madam Dyson
continued that upon her
arrival in Liberia, she found out
that Sam Stewart went on and
established a letter and found a
way to make her mother to sign
a Power of Attorney giving him
privileges over the property.
According to Madam Dyson,
Pastor
Stewart
allegedly
changed
the
documents
belonging to Madam Stewart,
placing them in his own name
to gain Power of Attorney.
I need for Sam Stewart to
turn over all legal papers in his
possession on her properties
in Liberia. I want him to turn all
these documents and monies
to you immediately and to end

Vacancy
eHealth Systems Africa is a non-governmental
organization (NGO) dedicated to improving health
care in developing countries through strengthening
health workers and the systems that support them.
eHealth Africa Liberia work towards this goal by
creating sustainable eHealth and mHealth systems,
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training and capacity building workshops, publishing
research on our work in Africa, and by providing
consulting and support for other organizations
working on health care in Africa.
eHealth Africa Liberia is now seeking to recruit
qualify, competent, hard working and committed
Liberians and Expats with integrity for the positions
below:
1. Finance Manager
2. Procurement Officer
3. Program Manager
4. Project Manager
5. Procurement Specialist
6. Deputy Country Director
7. Drivers (3 positions)

Please apply through the below link:

http://ehealthafrica.theresumator.com/apply

Applications Deadline: COB, October 14, 2015

eHealth Africa Liberia seriously encourages qualified

females applicants.
Sign:
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his authority the letter stated.

Pastor
Stewart,
when
contacted by FrontPageAfrica
on the allegation, stated that
the allegation that is untrue. He
said the power of attorney was
given to him by the deceased
prior to her death.
He stated that Madam Frances
Stewart died on May 22, 2015
and that the Power of Attorney
given to him was endorsed by
the Probate Court under the
gavel of the suspended Judge
of the Probate Court Vinton
Holder in June 2015.
However,
Pastor
Stewart
who is also claiming to be
the administrator failed to
present copy of the letter of
administrator, adding that the

Power of Attorney given by the

deceased was in possession of
his lawyer.
He stated that the deceased
did not have any biological
daughter throughout her life
which is known to the entire
family and is no hidden secret
.
PASTOR
ADMITS
DEPORTATION
Madam Dyson also stated in
the communication that Pastor
Stewart was deported from
the United States due to his
criminal activities.
When questioned whether he
was ever deported from the
US, Pastor Stewart admitted
being deported from the US

on charges and alluded that

he was not taken to court in
Liberia on drug charges.
Yes I was deported from the
US. Anyone can be deported
from any country but this has
no impact on me as a pastor.
David killed Goliath and took
away his wife, said Pastor
Stewart.
With the matter now before the
Probate Court at the Temple of
Justice for adjudication, lawyer
representing Pastor Stewart,
Cllr. Kanie Wesso told the court
that Margaret Dyson is not a
biological daughter of the late
Frances Stewart therefore she
could not request for claim to
her property.
Cllr. Wesso further told the

court that statement that

Margaret Dyson is not a
daughter to the late Frances
was evidenced during the
funeral rites of the late Frances
Stewart where Margaret spoke
and told the family that she
was not a biological child of
the deceased. Cllr. Wesso said
Margaret is on record for that
statement.
In a counter argument, Cllr.
Samuel Clarke told the court
that Madam Dyson is a legal
daughter of the late Frances
Stewart and that there is
document available at the
US Embassy near Monrovia
to authenticate that but he
requested time to get the
document from the embassy.
Judge
Johannes
Zogbay
Zlahn ruled to give Madam
Dyson two weeks to produce
the document to the court
which if produced will serve
as a key instrument for the
determination of the case.
You have two weeks to
produce this document if not
inform us to write the embassy
to obtain the document said
Judge Zlahn.
However, FrontPageAfrica has
reliably learned that the said
document has been submitted
to the court and it is now left
with the court to re-assign the
case.

NO KNOWLEDGE
Two Defendants Deny Killing Police Officer

Monroviawo
defendants
charged with murder
and detained since
five years have denied
any knowledge about the
murder of Police Inspector
Amos Tutu.
Police officer Tutu then
assigned with the Police
Support Unit (PSU) of the
LNP was grabbed and body
sprayed and set ablaze by
angry residents of the Capitol
Bye-Community on February
27, 2010 around 9: pm.
The incident occurred when
some of the residents heard
that the police inspector
allegedly shot and killed
another resident identified as
Preston Davis during a scuffle
over rental fees allegedly
offered by the late police
officer.
Initially, seven persons were
arrested by the police during
the aftermath of the incident

but only two of the seven

defendants are said to be on
trial while the five remaining
defendants
whereabouts
remain unknown.
The first of the two defendants
to take the witness stand
Aaron Lackey Tuesday told
the court and jury that he has
no knowledge of the death of
police officer Amos Tutu.
I have no knowledge about this
case, for the fact that I wasnt
present. I left for Gbarnga on
Saturday, which was the same
27, at the hour of 12:30 pm, so
I have no knowledge of what
transpired on the Capitol ByePass said Lackey.
Defendant
Lackey
stated
that he left for Gbarnga after
receiving call from his sick
mother who had come from
Lofa County therefore he had
to go and see her.
He continued that he had a
week-long visit to Gbarnga
but did not end the visit there

because he was arrested

by the police the following
Wednesday on ground that
he has committed a crime in
Monrovia.
Defendant Lackey who claimed
to be leader of the gasoline
sellers at the time of the
incident on February 27, 2015
denied any involvement in the
act.
According to defendant Lackey
at the time he was arrested
in Gbarnga Bong County, the
police told him to make a
statement which he refused.
He said police also told him
that he need a lawyer but said
there no lawyer was willing to
handle his case.
The defendant continued that
the police told him during his
arrest that he had something
hidden in his stomach and in
that process police sprayed
and used the electric batons
and told him that they were
going to put him in the cold

room which they succeeded in

doing.
Following defendants Lackeys
testimony which was crossed
examined by the prosecution
the second defendant Nicholas
Wleh who claimed to be a
construction engineer also
took the stand denying any
involvement in the February
27, 2015 murder.
Defendant Wleh told the court
that after going to the club
with his wife, when he arrived
back home around 10:00 am
they heard gun sound in the
area and they both ran into
their home for fear of avoiding
contact with the police because
the police took the entire area.
When questioned by the
prosecution
lawyer,
Cllr.
Augustine Fayiah on whether
he knew the late Preston
Davis who death caused the
killing of police officer Tutu he
responded by saying yes but
stated that they were all what
he described as hello, hello
friends.
According to the defendant he
was not arrested by the police
but turned himself in to the
police but was beaten severely
by the police while in custody
undergoing interrogation.
The case was adjourned by the
presiding Judge Blamo Dixon
to continue Thursday morning
with the continuation of other
defense witnesses.

Page 8 | Frontpage

Thursday, October 8, 2015

Thursday, October 8, 2015

Frontpage

Page 9

NEWS ANALYSIS

Page 10 | Frontpage

Thursday, October 8, 2015

PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARIS

FIRST
HUNDRED
DAYS
IN
POWER:
Analogies in Nigeria-Liberia Relations

An analysis by: Nat Bayjay

Minister Counselor for Press
& Public Affairs
Embassy of the Republic of
Liberia in Abuja
nbayjay2010@gmail.com,
(+234 8089390973)
hen
United
States President
Woodrow
Wilson devised
the Hundred Days concept
to assess his administrations
achievements, it was not
apparent that this would later
be a powerful yardstick for
measuring and forecasting the
policies and practices of new
governments worldwide.
President Muhammadu Buhari
clocked 100 days as Nigerias
fourth president in its Fourth
Republic on September 5,
2015. Being an influential
and powerful African nation
with strong ties with Liberia,
its important to examine
specifically what implications
the signals of the relatively
young government may have
for Liberia-Nigeria relations.
In doing this, one is reminded
of President Obamas aphorism
that it is only when Nigeria
gets it right that Africa will
get it right. In other words,
Nigerias domestic and foreign
policy directions can affect
the behavior of her fraternal
African states.
And so it is with Nigeria and
Liberia, ECOWAS Members
States which share similar
problems and aspirations
and have reciprocated in each
others bilateral relations for
over a century. For example,
by virtue of its nineteenth
century founding, Liberia
supported Nigeria in its quest
for independence, and worked
for peace during the Nigerian
civil war of 1967-70. Nigeria
and Liberia were part of the
Monrovia group of African
nations that helped found
the OAU in 1963. Nigeria
reciprocated by playing a
pivotal role in restoring peace
and democratic rule in Liberia
respectively during and after
the Liberian civil war of 19892003.
In this context, it was
unsurprising that President
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf led a high
power delegation to participate
in President Muhammadu
Buharis inauguration on May
29, 2015 at the Eagle Square
in Abuja. It was a reassurance
on the part of the Liberian
Leader to her new Nigerian
counterpart that the long,
bilateral ties between the two
nations would be sustained.

and owed no foreign account,

factory and enterprises prior
to his inauguration. Vice
President Osinbajos bank
balances were about Naira
94
million
(US$470,000)
and US$900,000. Both men
not only gave up half of their
salaries, but also approved the
reduction of funding lines to
their official homes and offices.
The President, for example,
turned down a proposal to
purchase five customized
armored
Mercedes
Benz
S-600 cars valued at Naira
400 million (US$2 million) but
continues using the vehicles
he inherited from former
President Goodluck Jonathan.
President Buhari also fulfilled
his
campaign
promise
to
fight
corruption
by
establishing the Presidential
Advisory Committee against
Corruption.
Composed of
top-notched academics and
other
professionals,
the
charge of the Committee is to
advise his administration on a
feasible strategy of combating
corruption and reform the
countrys criminal justice
system.

FOREIGN POLICY

Just as Liberians wished

President Sirleaf gravitas
in
repairing
Liberias
battered international image
exacerbated by protracted
conflict when she assumed
power in 2005, so are Nigerians
expectant of President Buharis
restoration of the global
reputation of their once proud

CONCLUSION

Presidents Sirleaf & Buhari hold side-by discussion at 2015 AU Summit, South Africa
nation when he was sworn in
May 2015.
President Buhari assumes
the presidency with a lot of
international goodwill that is
beginning to pay off. Between
the 3rd and the 13th of June, few
days after his inauguration, he
visited neighboring countries.
As he promised in his May 29th
inaugural address that tackling
the Boko Haram insurgency
would be prioritized by his
administration, he took less
than a week to begin rallying
the leaders of Nigerias
immediate
neighbors
to
support counter insurgency in
the Lake Chad Basin Region.
Consequently, Niger, Chad and
Cameroon agreed to deploy
a Joint Multinational Task
Force to battle the six-years
insurgency.
He
subsequently
visited
Europe, South Africa and the
United States. In his maiden
United States visit in July,
President Barrack Obama
said Buhari came onto his job
with reputation of integrity
and a clear-cut agenda. He
subsequently participated in
the G7 Summit, a platform he
shared with President Sirleaf
and other global leaders in
Germany. He revealed his
policy priorities of security,
economy and anti-corruption.
Subsequently, he attended the
AU Summit in South Africa,
where he again shared the
stage with President Sirleaf,
and held a tete-a tete with her
on bilateral and global matters
of mutual interest.
One of Buharis first foreign

policy gambits was to reassess

Nigerias foreign missions.
After a recent meeting with
the Permanent Secretary and
senior staff of the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs, it was revealed
that that there were 119
Nigerian embassies around
world. Maintaining them costs
Naira 34 billion (about US$
170 million). Following this
revelation, the new president
directed that a committee be
set up to assess the number
of missions because there was
no point in Nigeria operating
missions all over the world
with dilapidated facilities
and demoralized staff, and
when the need for some of the
missions was questionable.
Lets keep only what we can
manage. Something has to
be done so that we can get
back our respectability as a
country.. We cant afford
much for now. Theres no point
in pretending, Buhari bluntly
stated.
Another foreign policy matter
he addressed was the use of
Nigerian passports by erstwhile
government officials. Former
governors, ministers, senators,
members of the House of
Representatives, and members
of state Houses of Assembly
were still carrying diplomatic
and official passports.
The
president
directed
the
Nigerian Immigration Service
(which issues passports in
Nigeria, unlike the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs in Liberia)
to immediately request the
former officials to surrender
passports issued to them while

they were in office.

DOMESTIC POLICY
Like the huge socio-economic
challenges
inherited
by
President Sirleaf in 2005,
President
Buhari
faced
tremendous odds when he
took over Africas biggest
economy on May 29 2015.
Nonetheless, his first hundred
days have fared well so far,
judging from the restoration
of basic utility services,
especially increased power
generation and distribution.
There are concerns in some
quarters about his slowness
in appointing his cabinet
ministers, but his government
has been running smoothly
since he took over without
ministers. One of the reasons
for this feat is the continuity in
Nigerias public administration
system
were
Permanent
Secretaries from the civil
service run the day to day
affairs of the various Ministries,
Departments and Agencies
(MDAs). The new President
has used his time so far getting
detailed briefings from the
Permanent Secretaries of the
MDAs. And he seems content
with
their
performance
because of his belief that they
work harder than ministers,
who are political appointees.
The President has however
promised to appoint his
ministers before September
ending in keeping with
Nigerias Constitution.
Meanwhile, his administration
has scored some successes.

There is nearly 10 percent

increase in the economy of
the country said to be the
continents largest, which the
Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)
credited to the Presidents
efforts of blocking economic
leakages. In early July, the
countrys foreign reserve
surged from US$29 billion
to US$31.pproved Naira 700
billion (US$3.5 million) in July
to settle unpaid salaries of
federal and state civil servants.
At the beginning of August,
he directed the CBN to set up
of a Treasury Single Account
(TSA). This would recover
almost Naira 1.3 trillion
(US6.5 billion) from disparate
accounts held by the MDAs
in various commercial banks
across the country. Citizens
and international partners
have hailed the measure for
ensuring transparency in with
the provisions in the nations
1999 Constitution. The CBN
also directed commercial
banks to avoid accepting
deposits of foreign currency
in domiciliary accounts in an
apparent move to curb money
laundering and illicit financial
flows.
To implement his campaign
promise of reducing the cost
of
governance,
President
Buhari and his Vice President,
Professor
Yemi
Osinbajo,
declared their assets to the
Code of Conduct Bureau
(CCB).
The CCB revealed
that the net bank worth of
President Buhari was Naira
30 million (US$150,000). He
had only one bank account,

President
Muhammadu
Buharis hundred days in
power has made significant
foreign and domestic policy
achievements
that
have
implications
for
Liberia.
Liberia has stood by Nigeria
from the latters colonial days
to its independence. Nigeria
has reciprocated this goodwill
by helping to bring peace
and development to Liberia.
The Sirleaf Administration
signaled the continuation
of
strong
Liberia-Nigeria
relations by her presence at
the inauguration of the new
Nigerian President in Abuja.
She has subsequently shared
the international stage with
him at a number of strategic
meetings to foster similar
aspirations for sustainable
development goals.
The activities and policies
of President Buharis first
hundred days at the helm of
Nigeria, which undoubtedly
is the Giant of Africa, have
implications and analogies to
President Sirleafs challenges
and programs. By attacking
corruption,
stabilizing
electricity, and devising a
regional strategy to halt the
Boko Haram insurgency, the
Buhari administration has
initiated a masterstroke in his
domestic and foreign policy
that will reverberate in Africa.
This change would certainly
form the reference point
for strengthening
NigeriaLiberia
relations.
And
Nigerias recent foreign policy
accomplishments
under
Buhari, in a relatively short
period of hundred days,
has signaled its readiness
to shoulder Africas global
aspirations and goals as
a serious contender for a
permanent seat at the United
Nations Security Council.

Thursday, October 8, 2015

Frontpage

Page 11

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
The Judiciary Branch of Government seeks application from qualified Liberians interested in filling the vacant post of Jury Manager and Secretary

at county levels within the Judiciary in accordance with an Act amending Title 1 of the Liberian Code of Laws Revised, relating to juries and jurors,
passed by the Honorable 53RD Legislature, in 2012 and approved in 2013.
Job Title:

County Jury Manager

Place of work: Circuit Courts in Lofa, Nimba, Bomi, Margibi, Bassa, Bong, and Grand Gedeh Counties.
Report to: National Jury Manager, Central Office
POSITION SUMMARY:

The Circuit Jury Managers shall head the county offices of the Jury Management, and shall assist with jury selection, organizing jury pool and
ordering the number of jurors necessary for the functioning of the various circuit courts.
A. Functions and Responsibilities of the Judicial Circuit Jury manager:
A Judicial Circuit Jury Manager of the Office of Jury Management assigned within a Judicial Circuit Court of each county under the direct supervision
of the Chief Jury Manager shall:
a. Provide the jury selection and management services to be carried out by the Judicial Circuit Court of office of jury management, relating to the
administration of the Office of Jury Management;
b. Supervise and monitor within the circuit court all jury selection and management processes;
c. Produce detail monitoring and evaluation reports of the jury management process and outcomes during each term of court etc.;
d. Ensure the adherence by Office of Jury Management and the circuit court of procedures for:
Juror polling
Venire of grand and petit jurors
Jurors Summons and
Jurors Orientation.
e. Conduct routine post-jury service evaluation of each juror, upon completion of jury service and compile information to be utilized as data for the
improvement of jury service in the circuit;
f. Collect reports for onwards submission to the Central Jury Office;
g. Assist the circuit courts with the formulation of short and long-term programs and projects for an efficient and effective jury selection and
management program; and
h. Each candidate must be willing to reside in the county of his/her interest.
B. Qualification:
a. Be a graduate of a recognized university with a degree in sociology, Criminal Justice or a relative social science;
b. Must have at least a minimum of three (3) years working experience in the public or private sector;
c. Have knowledge in the workings of the Liberian Judiciary; and
d. Be computer proficient;

SECRETARY:
The Secretary shall be responsible to receive, and process all communications and documents forwarded to the Office of the County Jury Manager in
a timely manner and handle correspondences to and from the County Jury Manager.
Duties and responsibilities:
a. Responsible to keep all documents safe; and to manage incoming and out-going correspondences in an orderly manner;
b. Supervise the recording and follow-up of the processing of incoming and out-going correspondences; making sure that proper record is made;
and,
c. Establish record and files of all in-coming and out-going correspondences, and according to dates and time of service and or processing; and
d. Carry out any other duties as required for the smooth functioning of the Office of the National Jury Management; and
e. Be computer literate.
Qualification and skills:
a. High school and WAEC certificate or other relevant certificates;
b. Must possess a certificate from a recognize computer institution
c. A college degree may be an added advantage

Application Procedure
Applicants, male and female may apply and will be considered for recruitment and subsequent appointment. All applications will be reviewed on
the basis of merits.
A letter of application along with an attached updated RESUME with three (3) professional references will be required from applicant (s).
Note: All applications with relevant documents should be addressed to:
THE OFFICE OF THE NATIONAL JURY MANAGER
JUDICIARY BRANCH OF GOVERNMENT
TEMPLE OF JUSTICE
CAPITOL HILL
MONROVIA, LIBERIA

APPLICATIONS CAN ALSO BE DELIVERED TO THE CLERKS OF COURT OF YOUR RESPECTIVE CIRCUIT COURTS
DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING APPLICATION LETTERS IS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015 AT
4:00 P.M. (Absolutely no application will be received after the deadline)

Thursday, October 8, 2015

Page 12 | Frontpage

Invitation for Bid

Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs
National Competitive Bidding (NCB)
For
MACHINERY & EQUIPMENTS
IFB NO.MOS/NCB/004/15/16
1. The Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs intend to apply part of
its budgetary allotment for the fiscal year 2015/2016 to fund eligible
payments under the contract for MACHINERY & EQUIPMENTS (IFB NO.MOS/
NCB/004/15/16) towards the Ministrys operation for the Fiscal year
2015/2016.
The Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs now invites sealed bids from
eligible and qualified bidders for MACHINERY & EQUIPMENTS with the
descriptions and quantities.

Items / Description
250 KVA GENERATOR

Quantities
1

2. Bidding will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding (NCB)

procedures specified in the PPCA and approved by the PPCC, and are open to all
Eligible bidders.
3. As of Monday October 5, 2015 eligible bidders may obtain further
information from The Office of the acting Procurement Director, Ministry of
State for Presidential Affairs; Mr. Robert Marshall, robertmarshall2002@yahoo.
com and pick up the bidding documents at the address given below from 9:00
A.M -4:00 P.M. Monday to Friday
4. A complete set of Tender documents in English may be purchased by
interested Bidders upon a payment of a nonrefundable fee of Eighty United
States dollars ($80.00 USD) for each set. The method of payment will be cash
and bidders will be issue a valid receipt after payment. Bidding documents will
be pickup by the bidders or their representative.
Tenders must be delivered to the address below at or before 2:00 PM, October
28, 2015. Tenders shall be valid for a period of 80 days after the deadline of
Tender submission. All Tenders must be accompanied by a Bid Security of
2% of their tender price from a reputable bank or insurance company. Late
Tenders will be rejected and returned to the bidder unopened. Tenders will
be opened in the presence of the Bidders or their representative who choose
to attend at 2:30 PM, Wednesday, October 28, 2015 in the Office of the Deputy
Minister/Administration, Foreign Ministry Building 5th Floor.
5. Qualification requirements include:

1. Articles of Incorporation,
2. Valid Tax Clearance,
3. Valid Business Registration
4. Past performance records including the names and contact number of at
least three clients.
5. Line of Credit (30days)
6. Availability of Spare Parts
7. Evidence of being part of the PPCC Vendor Registration database
Bids must be in English and fees much be quoted in United States dollars.

6. Prospective bidders must submit one original and two copies. Original Bid
must be enclosed in a separate envelope and marked ORIGINAL. The two
copies and the original copy must then be enclosed in one larger envelope and
labeled: MACHINERY & EQUIPMENTS; IFB NO.MOS/NCB/004/15/16 and must
be submitted to the office of the acting Director of Procurement. Additional
details are provided in the Bidding Documents.
Attention: The Procurement Unit

Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs

Motor Pool Division, 1st Floor, Room #1

Executive Mansion Ground, Capitol Hill

Opposite LISGIS

Cell No: +231777372609/0886639382
Monrovia, Liberia
Signed: ______________________________
Management

REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA

MINISTRY OF HEALTH & SOCIAL WELFARE

P.O. BOX 10-9009
1000 MONROVIA 10, LIBERIA

Job Announcement: Pool Fund Accounting Officer

1. Background: The Health Sector Pool Fund (HSPF) was established in 2008 to
finance unfunded priorities from the National Health Plan (NHP). A Health Sector
Pool Fund Management Firm manages the fund within the Ministry of Health. The
management firm is currently recruiting an experienced accountant to serve as a
Pool Fund Accounting Officer within the HSPF Secretariat. The HSPF Secretariat
is comprised of a small team of hardworking, dedicated professionals that are
supervised by a dynamicPool Fund Manager.

2. Responsibilities: The Accounting Officer will report directly to the Pool Fund
Manager and willshare the following responsibilities with other SecretariatStaffs
in strict adherence to the Pool Fund Procedures Manual:
ReviewingMOH payment requests to ensure consistency with contracts and
budgetary provisions under approved pool fund allocations, and processing
payments requests in keeping with the MOHs accounting procedures and the
Pool Fund Procedures Manual;
Participating in payroll monitoring and other fiduciary activities to control
against the potential leakage of funds;
Ensuring disbursement vouchers and checks are properly prepared, coded, and
submitted for approval to the appropriate authorities;
Usingthe MOHs ACCPAC accounting software system to account for all inflows
and outflows of funds, ensuring all ACCPAC journal entries are made on a regular
basis is an added advantage
Preparing cash flow projections and timed deposit requests for review by the
Fund Manager;
Strictly executing the MOH and pool fund advance and liquidation policies and
practices;
Conducting monthly bank statement reconciliation on the main pool fund bank
account and on the pool fund disbursement bank account statements;
Preparing monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for review by the
Fund Manager;
Supporting financial planning, forecasting, budgeting, controls and analysis
regarding proposed and approved pool fund allocations;
Supportingthe annual independent audits and fiduciary risk assessments of the
pool fund;
Participating in the periodic review of accounting and financial management
policies, practices, and procedures of the pool fund;
Performing other related duties as may be assigned by the Pool Fund Manager.
In the fulfillment of the duties detailed above, the Accounting Officerwill accepts
direction from the Pool Fund Manager concerning work assignments that will
vary according to workload.
3. Qualifications: The successful candidate should have an academic degree
BBA in Accounting or Finance from a credible institution with relevant experience
in bookkeeping, accounting, financial management, public administration, or
a related field. He/she will have an in-depth knowledge of issues inherent
to accounting for high value projects with demanding reporting and audit
requirements under a high degree of fiduciary scrutiny. He/she will have a
very strong knowledge of recording keeping and documentation requirements
inherent to effective financial management, as well as office computer skills in MS
Excel, MS Word, and preferably a good working knowledge of ACCPAC and other
accounting software.He/she will have a basicunderstanding of procurement and
contract award processes fundamental to the tender of goods, works and services.
4. Experience: We are looking for a resourceful candidate with a well-documented
track record of success in a similarly position working with government or
international donor funding. The successful candidates resume must clearly
show that he/she has at least 5 years of combined experience in the areas of
responsibility indicated in section 2. Knowledge of the health sector and the
Ministry of Health will be an advantage.

5. How to apply: We welcomereceiving by email (at proumohsw@gmail.com),

hard copies of applications and CVs can also be dropped in the tender box situated
on the ground floor of the Ministrys Central Office in Congo Town under the stairs.
All applications should be addressed to:
James M. Beyan
Director of Personnel
Ministry of Health

The deadline for submission is October 20th, 2015 at 15:00 GMT

Thursday, October 8, 2015

Invitation for Bids (IFB)

1. The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) has received funds from the Government of Liberia
through budgetary allocations and intends to use portion of it to fund eligible payment under the
contract for the procurement of the below listed goods and services:

N0.

Contract Package

Description

IFB No./LRA/NCB/007/015-016

Supply of Cleaning Materials

Lot 1: Restricted to Liberian Business

Quantity

Assorted

Lot 2: All May Apply

N0.

Contract Package

Description

IFB No. LRA/RB/001/015-016

Provision of Personnel Insurance

Services

Quantity

Lot 1: Medical Insurance: Personnel & Dependents

900 Employees + 4
Dependents Each

Lot 2: Life Insurance: Personnel only

900 Employees

N0.
3

Contract Package

Description

IFB N0.: LRA/NCB/005/15/16

Provision of Foreign Travel

Management Services

Lot 1: Regional Travel within Africa

Quantity

Assorted

Lot 2: International Travel

2. The LRA now invites sealed bids from eligible and qualified bidders for the supply and delivery
of the above listed goods and services.
3. Bidding will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding (NCB) procedures as
specified in the PPC Act and is open to all eligible and qualified bidders to participate in the
bidding process.
4. Interested eligible bidders may obtain further information from the below address:
Walter J. Dean
Liberia Revenue Authority Headquarters
ELWA Junction,
Paynesville
1stFloor
Tel: 231-(0886) -517-891
walter.dean@lra.gov.lr
5. Qualifications requirements: All bids must be accompanied by;
A bid security
Current Tax Clearance & Current Business Registration
Proof of similar goods/services performed
Company Profile
Additional details are provided in the Bidding Documents.

6. Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before October 15, 2015 at 12:00 p.m.,
1:00p.m. and 2:00 p.m. respectively. Bids shall be valid for a period of Thirty Days (30) after the
deadline of bid submission.

7. Bids will be opened on October 15, 2015 at 12:00pm, in the presence of bidders representatives
who choose to attend, at the address below.
Liberia Revenue Authority Headquarters
ELWA Junction,
Paynesville, Liberia
1stFloor

A complete set of Bidding Document in English may be purchased by interested bidders upon
payment of a non-refundable fee of 50.00 USD to the LRA Budget & Finance Office, 2nd Floor at the
Liberia Revenue Authority between 9:00 am & 3:00 pm daily, and obtain a complete set of bidding
document.
8. All bids must be clearly marked with the address indicated below.
9. Electronic bids will not be accepted. Late bids will be rejected.

10. The address is:

Cleaning Materials, Ref: IFB No. LRA/NCB/007/015-016
Provision of Personnel Insurance Services IFB No. LRA/RB/001/015-016
Provision of Foreign Travel Management Services
Liberia Revenue Authority
LRA Headquarters, ELWA Junction,
Paynesville, Liberia
1stFloor
Tel: 231-(0886) -517-891 Email: walter.dean@lra.gov.lr

Note: This IFB and other LRA related information are also available at www.lra.gov.lr and Liberia
Revenue Authority Facebook page.
Oliver N. Rogers, II
LRA Administration.

Page 13

Frontpage

Walter J. Dean
Head of Procurement

Invitation for Bids (IFB)

National Competitive Bidding
Supply and Delivery of Stationery and Office Consumables
Ref: IFB No. LRA/NCB/001/015-016
1. The Liberia Revenue Authority has received funds from the Government of Liberia and
intends to apply portion of it to fund eligible payment under the contract for procurement
of Stationery & Office Consumables.
2. The Authority now invites sealed bids from eligible and qualified bidders for the
supply and delivery of Stationery & Office Consumables.

3. Bidding will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding (NCB) procedures
as specified in the PPCA and approved by the PPCC and is open to all bidders from eligible
source countries as defined in the PPCA. The supply as per the Liberia Revenue Authority
Schedule of Requirement is in the below table:
Description

Number

Supply
and
Delivery
of IFB No. LRA/NCB/001/015-016
Stationery
and
Office
Consumables

Quantity

Assorted

Delivery
Schedule
Based on
contract

4. Interested eligible bidders may obtain further information from the below address and
inspect the bidding documents from 9:30am to 3:00pm
Walter J. Dean
Liberia Revenue Authority
Liberia Revenue Authority Headquarters
ELWA Junction
Paynesville, Liberia
1stFloor
Tel: 231-(0886) -517-891
Email: walter.dean@lra.gov.lr

5. A complete set of bidding documents in English may be purchased by interested

Bidders on the submission of a written application to the address below and upon a
payment of a nonrefundable fee of Fifty United States (US$50.00) for each set.
6. Qualifications requirements: All bids must be accompanied by;
A bid security
Current tax clearance
Current business registration
Proof of similar goods been supplied.

7. Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before October 14, 2015 at 12:00pm.
Bids shall be valid for a period of Ninety (90) days after the deadline of bid submission.
8. Bids will be opened on October 14, 2015 at 12:00pm, in the presence of bidders
representatives who choose to attend, at the address below.
LRA Conference Room,
1stFloor
Liberia Revenue Authority Headquarters,
ELWA Junction,
Paynesville, Liberia

9. All bids must be clearly marked with the address indicated below.
10. Electronic bids will not be accepted. Late bids will be rejected and returned
unopened.
11. The address is:

Procurement of Stationery & Office Consumables,

Ref: IFB No. LRA/NCB/001/015-016
Liberia Revenue Authority
Liberia Revenue Authority Headquarters
ELWA Junction
Paynesville, Liberia
Tel: 231-(0886) -517-891
Email: walter.dean@lra.gov.lr
Note: This IFB and other LRA related information are also available at www.lra.gov.lr and
Liberia Revenue Authority Facebook page.
Oliver N. Rogers, II
Deputy Commissioner General Adm. Affairs
Walter J. Dean
Procurement Manager

Page 14 | Frontpage

PAGE

RONT

WORLD NEWS

Thursday, October 8, 2015

BURKINA FASO COUP LEADER

GEN DIENDERE CHARGED

SOMALI PRESIDENT'S NEPHEW

KILLED IN AL-SHABAB ATTACK

he nephew of Somali President Hassan Sheikh

Mohamud has been shot dead in the capital,
Mogadishu.
Gunmen opened fire on Dr Liban Osman's vehicle as it
was travelling through the city's Wadajir neighbourhood early
on Wednesday.
Both Dr Osman, who reportedly worked as a doctor at the
presidential palace, and another man, thought to be a lawyer,
died in the attack.
Islamist militant group al-Shabab has said it was behind the
killings.
Attacks targeting professionals have been increasing in recent
months in the capital, BBC Somali's Kati Isse says.

RUSSIAN MISSILES 'HIT IS IN

SYRIA FROM CASPIAN SEA'

ussia says it has launched rocket strikes on Islamic

State group targets in Syria from warships in the
Caspian Sea - about 1,500km (930 miles) away.
Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said four warships
fired 26 sea-based cruise missiles on 11 targets, destroying
them and causing no civilian casualties.
Meanwhile, Syrian ground troops have launched an offensive
under Russian air cover, Syrian officials say.
Russia denies claims that its week of strikes have mainly hit
non-IS targets.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported "the most
intense fighting in months" in Hama and Idlib provinces. The
clashes followed a wave of Russian air strikes in the same areas,
it said.

CIVILIANS 'ACCIDENTALLY STRUCK' IN AFGHAN

HOSPITAL BOMBING, U.S. COMMANDER SAYS

he leader of last
month's short-lived
coup in Burkina Faso
has been charged
with
crimes
including
threatening state security
and murder.
Gen Gilbert Diendere is
expected to face trial before a
military tribunal.
Interim President Michel
Kafando was reinstated two
weeks ago after intervention
from the army and West
African leaders.
The presidential guards' unit
that carried out the coup is to
be disbanded.
BBC
West
Africa
correspondent Thomas Fessy

says Gen Diendere has been

formally charged with 11
crimes including threatening
state
security,
murder,
collusion with foreign forces,
voluntary assault and wilful
destruction of property.
Africa Live: BBC news
updates
Former Foreign Minister
Djibril Bassole, who was
also arrested in connection
with the coup, has also
been charged. Mr Bassole
has always denied any
involvement.
Seven lessons from sevenday coup
King who helped end crisis
Why presidential guards

stage coups
Last week, Gen Diendere was
reported to have surrendered
to the authorities in the
capital Ouagadougou.
Some of his forces had
refused an order to disarm,
forcing the army to attack
their base in the city.
The
elite
Presidential
Security Regiment (RSP) is
loyal to Blaise Compaore,
the country's long-time ruler
who was ousted in a popular
uprising last year.
Unhappy
about
being
integrated into the regular
army, members of the unit
stormed the cabinet room
on 16 September, seizing Mr

SEPP BLATTER & MICHEL PLATINI: FIFA

TO DECIDE ON POSSIBLE SUSPENSION

(CNN)

Doctors Without Borders hospital in Afghanistan

was struck accidentally after Afghan forces called
for air support from the American military, Gen.
John Campbell, the commander of U.S. forces in
Afghanistan, said Monday.
Saturday's bombardment in Kunduz has sparked international
outrage. It killed 12 medical staff members and at least 10
patients, three of them children, Doctors Without Borders said.
Another 37 people were wounded, according to the global
charity group, which works in conflict zones to help victims of
war and other tragedies.
Every person who died at the hospital was Afghan, the group
said.
Addressing reporters Monday at the Pentagon, Campbell said
initial reports indicated the airstrike was called to protect U.S.
forces.
"We have now learned that on October 3, Afghan forces advised
that they were taking fire from enemy positions and asked for
air support from U.S. forces," he said. "An airstrike was then
called to eliminate the Taliban threat, and several innocent
civilians were accidentally struck."

Kafando, the prime minister

and others.
A week later, when it became
clear they did not enjoy
popular support and after an
ultimatum from the regular
army, the RSP withdrew from
the capital.
The regional bloc Ecowas
also helped to bring an end to
the crisis.
At least 10 people were killed
and more than 100 injured in
clashes during the takeover,
which Gen Diendere later
described as "the biggest
mistake".

ifa's
ethics
committee could
decide whether to
suspend president
Sepp Blatter and European
football chief Michel Platini
within days.
Members
have
been
meeting this week after
the
Swiss
attorney

general opened criminal

proceedings against Blatter,
79, last month.
He is accused of signing a
contract "unfavourable" to
football's governing body
and making a "disloyal
payment" to Uefa president
Platini, 60.
Both men deny any

wrongdoing.
The ethics committee's
adjudicatory
chamber
can provisionally suspend
officials for up to 90 days
and have been meeting in
Zurich since Monday.
A decision on the fate of
Blatter and Platini could
come before the end of this

week or possibly early next

week.
The investigation is centred
on allegations believed
to be around a 2005 TV
rights deal between Fifa
and Jack Warner, the former
president of Concacaf, the
governing body of football
in North and Central
America and the Caribbean.
It is also examining a
payment of two million
Swiss francs (1.35m) that
Platini received in 2011
for working for Blatter.
He claims it was "valid
compensation" for work
carried out more than nine
years previously.
The
Frenchman
has

provided information
to
the criminal investigation
but said he has done so as a
witness.
Swiss prosecutors said
he is being treated as "in
between a witness and an
accused person" as they
investigate corruption at
world football's governing
body.

Thursday, October 8, 2015

Sports

Frontpage

LIBERIA VOW TO ATTACK

GUINEA-BISSAU IN 2018 QUALIFIER

Page 15

SPORTS

EVIL WILL COME

TO LIGHT: BLATTER
SLAMS "OUTRAGEOUS"
CONDEMNATION

he
79-year-old,
who has served at
football's governing
body since 1981,
says "evil will come to
light" in a current criminal
investigation against him
Fifa president Sepp Blatter
has labelled the furore over
a criminal investigation into
his activities as "outrageous"
and insists he will only leave
his role on the day of the
election to find his successor.
Blatter announced in July
that he will step down from
his position following the
indictment of 14 officials
by the US Department of
Justice under charges of
racketeering, fraud and
money laundering.

CRISTIANO RONALDO
WILL RETIRE AT REAL
MADRID - ANCELOTTI

iberia have vowed

to attack visitors
Guinea Bissau in
their 2018 World
Cup qualifier first leg on
Thursday.
Coach James Debbah is set
to select four attackers William Jebor, Francis Doe,

Patrick Ronaldinho Wleh and

Dioh Williams - in his line-up.
Thursday's ties
Sao Tome e Principe v
Ethiopia (15:00 GMT)
Liberia v Guinea-Bissau
(16:00 GMT)
Portuguese coach Paulo
Torres will guide Guinea-

Bissau despite a four-match

ban for "offensive language
and insults toward the
referee" in Zambia four
months ago.
The suspension applies to
Cup of Nations qualifiers, but
not World Cup eliminators.
Sao Tome e Principe host

UNTIMELY END
South Sudan's World Cup debut ended early by rain

outh Sudan's first

appearance in a World
Cup qualifying match
was
abandoned
because of heavy rain after
only 10 minutes played.
Wednesday's
2018
preliminary round firstleg qualifier at home to
Mauritania was suspended
with the score at 1-1 and
then abandoned when there
was no easing of the extreme
weather conditions.
Despite the short of amount
of time played, South Sudan
still managed to mark their

historic
appearance
by
scoring their first World Cup
goal - the honour going to
Dominic Abui Pretino, who
struck on five minutes to
cancel out Boubacar Bagili's
third-minute opener.
Fifa has said the match
will resume on Thursday
at 11:00 local time from
the point where the match
was stopped. The sides are
scheduled to meet for the
second leg in Nouakchott on
Tuesday 13 October.
South
Sudan
joined
international football only in

2012, a year after the country

became independent from

Sudan, and in September
they achieved their first
competitive win - beating
Equatorial Guinea 1-0 in a
2017 Africa Cup of Nations
qualifier.
Also on Wednesday, Comoros
won their first point in World
Cup competition by playing
out a stalemate with Lesotho
in the first leg of their tie.
Wednesday's ties
Seychelles 0-1 Burundi
Tanzania 2-0 Malawi South
Sudan 1-1* Mauritania

Ethiopia in the day's other

fixture.
The 13 winners of the twolegged preliminary round ties
advance to the second round,
where they will be joined by
the 27 seeded countries.
The teams have already been
drawn into ties, which will
MATCH ABANDONED
Comoros 0-0 Lesotho
Mauritius v Kenya (14:30
GMT)
The 0-0 draw ended a run
of four defeats in their
previous World Cup matches
since they they first entered
qualification for football's
biggest tournament in 2007.
Comoros had gone into the
game off the back of two
defeats in their opening two
games in the 2017 Africa Cup
of Nations qualifiers.
But they shut out their
visitors, who had goalkeeper
Kuenane sent off after 84
minutes, to make history at
at the Stade de Moroni and
begin their campaign in a
positive note.
Burundi have taken the
advantage in their tie with
Seychelles, earning a 1-0
away win in the first leg of
their tie.
Fiston Abdul Razak scored
the winner after 15 minutes
and his side, who last won
in the competition in 2008,
will now be considered the
favourites to reach the next
round.
Also in a good position are
Tanzania, who recorded a
2-0 home win over Malawi.
The hosts struck twice in
the space of four first-half
minutes, Mbwana Samata

be played on a home-andaway basis. The 20 winners

advance to the group phase,
where they will be drawn
into five groups of four teams
each, with the winners of
the groups advancing to the
finals.
breaking the deadlock on
18 minutes and Thomas
Ulimwengu doubling their
advantage.
Victory continues Tanzania's
improved form of this
year since former national
team star Charles Boniface
Mkwasa replaced Mart Nooij
from the Netherlands as
coach.
Mauritius welcome Kenya in
Wednesday's other fixture.
Kenya will look to the likes
of Southampton midfielder
Victor Wanyama to lead
them to victory but Mauritius
captain Jonathan Bru want to
spring a surprise.
"I want to believe we can do
it. Even the smallest win is
a huge achievement for us.
Getting through to the group
phase would be amazing for
us," he told Fifa.
Also hopeful of causing an
upset is Seychelles coach
Ralph Jean-Louis.
"We want to win our first
match. We want to show the
Seychelles people that we can
do it, and I have the players
that can beat Burundi," he
told Fifa.
Only five African nations will
make it to the 2018 World
Cup finals in Russia, after
going through two knockout
rounds and a group stage.

he
Portuguese
goalscorer
has
been
linked
with transfers to
Manchester United and PSG,
but his former coach at the
Bernabeu believes he will not
be moving
Carlo Ancelotti believes
Cristiano Ronaldo is destined
to stay at Real Madrid until
the end of his career.
Ronaldo has a contract with
Madrid until June 2018, but
has recently been linked with
his former club Manchester
United and Paris SaintGermain.
BANNED DRUGS FOUND IN 3,800
SAMPLES IN 2014, SAYS WADA

anned substances
were found in
more than 3,800
samples out of
283,304 tests carried out
worldwide last year, World
Anti-Doping Agency figures
reveal.
However, that represented
a fall, across all sports, of
more than 10%, despite an
increase in the number of
tests carried out.
Athletics has been the
subject of allegations of
widespread doping.

FrontPage
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