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Two former senior officials of the defunct Armed Forces of Liberia facing treason trail at Criminal Court –A- at the Temple of Justice have been set free after Judge Peter Gbonee Wleh announced the final verdict yesterday.

Retired General Charles Julu and retired Colonel Andrew Dorbor were charged for plotting to overthrow the Unity Party led Government headed by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. According to Criminal Court –A-Judge Peter Gbonee Wleh, the State failed miserably to establish evidence in support of their claim. He said although the prosecution (State) provided seven witnesses, none was able to produce reasonable evidence that he termed “material” to the trail.

Judge Wleh made special emphasis on document that the State claimed to be a voluntary statement made by retired Colonel Andrew Dorbor. “It would have been legally prudent if the NSA had asked Mr. Dorbor to make these statements in the presence of his legal counsel”. Judge Wleh maintained.

Judge Wleh also said the distribution of Fifty United States Dollars as claimed by the prosecution in a local hotel in Ganta in the absence of a meeting does not constitute substantial evidence against the defendants. “The constitution gives the right to peacefully assembled”. The ruling which started at 1:30 pm at the Criminal Court A lasted for over five hours with Judge Peter Gbonee Wleh giving detail breakdown on various testimonies held and the application of legal interpretation thereof. After hours of deliberation at the Temple of Justice, Judge Wleh came down with a non-guilty verdict in favor of the two defendants.

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As a member of the tribe, analytically, I have tried to figure out or identify the fundamental reasons for this general perception that Mandingo people are not citizens of Liberia. Please do not take this as a joke. A significant number of our population is convinced that the Mandingo tribe does not belong here (Liberia) as they are all Guineans. I have, therefore, drawn my conclusion based on two major factors: (1) The perceived and speculative closeness of the Mandingo culture. The Mandingo culture is perceived as not very outsider friendly, even within their own social settings. Of course and as a matter of fact, like many cultures, certain aspects are considered as not been outsider friendly. (2) Islam-the masses of our members are mostly illiterate and do not understand the dos and don’ts of Islam. In the absence of a formal education, the religion is left with most people without much understanding. It is, therefore, practiced with personal values, feelings and cultural understanding as how God is, how He should be and how He’s going to get you, if you fall out of line and that line is drawn and defined by individual values, that, I consider a major dilemma.

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In a statement issued in Monrovia, the UP Youth group described claim made by the
Liberty Party flag bearer as “deceitful and misleading” and called on all Liberians in and
out of the country to join hands with the UP government in its endeavor to bring about the
needed development to the war-ravaged country.

The Progressive Youth group of Unity Party said anyone who has followed the trend of
development unfolding across the world, would agreed that there have been steady
increase in the prices of basic commodities such as rice and the Unity Party led
Government can not be blamed for situation that falls beyond its control.

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The Liberia media law and policy working group in collaboration with the Press Union of Liberia and the Ministry of Information recently completed the drafting of three laws aimed at strengthening the media laws in the country. The draft laws include, the Freedom of Information Act 2008, an Act to establish an independent Broadcasting regulator for Liberia and an Act to establish the Liberia Public Broadcasting Service to replace the Liberia Broadcasting Corporation.

Presenting the draft Act to the National Legislature yesterday at the Capitol Building on Capitol Hill, the Secretary-general of the Press Union of Liberia Mr. Peter Quaqua pleaded with the Legislators on behalf of media practitioners for the speedy deliberation of the draft laws. He said the draft media reform law will enhance democracy and further protect the rule of law as it relates media operations in the country.

Deliberating on the specific of the three Acts on a separate note, Mr. Quaqua said the freedom of information Act 2008 seek to grant the public the right of access to information in the possession of public institutions in accordance with the procedures laid in the Act. Commenting on the Act to establish an independent Broadcasting regulator to Liberia, Mr. Quaqua said if passed into law, the act will make provision for the regulation of Broadcasting in the interest of the public void any outside or Government interference.

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Speaking to cross-section of Reporters at his Liberty Party headquarters on Benson Street under the caption: “The State of the Nation from a political opposition’s perspective”, Cllr. Brumskine outlined several points including the enactment of a whole new body of elections laws, which would include the establishment of an election court. He said the communication received from the National Election Commission charging the Liberty Party with subversive activities was meant to abolish Liberia’s democratic society and endanger the existence of the Republic, as outlined in Article 80(a) and (b) of the constitution.

“The Election Commission was the accuser, jury and the judge of the proceedings. Only by the Grace of God, were we acquitted of subversive activities, and found guilty of lesser charges. Whatever the case, the Election Commission as constituted today, signals the 2011 Presidential and general elections as occurrences of dire potent”, Cllr. Brumskine maintained.

Commenting on the management of the economy, Cllr. Brumskine said there would be no poverty reduction if non-Liberians were granted permission by our government to perform jobs that Liberians so badly need. He said that as the result of low investment in its people, the US’ Millennium Challenge Corporation gives usually low marks to Liberia’s efforts in the past two years, under it category-“investing in people”. “Only when the State invests in its people can poverty alleviation become a realistic goal” Cllr. Brumskine said.

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Military and Para-Military personnel in the past divert their duties and responsibilities to protecting the value and political terrains in hailing and subscribing their loyalties to the power that be. In further illustration, authorities of the Armed Forces of Liberia normally pollute the minds of their subordinate Officers in respecting the existing Government at the disadvantage of the State. At the consequences of such unwholesome practices, many determine men and women recruited to serve the State normally succumbed to these vices in order to seek unwarranted promotion in the Army.

Due to the fifteen years of civil wars in Liberia, the Armed Forces of Liberia collapsed into factions and warring groups thereby bringing criminals and war-lords to control activities of the Army. The task of rebuilding a well disciplined, well equipped and an educated world class and citizens soldiers for Liberia seems to many a Herculean venture and for some a practically impossible task to pursue.

Liberia�s President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf through her affluence and influence has made significant headways aimed at rehabilitating and reconstructing the Barracks through the kind of gesture of the People�s Republic of China (PRC) and the People�s Liberation Army (PLA).

The recruitment and training of the new Armed Forces of Liberia must coincide concomitantly with other benefits and the determination of Government to keep such benefit current and stable. One dissatisfaction infiltrate the Military as an organization, compromises of functions and loyalty to State becomes inevitable.

The involvement of the International Community into the training of the transformed Armed Forces of Liberia is welcoming and the result of such training overwhelming predicated upon the commitment and zealousness exhibited by soldiers but if the necessary supports as it relates to other benefits for soldiers are not made available to their satisfaction, then the efforts of the international community and the Liberia government will certainly be derailed very soon.

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The spokesperson of the Taylor’s family, Mr. Sando Johnson said contrary to speculations of threat against the life of Mr. Moses Blah, sympathizers and members of Taylor’s family have had absolutely no ill intention against Mr. Blah. He said it was left with the conscience of Mr. Moses Blah to clearly speak his minds without outside influence. Mr. Moses Blah is a confident of Charles Taylor who is currently being investigated for war crime and crime against humanity in The Hague. He was among the overseas-trained rebel soldiers who invaded Liberia in the early ‘90s.

Former Liberian President Charles Taylor appointed him to the position of Vice President of the Republic of Liberia after the death of Liberia’s Vice President Enoch Dogolea. He further succeeded former President Charles Taylor in 2003 after he (Taylor) was forcibly flown out of Liberia. His three months of Presidency has practically no impact on the political and economic recovery of Liberia.

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Liberia National Amputee Team has captured the second edition of the African Amputee Cup of Nations. The two week long events took place in Monrovia with four countries participating. Angola, Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Liberia participated in the second edition of the tournament.

The final match was held between the Liberia National Team and the Sierra Leone National Team. Liberia triumph over her Sierra Leonean counterparts 1-0 on Sunday April 6, 2008 at the Antoinette Tubman Stadium in Monrovia. The goal came in the 2nd minute of the first half. After the early minute goal, strikers of Sierra Leone managed to equalize but to no avail due to the mature defense of the Liberia National team.

The tournament was played in honor of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia.

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The Africa Partnership Station in collaboration with the Embassy of the United States near this capital under the rubric of four U.S. Navy ships which has been in the country since March 17, 2008 Wednesday kicks off its donation ceremony.

The ships which are currently in Liberia’s waters are delivery more than US 3 Million dollars worth of medical supplies to the Ministry of Health and three other medical centers in the capital including the John F. Kennedy Medical Center, Redemption Hospital and the Logan Town Clinic.

More than 20 medical, dental, and veterinary professionals from the United States Navy are expected to offer training and care at various sites near Monrovia during a two week period. The Navy Seabees and other sailors on board the ships will assist in the renovation of selected Liberian schools and clinics.

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The National Muslim Students Association of Liberia have expressed committment and pledged to mobilize the Muslim community, particularly the youths and students, to actively participate in the national census as was declared at the joint stakeholder meeting with LISGIS at the Headquarters of the National Muslim Council of Liberia on February 9, 2008.

The National Muslim Students Association of Liberia is the largest established Islamic students based organization in Liberia working to unite Muslim students in Liberia, promote joint actions and peaceful coexistence amongst Muslims and non-Muslims in Liberia. The Association works for the education and empowerment of all Liberian students through various programs and advocacies

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“We will remain calm in our advocacy for the immediate resignation of the Party Chairman, Dr. Charles Clarke, and his Corps of Officers as well as Hasan Kiazulu, head of the Youth wing and the entire youth leadership. Why the Vice President is afraid to come to his own party headquarters? After 4:30 pm, I will order all Executives of the Party out despite the arrival of Vice President Joseph Boakai”, says Amos Tweh, the head of the protesting partisans of the ruling Unity Party who have gathered to meet Vice President Boakai for a dialogue in the growing tension at the Party headquarters.

After waiting for over twenty hours for the arrival of Liberian Vice President Joseph Boakai to intervene in the recent protest at the headquarters of the Unity Party, it appears exceedingly disappointing after an infiltration of last minutes notice that VP Boakai has boycotted the planned meeting on what some Executives pf the Party termed as security risk.

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The infantry training is part of a continuous military assistance package offered to Liberia by the Government and people of Nigeria. The specialized warfare course according to a Defense Ministry release comprised training in jungle warfare, Counter-terrorism, Mountain and Desert warfare. The Soldiers are also expected to attend specialized courses at the Amphibious Training School, Calabar, South Eastern Nigeria.

Addressing the Soldiers before their embarkation on the Military aircraft, the Charge d’ affaires at the Nigerian Embassy in Liberia, Essesien Ntekim said the initiative represent the fulfillment of a pledge made by Nigeria to assist Liberia achieve stable security environment which according to him would accommodate political, economic and social enhancement in the recovery drive of the war injured country. “As a Stakeholder in Liberia, Nigeria would continue to do whatever is desirable in ensuring that Liberia once again rose to its enviable height”, Mr. Ntekim asserted.

Also speaking prior to the departure of the Soldiers, the Commanding Officer of the Armed Forces of Liberia, Major General Suraj A. Abdurrahman urged the Soldiers to exhibit high level of commitment, professionalism, patriotisms and dedication in absorbing their lessons and military obligations. He said President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf had high expectation of them that they must reciprocate same through absolute loyalty and hard work.

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The President of the United States of America, George Walker Bush who is on a one day official visit to Liberia as part of his eight nations African tour today assured Liberians of his government’s support to the growth and development of the West African State.

Amidst applause from officials of the Liberian government, members of the diplomatic corp. and his entourage, Mr. Bush further told the Liberian people, adding, “Together with the help of the United Nations Mission in Liberia, we're working to heal the wounds of war, and strengthen democracy, and build a new armed forces that will be a source of security for the Liberian people instead of a source of terror”, the American leader stressed.

The American President also announced his government’s willingness to provide one million textbooks, as well as desks and seating for at least 10,000 Liberian school children by the start of the country’s next academic year.

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Thousands of Liberians who are eager to witness the historic visit of the President of the United States of America, George W. Bush and his entourage to Liberia this morning will be stranded at their various destinations due to security measures being put in place by the Liberian government in collaboration with the American embassy near this capital.

Major routes that are regularly plied by commuters to get to the central part of the capitol have all been closed, while the regular traditional style of welcoming world leaders into the country; by lining the route of the capitol has been stopped.

Briefing over 200 local journalists Tuesday, the spokesperson of the U.S. embassy near the capitol said the visit of the American President to Liberia was a “historic one” and that all security steps to make his visit successful in the country were being put in place.

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The Liberian Justice Minister also reported on the discovery of missing parts of the late Angel Togba and wonder how and why these parts were abstracted from the body of Angel Togba by the Funeral home in which she was deposited. The Funeral home earlier denied abstracting the missing parts of the late Angel Togba.

After mounted pressure by the public and Rights groups over the inaccurate submission of the first autopsy report read by Liberia’s Solicitor-general Tiawon Gonglo, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and her government imported a 30 year old trained Cuban pathologist to conduct an independent autopsy void local participation.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Justice, Cllr. Philip Banks has ordered the arrest of the guardians of the late Angel Togba, Mr. and Mrs. Hans Williams whose home the alleged hanging took place. According to Mr. Banks, the two persons along with other persons directly or indirectly involved with the death of Angel Togba will shortly face prosecution.

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February 11 of each year is celebrated as Armed Forces Day. This day is set aside by an Act of the National Legislature on January 26, 1957 in appreciation of the gallantry of the men and women of the Armed Forces of Liberia who stood in defense of their national patrimony dating back from 1908 up until 2008. The Liberian Leader in her Armed Forces Day message revealed that 1131 personnel of the Force have been trained by the Security Sector Reform (SSR).

“The Security Sector Reform (SSR) program as it affects the AFL has come a long way with the recruiting and training of 1131 personnel for the Force. We appreciate the efforts of the United States of America, China, Nigeria and other partners of the Defense Support Group for their assistance in the rebuilding of the new AFL. Also, A, B and C companies of the new AFL were activated in December 2007. We are also grateful to the UNMIL for their endeavor at sustaining the peace and stability we have enjoyed in this country for the past four years. We appreciate the effort make by other ECOWAS countries particularly the Republic of Benin and Ghana who have supported us in our effort towards positioning the new AFL as a force to be reckoned with”, CIC Sirleaf stressed.

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