Monrovia, Liberia – The Armed Forces of Liberia’s veteran community is requesting the National Bureau of Veteran Affairs’ Board of Directors open an investigation into former leadership of the organization for their alleged involvement in the sale of the bureau’s tractor and other equipment while they were employed.
The tractor was given to the bureau by the Ministry of Agriculture during the administration of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for retired soldiers to use at the 100 acres of farm land owned by the AFL veterans located in Kpancoon, Barclayville, District One in Grand Bassa County, according to Retired Captain Jerry K. Kollie, a spokesman for the veteran soldiers.
Other items that Captain Kollie said the bureau received were power tillers, molten ploughs, and other agricultural supplies; however, it has subsequently come to light that elements of the bureau’s management staff sold these items in 2016.
Captain Kollie added that the bureau’s agricultural business has come to a complete halt as a result of the selling of these items and others.
Retired Brigadier General Aaron Johnson, former Deputy Director General for Veteran Affairs; Retired Colonel Ralley Karkor, former Deputy Director General for Administration; and Retired Colonel Anthony Norpah, Administrative Assistant to the Deputy Director General for Veteran Affairs are those purportedly involved in the sale of the tractor, molted plough, and power tiller.
The others are retired warrant officer Albert Urey, a former member of the AFL Agriculture Battalion, and retired major Joseph Nyunkor, who is currently working as the bureau’s controller.
According to a separate account, Captain Kollie also allegedly accused retired lieutenant colonel Andrew Wleh, a former deputy director general for veteran affairs in the George Weah administration, of refusing to provide the officer in charge of the lab-top that the bureau had allocated to his office.
However, Brig Gen Aaron Johnson and Lt Col Andrew Wleh, who represented the former leadership in a recent interview with a Paynesville radio station, refuted the accusations leveled against them. The veteran community is asking that the National Bureau of Veteran Affairs’ Board of Directors establish an investigative committee so that all available information against the accused may be presented.
The equipment is a major worry for the veteran community as well since the former soldiers want to construct the farm to support the President’s ARREST Agenda, which includes agriculture.
In view of the above, the veteran’s community is therefore, asking the National Defense Minister and Board Chairperson of the National Bureau of Veteran Affairs to forward the names of veterans who were thoroughly vetted by the veteran community to be appointed by President and Commander in Chief.
Reported by: Prince Saah
Contact: +231778239813
Email: saahprince119@gmail.com
