Monrovia, Liberia – The former ruling National Patriotic Party of Liberia has praised the Boakai administration’s attempts to prosecute former government officials under the Weah government, but it has insisted that the procedure be comprehensive rather than selective.
Lawyer George Mulbah, the acting national chairman of the NPP, stated that any attempt to selectively prosecute former government officials connected to corruption while defending others has the potential to destabilize the situation.
Attorney Mulbah reminded President Joseph Boaki of the backlash that President Samuel Kanyon Doe’s government faced during his administration in Liberia when he spoke at a press conference in Monrovia.
Chairman Mulbah further urged the government to cooperate with opposing political parties, pointing out that President Joseph Boakai leads not only Lofa County and the Unity Party’s followers, but also Liberians as a whole.
Additionally, the government was cautioned by the NPP Acting National Chairman not to nominate only Unity Party and Lofa County residents to positions of authority.
“The NPP is also concerned about the country’s governance being concentrated in one region, and we need to make sure that qualified individuals have equal access to government appointments regardless of their political background, tribal origin, or geographic location.”
Attorney Mulbah commented on the National Orator Robtel Payley’s speech at the July 26th Independent Day celebration, adding that Liberians are appreciative of the United States’ contribution to the peacekeeping effort during the height of the country’s civil conflict.
Mulbah disagreed with the Independent Day National Orator’s claim that the US is stealing more from Liberia than it is contributing. Concerning the recent use of Liberian military personnel to meet former President George Weah at Roberts International Airport, he voiced his concerns.
“Let it be clear that the NPP acknowledges that the President of this country is the rightful owner of the VIP, and that the deployment of soldiers solely for the purpose of holding a political gathering is, in our opinion, a threat to the freedom of assembly and democracy. We are requesting an explanation for the deployment of soldiers at the RIA based on the background that the AFL under our law can only be deployed outside the barracks based on the expressed approval of the president.”
He stated: “We are very concerned about the back and forth on that company because the government needs to clarify whether the company is operating illegally or not and give its position on its operation.” Referring to the Western Cluster’s operations. As we have seen over the past few months, however, the government will suspend or cancel the company’s road user permit today, and then the following day it will be lifted.”
It is imperative, in his opinion, that the government inform the Liberians of its clear stance on the company’s operations and its decision about the Western Cluster.
Chairman Mulbah supported the President’s efforts to solve the nation’s poor road conditions with regard to the 284 yellow machines, but he was encouraged to collaborate with the national legislative to make sure that the procedure is carried out in compliance with the law.
“Given the urgent need to address the bad road situation, we would like to ask the members of the legislature to collaborate with the President in order to ensure that the legislative requirements are fulfilled.Even though the President may have behaved inappropriately in purchasing the machines, the legislative must work with the executive branch to enable the government to work aggressively on the roads during the dry season.As we speak, people are traveling longer distances to reach their destinations due to the poor condition of the nation’s rural roadways.”
In reference to drug-related concerns, Mr. Maulbah said, the leadership of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency has not been at odds with one another for more than three months, and he encouraged the government to resolve the administrator of the agency’s problem.
Reported by: Augustine Octavius
Contact: +231777463963
Email: augustineoctavius@gmail.com
