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CENTRAL BANK OF LIBERIA

MARKET BUYING AND SELLING RATES LIBERIAN DOLLARS PER US DOLLAR

BUYING THURSDAY, JANUARY 3 , 2013 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013 THURSDAY, JANUARY 9 , 2014 L$83.00/US$1 L$84.00/US$1 L$84.00/US$1

SELLING L$84.00/US$1 L$85.00 /US$1 L$85.00/US$1

FrontPage
www.frontpageafricaonline.com
FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

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.

VOL 8 NO.511

UNFAMILIAR FOES
BOMI POLITICAL RACE: ALLISON, SAYTUMAH FACE LASSANAH

PRICE L$40

As the race to the senate in the 15 counties of Liberia gets hotter with early campaigning already in play, unfamiliar foes in elective politics in Liberia are testing the political process some for the first time. Some of these individuals are very popular although not for elective political reasons but for the positions they had held in government.

Politics

Pg.12 & 13

See PG 2

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STAGE
National County Sport Meet Quarter-Finals Kick-Off On Sunday?

DECISIVE

VOL 8 NO.511

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

Sports

PRICE L$40

Page 2 | Frontpage

Friday, January 10 , 2014

Rodney D. Sieh, rodney.sieh@frontpageafricaonline.com

L
Monrovia -

en Lindstrom, a Canadian investor and President and CEO of Liberty International Mineral Corp and Liberty Group of Companies, came to Liberia with one intention: Help the postwar nation explore its mineral potential and convince other investors that the post-war nation was open for business. It was 2004, the era of the National Transitional Government of Liberia(NTGL) headed by businessman Charles Gyude Bryant, when investors were still shy about the climate and much of the nations infrastructures were in tatters and mineral companies in no rush to do business in a post-war nation on the rebound from war. Lindstrom recalls how some officials, including ministers and their deputies, lured and encouraged him to enter the mining business. Many of the officials, invited me and said, Len, we like what youre doing, we like, your style, we like your spirit, would you come and revitalize our mineral sector which we have been lacking all these years because of the civil war. Nine years later, a frustrated Lindstrom, sitting atop the Bamboo Bar at the Palm Hotel Thursday, recalled the pains and lingering headaches which drove him on the edge of belief in a nation he says, has turned its back on the efforts he put in, trying to help resurrect Liberia from the obscurity of the international business community. Venting Frustration in Book Lindstrom has vented his frustrations in a controversial new book, he aptly titles: Corruption 101 Liberia Style: Let Justice Reign Even If All the Rascals in the World Should Perish for it. Says Lindstrom: The book was a result of five years of frustration and we did everything we possibly could to solve this in an amicable manner warning government officials and different people at Lands, Mines and Energy: You push us, you push us you push us finally were gonna to have to go public but there was no response. Lindstrom explains that the company waited three years after winning a famous victory in the lower court. The judgment was clear that what Lands and Mines did was illegal, irregular

and unlawful and that they should give us back our properties. Then we worked by stipulations with the Ministry of Justice and Honorable Wilkins Wright. He looked at the material, he told Lands and Mines, theres absolutely no way we can win this case. It is clear we dont have one point to argue on. It is wrong, give the man back his property, Lands and Mines would not do it. We wrote to the President and everything and nobody took any action. Finally, Lindstrom told FrontPageAfrica Thursday, when the case ended up in the Supreme Court after waiting almost three years to hear the appeal, there were issues raised by the solicitor general. I said let us settle in the lower courts and then I came back that very date, July 13 and I had already, along with our lawyers, researched transcripts and document but then I decided that I got to go in and see these things. And I started searching through the exhibits, and much to my surprise, exhibits are missing from the court room. So twice, critical transcripts had been removed from the records, then I found that a bunch of documents had been removed that are critical, paramount to the case and were part of the determinant factor in the judgment. I thought whats going on, then I really started researching, then I dug in and particularly became my own forensic investigator and De Facto lawyer and I started writing, compiling, researching and four months, I worked day and night, weeks and the result was Corruption 101: Liberia Style. Ex Ministers Signed on to Illegal Deal, Investor Says Lindstrom lists nearly a dozen officials who played one role or the other in his cuyrrent predicament. Those named are: Jonathan Mason, who was minister of Lands, Mines and Energy at the time, Eugene Shannon, who replaced Mason in 2006, Albert Chie, Assistant Minister for Exploration, Murray Gessler, replaced Albert Chie as Assistant Minister of Exploration, Carlton Miller, replaced Murray Gessler as Assistant Minister for Exploration, Mulbah Willie, Deputy Minister of Operations, ECB Jones, replaced Willie as Deputy for Operations, John Nylander, Deputy Minister for Administration, Walter McCarthy, replaced Nylander as Deputy for Administration, Emmanuel Sherman, Head of the ministrys Cartographic Department and later replaced Miller as Assistant Minister for Exploration when Miller was shuffled to Assistant Minister of Planning. Lindstrom also lists officials he says were signatories to MLME letters authorizing payments to the Ministry of

Finance for illegal licenses issued to third party companies over Liberty licensed properties in direct violation of highlyprohibitive court orders. Those officials include: John Kollie, Director of Finance, Cooper Pency, Director of MCIMS and Sam Russ, Deputy Minister of Operations. Ironically, Lindstrom writes that both Sherman and Miller worked for Liberty as geologists during the companys initial period of exploration prior to their appointment to executive positions at the ministry, and during the period gained firsthand knowledge the mineral potential of Liberty concession areas. This, Lindstrom asserts, coupled with Libertys filings and further geological reports submitted to MLME, gave them, and other executives at the ministry, insider confidential information as to the substantial mineral potential of certain properties within the Liberty portfolio, which knowledge and geological data and subsequent reports submitted to the ministry was commonly reported to have been used to entice new investors to greatly desire the Liberty Properties. The deception, according to Lindstrom, constitutes yet another highly unorthodox practice in the inner shrouded workings at the ministry and additional potential for great abuse of government appointed positions and protected information. In addition, Lindstrom writes that former Minister Shannon, Roosevelt Jayjay, Miller and Sherman were also principle signatories to illegal licenses issued by MLME over Liberty Properties, all of whom surely knew and understood the Mineral Law and the constitution of Liberia and consequently had to be fully cognizant of the utter illegality of their actions.

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Friday, January 10, 2014

Frontpage

Page 3

people hurting, people suffering, all kinds of additional costs, derogatory comments around the world and youre waiting, waiting, waiting and youre not getting the judgment. After months of legal wrangling, Lindstrom laments that the high court is yet to take up the case. We decided to get the opinion of the Supreme Court in the October term, Im sorry in the March term because we were heard July 1st, then that never came in the October term, Christmas came and court is closed, courts open again but as we stand at this moment, theres still no assignment, no opinion. So they sent the case into arbitration as a totally unwarranted delay tactic just to try and make Liberty run away with their tail between their legs as have happened to so many other companies. A Plea to EJS: Do the Right Thing The frustrated investors says he is simply a victim of a corrupt system that his money and left him to dry as he pleaded with President Sirleaf to intervene: Madam President, I have promoted your government and you around the world and I have stood with you and champion your noble fight against corruption is public enemy number one and in one article, I may not quote you directly you stated, I am not God, I cannot do it all and I understand that corruption is pervasive and engrained in the system and one person cannot root that out. So I admire all of the beautiful and great things that you have done to change that system but at the same time I would encourage you to take a stronger stand and to show the international community that you really mean business by not allowing those that are exposed in corrupt activities to continue on with impunity but rather to take some very punitive action and to clear the mess up because the entire international community is watching. They are all rooting for Liberia and I know they are all rooting for you but at the same time, everybody wants to see action that trickles down to where systems are in place, that the monies that are sent to the country end up going where they are supposed to go and that it trickles down and helps the common man in the street because that is the voting community, those are the people that are hurting. I know so many of them personally that are so deprived, so broke, so beat up and everybody just wants to see you stand up and lift Liberia up to the position in the world that it can be. The resources are here, the people are here, there just needs to be the willingness to institute the steps and make it truly happen. The Liberty case has gained international attention and global awareness and many, many eyes are looking at the outcome of what is going to happen here and so we have become kind of a landmark case and I would without trying to tell anyone what to do, I would just that we would greatly appreciate it if this matter could be brought to its rightful conclusion in a very expedient manner and the international community can say thank God they did the right thing and there is truly is hope for Liberia.

During the period, the investor says his company brought in some 21 geologists from Ghana and employed up to three hundred people in the forest, especially contract workers in the outline areas, working hard and heavy, transitioned into mineral expedition agreement. Lindstrom says all of those agreements were ratified under the current regime, under the UP government and have gone through by GEMAP, approved by the Ministry of Lands, Mines & Energy. Last October 26, 2013 marked the fifth anniversary of the date that Lands, Mines and Energy and the Government of Liberia were bound by a contract to extend the companys mineral license, paving the way for a dilemma poised to present yet another international embarrassment to the Ellen Johnson-Sirleafs government. Five Years of Utter Nonsense In the book, Lindstrom describes the treatment meted against him and his company as the worst any company or investor has had to been subjected to in Liberia. After five years of utter nonsense, empty promises, repeated delays, starvation, tactics, and still no clear solution, the time has come to set aside failed diplomatic measures and to finally speak out and relate the full Liberty story complete with simple documentations to verify and substantiate this report of the many injustices perpetrated against the Liberty Company and its hundreds of committed shareholders. Asked by a journalists whether he felt the 610-page read will wake the Liberian government to its senses, Lindstrom could only hold out hope that light is at the end of the tunnel. Personally, I think it really has to because the case is solid; I dont believe theres ever been a case that has been well documented against the government of Liberia and the Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy. It is going to be very, very difficult for anyone to try to tweak it. We already had the ruling, we were only waiting for the appeal. Were sitting, waiting in a frustrated state, over seven hundred investors,

FrontPage EDITORIAL
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Page 4 | Frontpage

Friday, January 10 , 2014

UNPARALLELED RESEMBLANCE
E. J. Roye Vs New CBL Building

SPOT NEWS

WHAT A SHAME!!!
LIBERIA FOREIGN MISSIONS NEED TOTAL OVERHAUL

RECENT EXPOSURE BY FRONTPAGEAFRICA of corruption in the rental deals at the Foreign Service that led to the recall of the Liberian Ambassador to Brussels and his entire staff by the government is troubling. THAT OUR DIPLOMATS WHO ARE representing our country abroad would resort to trickery to make more money is something that needs to be further investigated. IT IS A SEROUS EMBARRASSMENT to those in our foreign service and those wanting to join the sector and the entire country. We are also concerned that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs do not counter check documents sent to it especially ones that require payments using taxpayers money. THE ENTIRE LIBERIAN diplomatic sector over he last two decades has been embroiled in corruption ranging from the sale of our embassies abroad to the use of double and fake lease agreements to the duping of our foreign service employees by the government of rightful remuneration, thereby the ordinary Liberian paying expensively in such dubious deals like the ones under investigation. Monies that should now go to roads and hospitals are being pocketed by just a few. THE ENTIRE LIBERIAN diplomatic sector is rotten. The government has sat idly by and watched as the Foreign missions degenerated into embarrassing scenarios that turned the countrys diplomats into laughing stocks abroad. A CASE IN POINT IS the Liberian embassy in Accra, Ghana, where a former Ambassador married his second secretary at the embassy while she was still employed with the embassy a role she kept until the couple was sent to embassies in Europe close to each other. They both are currently ambassadors representing Liberia. ALMOST TWO YEARS AGO it was also reveled that a Danish journalist Mads Brugger was granted diplomatic status after dubiously acquiring it with the help of top foreign ministry officials and some high ranking Unity Party members. This situation caused huge embarrassment for Liberian diplomats abroad but nothing was done to correct it and no one was punished. THE CASE IN POINT is a serious one with the broad day robbery at the Liberian embassy in Brussels Even though Karpeh tries to blame it on the system. HE SAID THAT UPON HIS ARRIVAL, he was told that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs requires a lease agreement, prior to providing funds for payment of rent, but what he fails to show is where he ministry requires fke lease agreements from diplomats. WE ARE DISAPPOINTED that the learned diplomat did not swiftly raise an alarm on such malpractice hat is commonplace. Leaders are required to lead by example. WE SAY THIS BECAUSE Ambassador Francis T. Karpeh has said in his response to us that the government of Liberia is aware of the system in place and we have gathered that it is happening across the twenty-six missions Liberia has abroad.

Monroviahe new Central Bank of Liberia building rising through the skylines of Monrovia glows from Broad and other adjacent streets. A visitor who is visiting Liberia after many years away noticed a startling resemblance from the Gabriel Tucker Bridge. She suddenly exclaimed: What lovely structure sitting alongside the grand old True Wig Party building! The taxi driver who was taking the visitor around seemed untouched by the sudden exclamation by the stranger to Monrovia and replied: They really need to take that building from near that good, good building oldma, he told the lady. Why do you say that? She asked and he replied: Ma, the whole country is developing only this old building standing here with more Mortar. Ever since the war finish the government cant fix it. Unabashed by the drivers loss of respect for the building, the visitor said to him: That building holds a lot of our good

architecture and history. The clash between the two personalities puts in a nutshell how Liberians feel about the True Wig Party building named after President E.J. Roye. With the CBL new home rising above and alongside it, it is now time to create a national debate about the relevance of the grand old structure.

Commentary

PRESIDENT SIRLEAFS CHOICES IN 2014

Seltue R. Karweaye, karweayee@gmail.com, Contributing Writer
There is little or no investment in physical and human capital, even with the very high over USD 19 Billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) the administration has enjoyed, the country comfortably lies at the button of the UN Human Development Index--among poorest countries in the world. But what should be President Sirleafs focus? Obviously, internal security should be her first priority especially since in fighting among security apparatus are fighting for her affection. Arm robberies and the regular spate of Pem Pem drivers protestation fuelled by youth unemployment, worsening economic conditions across the country point towards a failed state. Today, Liberia is a highly fragmented country. A movement away from politicization of national security to the hard work of intelligence gathering and crime prevention will be more helpful than blaming innocent others. Macroeconomic stability is another area the administration has to deal with. Food prices have been rising and rental levels escalating in response to the cartelization of building materials production, importation and pricing. The choice before the Central Bank of Liberia is either to defend the value of the Liberian dollar and lose reserves faster monthly we have experienced so far, or allow the exchange rate to float, reduce purchasing power and exacerbate inflationary pressures. Under President Sirleaf's watch, massive election spending, fiscal expansion, policy reversals and falling exchange rates have pushed inflationary trends upwards, left the economy unproductive and scuttled domestic and foreign investments in many sectors. Addressing the infrastructure deficits is also an urgent priority. Electricity shortages have crippled both small businesses and multinational corporations. Yet more funds are allocated to run the legislature and Executive branches than on genuine investments in electric power provision. Virtually every infrastructure deficit suffers the same depreciated attention. Few countries have road networks that are as poorly-maintained as Liberias; however, the country has no functional railway system; seaports are decrepit and inefficient - and in need of massive investment and yet, there is no sense of urgency in government to attract much needed private investment in these critical sectors and to take advantage of the employment opportunities they create. The result is one of the most underdeveloped infrastructure system in Africa and one of the most expensive countries in the world to set up and run a productive business. Even if President Sirleaf develops the vision and will to implement these urgently needed developmental strategies, she still has to contend with corruption and a broken public service. Corruption drives up the cost of doing business, derails government policy and is a major disincentive to foreign investment which is critical to the country. An over-bloated, dysfunctional and poorly paid public service makes government both inefficient and costly! But does our President have the wherewithal to fight corruption, after she and her cronies continue to rob the country? Does the President have the impetus to induce the governments to invest in human development and fight mass poverty on the one hand, and resist them and other vested interests on the other?

According to the recent World Bank report, Liberia is nation of over 3 million people without electricity with 0.58% of those living in the country having access to it, far below the regional average of 28.5% and possibly the lowest rate of access to public electricity in the world (http:// siteresources.worldbank.org/EXTAFRREGTOPENERGY/ Resources/717305-1266613906108/Liberia_Energy_ESW_114-11web.pdf). In Monrovia, electricity is currently supplied by massive generators using expensive high-speed diesel oil that drives the cost of power up to $0.54 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), one of the highest rates in sub-Saharan Africa. Infant and maternal mortality are among the highest in the world. Education has practically collapsing as evidence in student massive failures. Infrastructure, where it exists is broken and neglected. Yet this new year of 2014, government will spend more on administrative capital than on power, roads, education, police and health care combined. This perverse prioritization is indicative of the political economy of todays Liberia and the tough choices facing President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in 2014. At stake is whether Liberia remains a "Clique Democracy" or a real, people-driven democracy. It might interest Liberian and our friends to know whether the current leadership has the character, vision and will to defy vested political and business interests to govern decently and develop the economy. A review of Madam's Sirleaf 7 years at the helm indicates that this is unlikely to happen. President Sirleaf's politics of deliberate patronage has pitted Liberian against Liberians to the point that obtaining the cohesion and social harmony necessary for economic development will be difficult in the short and medium terms. The elections of November 2011 and violent aftermath, as well as increasing cases of police brutality and attacking opposition political party and killing partisans have placed Liberia at a crossroads once again. It is up to the President to either make tough choices; to either muddle through the next 3 years - or to continue with business as usual, with the risk of propelling what should be Africas leading economy towards disaster. In the last 7 years, the Johnson-Boakai and the ruling parties have spent billions of tax payer money as well as foreign aid money with little to show for it. Not content with spending our taxes, the administration had started borrowing massively. Liberia domestic and external debts have increased rapidly. According to the Ministry of Finance Debt Management Office, our domestic and external debt increased from USD 573.94 million in September2012 to USD 580.37million at end of December 2012. President Sirleafs administration ramped up domestic borrowing within a year to USD 287.7 million. Our external debt has also increased from USD277.69 in September in 2012 to USD 292.61 Million. No one can point to a new power station, seaport, rail network or interstate road, school, hospital initiated or completed during this profligate period. Worse still, Liberia's budget for 2013/14 shows that the entire budget is full of gimmicks and was meant to please the selected few at the helm at the expense of the majority. This is in a country where estimates show that 1.13 million is the labor force of the country, and only 195,000 people are in paid employment. According to ILO 70% of Liberias population is under the age of 3- a demographic time-bomb waiting to explode.

THE AMBASSADOR ALSO discloses to FPA that the total rent is base rent plus communal charges, which is not fixed. WITH THE UNFIXED PORTION it has to be accepted total rent ultimately varies on a monthly basis. (2) With no guarantee that actual and adequate rent in the contract will be sent and on time, diplomats have in past instances been embarrassed, he said. CONTINUED KARPEH: While I do not totally agree with the arrangement, this was in place, prior to my arrival. Due to the limitations in the integrity of the arrangement, I as head take responsibility and am in the process, before your inquiry, of proposing some arrangements for adequately responding to the requirements here in Brussels, while at the same time, ensuring that embarrassment to diplomats are removed. NOTWITHSTANDING THESE ASSERTIONS it becomes disturbing when a Liberian diplomat gets involved in dubious activities all because the government cannot meet its obligation as enshrined in the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations. WE WELCOME THE GOVERNMENTS decision to investigate the entire Foreign Service sector and we hope that corrective measures will be taken to address this embarrassment caused our country. But the government also must launch an investigation into the financial workings of the ministry of foreign affairs as it relates to its operations of our foreign missions.

You can read the full commentary on www. frontpageafricanonline.com

FrontPage

Friday, January 10, 2014

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT OUR STORIES ON THE WORLDWIDE WEB

Send your letters and comments to: editor@frontpageafricaonline.com

YOU WRITE; WE PUBLISH; THEY READ!

The Reader's Page

Frontpage

Page 5

COMMENTS FROM FPA ONLINE

2014 KEY SENATE RACES TO WATCH - THE GRAND CAPE MOUNT FIGHT
JESSE FAHNGON METROPOLITAN STATE UNIVERSITY Very poor political analysis my friend! "All politics is local." You did not mentioned the voters - what the voters say about the candidates. In your out of touch n poor analysis, u did not tell or inform your readers how each aspirant has help to positive transform the lives of the citizens of the county. You can do better - moving forward, please tell insert the voters views. NIM'NE ELLIOTT MOMBO JR. MONROVIA, LIBERIA Your front page Africa people really like trouble business. why make sweeping comments like "Shannon is believed to have acquired some wealth during his tenure as Minister at the Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy as during his tenure several mining agreements were entered into between the Liberian Government and foreign companies" one could denote that you are saying he stole money while he was minister. This is so so not ethical. ABRAHAM KIAZOLU II ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF FINANCIAL ECONOMICS AT WILLIAM V.S. TUBMAN UNIVERSITY, HARPER What I have seen here is that above all, Grand Cape Mount County promises to produce a quality senator. All the three new candidates have experienced personal success in their professional endeavors; and so, they will only be coming to contribute their quota to nation building rather than a chase for the huge allowances in the legislature like others do. EDWARD KLA BREWER FORENSIC SCIENTIST AT FULTON STATES HOSPITAL Kindly let your analysis include a rapid opinion poll of the county. Let us have the taste of whats unfolding on the grounds and that will complete your analysis. But thanks for your political contribution so far. The next maybe better. MUSU PAYDAY WORKS AT BANK OF THAILAND I may not term it as poor; but getting the voters perspective will certainly be a nice ingredient to your analysis. MUSU PAYDAY WORKS AT BANK OF THAILAND I may not term it as poor; but getting the voters perspective will certainly be a nice ingredient to your analysis. DISCLAIMER

78 MILLIONS INFUSED INTO LIBERIAN ECONOMY BUT WHERE ARE THE JOBS, MADAM PRESIDENT?
The Editor, Today, Liberia has about 1.13 million people who are willing and able to work, but majority of them have no gainful employment. So every day, millions of our unemployed brothers and sisters including those entering the workforce for the first time and others who lost their jobs due to the incompetent management of our economy anxiously scan the pages of newspapers and websites for job advertisements; less than five percent of applicants will be successful, but at least 100 of thousands more unemployed people will join them in the new year of 2014. Why are unemployment and inflation rates rising while productivity continues to decline? Why have our vast resources not created massive employment opportunities for Liberian? The most despairing aspect is the fact that the worst affected are Liberian between the ages of 21 and 40 years - the future leaders of our country. In 1962, our population was about 1 million, a large percentage of which was employed. The employment to population ratio grew until the early 1980s when it started to decline. Presently, Liberias total population is nearly 4 million. Out of this total, 1.13 million is the labor force of the country, and only 195,000 people are in paid employment. According to ILO 70% of Liberias population is under the age of 30. The effects of unemployment on the person and the country can be catastrophic. At current rates, even if government policies, enabling environment and direct efforts manage to create one hundred thousand new jobs a year, it would take 40 years to close the existing job gap. Except that by that time, at least millions more Liberians would have joined the workforce. According to the Labour Force Survey carried out in 2010, the labour force participation rate was 62.8 per cent, the employmentto-population ratio was 60.5 per cent and the unemployment rate was only 3.7 per cent. The labour force participation rate in urban areas at 54.9 per cent is lower than the corresponding rate in rural areas (71.2 per cent). The male labour force participation rate is higher than the female rate (66.1 and 59.9 per cent, respectively), but the unemployment rate of women is higher than that of men (4.1and 3.4 per cent, respectively). The vulnerable employment rate the share of own account workers and contributing family workers in total employment is high at 77.9 percent, as is the share of workers engaged in the informal economy (68.0 per cent). Perhaps, todays figures are too scary for government to release, but unemployment is too critical for government to play political ostrich with. The average years of studies and Return on Investment (ROI) for a university degree in Liberia are both 5 years, yet it takes an average Liberian graduate an average of another five years to find what can be considered a stable job. Many others, especially those without political godfathers remain for longer periods without jobs no matter how qualified they may be. Not only are large numbers of Liberian graduates are unemployed or underemployed; many are unable to apply the skills learnt in school. There are also large segments of the employed population who are simply wasting away, doing things they really have no business doing just to remain alive. Another worrying issue is our national productivity output gap. Unemployment causes substantial economic losses. We should be producing goods and services for at least another 3 plus millions people, but because unemployed people do not earn money, that gap remains unfilled. And there seems to be no hope in the immediate future. All governments promises of 'creating jobs' have remained unfulfilled. Anyone familiar with data on unemployment will know that all the supposed falls in the unemployment rate are statistical manipulations because they do not reflect any actual job gains. The jobless rates in Liberia have not fallen! Liberia Institute for Statistics and Geo-Information Services (LISGIS) announced that the official unemployment rate of Liberia has declined from 85% to 3.7%; one wonder what kind of country is our in which leaders are far away from reality. The Statistics House wanted the international partners to believe that things are getting better in Liberia, when by any stretch of the imagination huge majorities of the people are living in poverty. College graduates are walking the streets and cannot find jobs, not to mention high school graduates. Proof of the desperation was demonstrated by the Vacation Job scheme started by the President Madame Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. The scheme was intended to offer ten thousand vacation jobs, but over twenty five thousand applied. As a result of the excess, the management of the scheme was in crisis and the end result was the cancellation of the entire process by the President. The millions of people with no jobs represent a serious impediment to Liberias economic development. Apart from the immense waste of the country's human resources, it generates losses in terms of lower output which results in poorer incomes and increased poverty. It also causes social decay and inhibits national cohesion. In fact, unemployment in Liberia is a national security threat. So what should government do to create jobs? In virtually every economy, it is small businesses and entrepreneurial ventures that account for nearly 70 per cent of new jobs, not the government and not the large companies. It is therefore sensible to remove the obstacles to doing business and sustaining small and medium enterprises. These obstacles include infrastructure constraints, especially electricity, a dysfunctional and corrupt public service that frustrates businessmen, and lack of affordable, long term finance for any venture other than trading! Liberia was ranked 144 out of 175 countries in the IFC Ease of Doing Business Index in 2013, far below Ghana (62); Botswana (65) and Sierra Leone (137). In the World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Competitiveness Index 20122013: Africa and selected comparator economies, Liberia ranked 111 out of 131, while South Africa moved up four places in the same period, and is now in the top 50. In terms of competitiveness within Sub-Saharan Africa, in 2013, Ghana, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, Kenya, The Gambia, Rwanda, Gabon are ranked well ahead of us. The WEF's observation about Liberias dismal position has Madam Sirleaf's work cut out for her. We need to improve protection of property rights, fight corruption, attack undue influence and government inefficiencies. Liberia was ranked low in terms of security, infrastructure, health and primary education quality. One of the much-touted actions of government of recent was the provision of USD 78 million in order to infuse the economy. The Finance Minister justified the government action by the stating the urgency need to pay vendors and civil servant salaries especially during the festive seasons to give more purchasing powers to the people, which will ensure revenue for government in return. Raw cash does not create jobs, but entrenchment of consistent and right policies, frameworks and regulatory environments do. Why should government borrow just to pay public sector wages, while spending on capital projects that would create direct jobs and the environment for indirect jobs, remain critically underfunded? Employment and unemployment are indicators, not predictive factors for economic success. In most places in the world, job growth leads to economic growth and vice versa. Seltue R. Karweaye, karweayee@yahoo.com

The comments expressed here are those of our online readers and bloggers and do no represent the views of FrontPageAfrica

Rodney D. Sieh, Managing Editor, 0886-738-666; 077-936-138, editor@FrontPageAfricaonline.com; rodney.sieh@FrontPageAfricaonline.com Wade C. L. Williams, News Desk Chief, wade. williams@frontpageafricaonline.com; 0880664793 Francis F.B. Mulbah, Layout Editor; 0886639382 REPORTERS Sports Editor, Danesius Marteh, danesius.marteh@ frontpageafricaonline.com, 0886236528 Henry Karmo, henry.karmo@frontpageafricaonline. com Al-varney Rogers al.rogers@frontpageafricaonline. com, 0886-304498

EDITORIAL TEAM

You can read the full letter on www.frontpageafricanonline. com

Sports Reporter, A. Macaulay Sombai,macaulay.sombai@ FrontpageAfricaonline.com, 077217428 COUNTY NEWS TEAM Grand Bassa, Alpha Daffae Senkpeni, 0777432042 Bong County, Selma Lomax, selma.lomax@ frontpageafricaonline.com, 0886-484666 Sinoe County, Leroy N.S Kanmoh, leroy.kanmoh@ frontpageafricaonline.com 0886257528 BUSINESS/ADVERTISING Kadi Coleman Porte, 0886-304-178/ 0777832753, advertise@ frontpageafricaonline.com

Page 6 | Frontpage

WHEN WILL THEIR POTS BOIL?

D
CBL executive governor Joseph Mills Jones

PAGE RONT

Banking

Friday, January 10 , 2014

Ex-Housing, Meridian and ACDBs depositors want CBL to fast-track payment process
Danesius Marteh, danesiusmarteh@frontpageafricaonline.com

epositors of the ex-National Housing& Savings, Meridian and the Agricultural Cooperative and Development Banks (ACDB)respectively have appealed to the government, through the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL), to fast track the refund process. According to the groups spokesman Francis Doe, more than a year has passed since the CBL requested for their legitimate savings records to begin the verification and payment processes. He said since the government made a pronouncement calling on them to present all of their documents to Baker Tilly-Liberia, an auditing and accounting firm, but nothing has been done for them to get their money. Doe, quoting Baker Tilly, said the number of people that submitted their documents do not meet the threshold set by the CBL to be refunded. But he wants government to pay the first batch of valid depositors to encourage other legitimates claimants. When the bank starts the payment of the first batch, then the other depositors will start to bring their claims because those who submitted their documents [for refund] are on my back. So I want to take this time to appeal to Central Bank authorities to see reasons to pay the first batch of people who have submitted their claims but they can say we are not enough. So they will wait until we get plenty, Doe pleaded on UNMIL Radios Coffee Break program. Responding on the CBLs behalf, Baker Tilly-Liberia head Theo Dehkontee Joseph told the phone-in-show that the verification

process, which should have ended on December 31, 2013, has been extended for three months. Joseph, one of Liberias renowned certified public accountants (CPA), disclosed that the extension was necessary due to the response of depositors following series of announcements on radio stations and in newspapers. But he said the results of the verification process for Meridian Bank were submitted to the CBL. Well, it is not the matter of making recommendation. For those people that provided the requisite evidence that they did those deposits in this bank, yes we have done that [submitted their names to the CBL], Joseph underscored. Joseph also refuted claims by the depositors that he was stalling the payment process. I dont know what you mean by full settlement because I am not the one who is going to pay them. I am just an independent practitioner that was hired to carry out the verification work. And if the verification work has been carried out and the reports have been submitted, it is up to the central bank how the payment is going to be made.

NPP CRISIS:
Senator Taylor challenges Mulbah, Supports suspension of party members
Henry Karmo (0886522495) henrykarmo47@gmail.com

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n the wake of ongoing crisis in the National Patriotic Party (NPP) Senator Jewel Howard Taylor (NPP- Bong County) has put out an open challenge to Representative George Mulbah to campaign against her re-election bid in the coming special senatorial election. The senator challenge was in response to a question on whether her support to the suspension of the lawmaker could hinder her re-election bid in the County especially George Mulbah who is one of the influential Lawmakers in the County. Taylor said: it is the right of Representative Mulbah to go into Bong County to campaign against Senator Jewel Howard Taylor he has the right to do so. The good thing about it is that Representative Mulbah was elected by a constituency and I was elected across the county.

The people of Bong County are not unwise they are looking at what is going on and I will be judged by what I have done as a senator. She promised not to be threatened or force into a position to accept happenings that are wrong because she wants to be re-elected. The Bong County Senator who is also the standard Bearer of the NPP says she supports the party leadership for the suspension of Representative George Mulbah, Representative James Biney and ArmahJallah as well as Abel Massaley amongst others. Representative George Mulbah and others were expelled by the Party leadership for acts that are according not in line with the party norms and policies. The named lawmakers are also on record for recruiting excombatants who besieged the party Congo Town headquarters Wednesday with their presence, promising to hold their own convention if they are not allowed to participate in the party National convention. For the good of the members of the NPP and all that we hold dear I also reaffirm the decision of the NPP executive committee against some members of the party who were found exhibiting some unlawful act, the senator stated. Senator Taylor frowned on the aggrieved party members who she accused of taking the law into their own hands and called on those in the act to be law abiding in the interest of the partys future. We must be law abiding,

productive citizens and responsible political leaders. Being cognizant of these facts the leadership of the party took a decision a few days ago to expel few members of the party who have refused in spite of our recent history to confirm to the tenants of democracy and the rule of law, the lawmakers have chosen to dishonor the institution that governs political parties and the laws that govern us they have prefer to return into violence by forcefully taking over the party headquarters placing it under siege and sending out threats to other and conducting activities outside of the by-laws of the party the lawmaker added. Senator Taylor further said, the decision taken by the party leadership is intended to allow the party to continue to participate in politics in building an equitable political system. As the standard bearer of the NPP I call on all partisans of the party and citizens of the Country to join the leadership in condemning any and every act of violence in our Nation including what is currently taking place at the NPP headquarters. I believe the only remedy to conflict is for all to remain unified in finding a peaceful resolution to a conflict, Jewel said. She expressed her optimism that despite the ongoing crisis in the party it will soon past and partisans of the party will pledge to continue on the path of peace and unity for the betterment of all.

Senator Geraldine Doe-Sheriff Expresses Interest in Presidential Race; Wants a CDC Ticket

ILL RUN FOR PRESIDENT

open democracy, she said. I possess all the necessary political will, the criteria and every thing to become a standard bearer or president of this country. I think this is my constitutional right and when the appropriate time avails itself, we will be talking about it more. Senator Doe Sheriff told reporters that she intends to challenge the likes of George Weah and Benoni Urey both harboring presidential ambitions. Of course you know Im still a member of the CDC. If Ill have to go through a process with the CDC, whoever emerges will be the standard bearer and maybe it will be either me, or ambassador Weah or anybody else. I am a CDCian. Commenting on the fracas that led to her being expelled from the party and later pardoned the once CDC strongwoman said the issue is in the past and it is time to move forward. Those are ingredients and the spices of politics and democracy. Those things will happen in a political party. We are still here and we are still being political and in the opposition and its a good thing for Liberia. These things have

Friday, January 10, 2014

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POLITICS

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Monroviahe embattled member of the opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) Senator Geraldine Doe-Sheriff of Montserrado County has declared that she will contest for the position of President of Liberia come 2017. Doe-Sheriff told journalists at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center on Thursday that she would run on the partys ticket if she gets elected at the primaries. Yes I want to contest. It is good for our country; for this

he government of Liberia through the ministry of health and social Welfare along with its international partners including the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) on Thursday launched the maiden edition of the Pneumonia Prevention Vaccine for children under one year old. Speaking during the ceremony, UNICEF Representative to Liberia, Mr. Sheldon Yett said the campaign is the best New Years gift the government of Liberia can give to the Liberian children. A gift that will protect the Liberian children from the disease that kills over 1.1 million under 5 children globally or over 3,000 children every day, he said. Mr. Yett told the audience that Pneumonia accounts for 14% of all under five child deaths in Liberia making it second only to malaria. He said the Pneumonia vaccine would significantly reduce the impact and burden of the disease on children, parents, caregivers and the government. The vaccine he said is now available in health centers across the fifteen counties and it will also protect children from meningitis, another common and often fatal infection. He said the introduction of the vaccine also known as PCV in the routine immunization schedule reinforces the GoLs commitment and effort toward accelerating reduction of child mortality rate in Liberia. Liberias achievement in reducing child mortality are a result of the governments strong partnerships and efforts to scale up integrated equitable health services, said the

MILESTONE FOR HEALTH

GoL and Partners Launch Pneumonia Vaccine to curb Infant Mortality

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HEALTH

happened and it is past, he said. Doe-Sheriff said she is still the popular within the party and the country, rubbishing claims that she has lost touch with the party. I think you are making a mistake when you talk about my popularity in Montserrado because I established the CDC in all the fifteen political subdivisions of the country, she said. The CDC strongwomans comments come almost a year she was granted clemency along with other expelled members of the party including

those who fled to form the Alternative National Congress. Responding to Doe-Sheriff, CDC youth wing chairman Jefferson Koijee has said that he welcomes the statement made by the Montserrado County senator and said the party is open to all of its members including those who were previously expelled. We welcome her statement, even though it has taken a year since the partys executive committee issued clemency to her and other, he said. On the issue of wanting to be standard bearer of the party, there are machineries in the party that can scrutinize individuals who see it fit to bear the standard of our party. This lies in the purview of the primary of the party. She needs to come to the party headquarters and make that

announcement instead of the public. He said the party has moved on and those who injured it are welcome to come back and mend fences with the CDC and partisans, who felt betrayed by their actions. Benoni Urey and all these people who are expressing interest in the party, I think it is good. The party is open to everybody. The party is now concentrated on the 2014 elections. It is good that shes coming back. This party is geared towards governing this country, so as such we must be able to go beyond our past. With this declaration from the senator, it still remains to be seen whether there will be a true burying of the hatchet finally.

UNICEF boss. We at UNICEF are committed to support Liberias goal of achieving Millennium Development Goal 4 of halving under five child mortality rate by 2015. We will continue to support national capacity building initiatives and further expand and strengthen the cold chain system in the country. The launching ceremony, which took place at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital in Monrovia, saw the administration of the first dose to an infant by the head of the Senate Committee on Health Dr. Peter Coleman, assisted by President Ellen Johnson

Sirleaf. Speaking at the ceremony, President Sirleaf said she was elated by the level of work done by the ministry of health through its minister Dr. Walter Gwenigale. She called the launch milestone for Liberia. We are here to give due recognition to our minister of health Dr. Walter Gwenigale and the entire ministry of health family for what they have done to make us proud in our achievement and our success in improving healthcare in our country, she said. Dr. Gwenigale, we do commend you. Today, the health ministry is clearly

established as one of the better performing ministry in terms of accountability. As a result of that they continue to get support from the partners that bring their resources together in a pool fund, recognizing that the allocation of those resources will be made with efficiency and effectiveness and the health service will continue to be made accessible to larger number of our population. President Sirleaf said the countrys population birthrate is increasing at an alarming rate and more needs to be done to meet the needs of newborn. I hope our talk shows could

talk more about these issues, instead of all the let me not say the word, she said. She thanked the partners and the ministry of health and health workers across the country for rendering their services to the children of Liberia. The President called on Liberians to develop a culture that promotes the payments of taxes for the development of the country. Said Sirleaf: To be able to raise the resources to meet these commitments; we have to expand the tax base. Liberians dont pay taxes and so we are going to go on a campaign to

make sure you pay your taxes, so when you stand here and say we want roads, we want schools, we want this, it will come from your taxes. Our partners can help, but the responsibility for raising revenue for raising taxes to meet our needs has to come from Liberians; individuals, institutions, companies. The vaccine is the first of its kind to be administered in Liberia and will be given to every child three times before they hit age one.

I
Monrovia -

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Friday, January 10 , 2014

t is 278 days left until senatorial Elections 2014 and politicians are venturing into the process for various reasons some to test their popularity in preparation for presidential elections in 2017, others to push an agenda for specific political parties in certain localities of the country, yet still for some they want to be at Capitol Building after the election. Good performers in the pending senatorial race will be better placed to make political headways come 2017 as they will be hot cake for political parties to feature on their tickets on the road to state power. With a big void now created, courtesy of no incumbent factor as constitutional provision will certainly deny incumbent Ellen Johnson Sirleaf from contesting a third term of office, the race to the presidency will be wide open as any political party could take the day. Stakes are high in the ranks and files of opposition political parties, many of whom believe that the absence of Madam Sirleaf will pave the way for easy ride to power. The Congress for Democratic Change already feels it has the numerical strength to seize power, same as the opposition Liberty Party but until it is all done and dusted strange political bed followers could cause an upset at the polls 2017 which could begin with the pending 2014 midterm election. The senatorial race is expected to transcend the election of senators but rather it will provide a hint to the political parties with the better chance of winning the pending general and presidential elections. The CDC has made its intention known planning to win 8 out of the fifteen senatorial seats; a feat if realized will make the CDC, a force to reckon with come 2017. Many politicians will decide which political party to align with following the midterm elections and these political parties might not take the election for granted as it will determine their fate. The CDC in a statement issued in Philadelphia, PA, August 7, 2013 stated The Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) has agreed to embark on a series of reform initiatives intended to foster capacity building in preparation for the 2014 Senatorial Mid-Term Elections and the 2017 General and Presidential

Elections. The CDC is strongly urging well-wishers and sympathizers who are still sitting on the fence to jump onboard and make their views heard and impact felt The CDC in preparation for the midterm election vowed to establish a special committee that will ensure the party wins more seats come 2014 midterm election. Stated the CDC The party said it will constitute a CDC Senatorial Committee to lead the partys efforts in fielding candidates for all 15 senatorial seats, and will conduct primaries in the counties at least three months ahead of the The majority of Gbarpolu County consists of forest and mining was the primary economic activity prior to the war, in addition to subsistence farming. But despite the promise the area, like most of Western Liberia presents, innovation has been lacking and that portion of Liberia is far behind feeding itself with agriculture relatively non-existent in the area. During the 2005 elections, Samuel S. Tormetie won Gbarpolu County on the ticket of the National Reformation Party (NRP) with 4,693 votes out of a total 21,393 valid votes cast representing 22.2%. Tormetie succumbed to death prompting a by-election which was won by incumbent Theodore Momo in December 2007. Momo of the ruling Unity Party (UP) defeated his nearest rival in a runoff election, Kaine A. Wesso, an independent candidate with 5,417 votes out of 7,928 total valid votes cast representing 70.5%. Senator Momos nearest rival, Wesso managed 2,264 votes amounting to (29.5%) and it is not clear if he (Wesso) will test the political water again in 278 days. Incumbent Theodore Momo is expected to face a daunting task of been elected during the primary of the ruling Unity Party to serve as the candidate of the ruling party with the influential son of President Sirleaf, Robert Sirleaf, said to be contemplating a political bid. While he has not made an official declaration, Roberts candidacy should offer some intrigue here and a litmus test for President Sirleafs popularity. He is not a known member of any political party in Liberia with the exception of the ruling Unity Party. His bid for the senatorial race will first tip him against Momo in an in-house UP nomination race, which he could win easily given his influence in the Unity Party coupled with his financial strength. Ahead of the senatorial race, the Momo vs Sirleaf nomination will be a big race and could determine the ruling partys chances in the county.

National Convention for CDC senatorial candidates in 2014. However, the party said where necessary CDC will establish Protocol of Collaboration under which the party may agree to support other political parties or independent candidates for senatorial seats in 2014. With the clock ticking on the people of Gbarpolu to elect their next senator, three names are so far up in the air as they prepare to faceoff for the single seat.

INCUMBENT MOMO ON THE ROPES?

ROBERT SIRLEAF IN PLAY

Gbarpolu is located in the northern portion of Liberia and one of 15 counties that comprise the first level of administrative division in Liberia. The county has six districts with Bopolu servinve as the capital with the area of the county measuring 9,689 square kilometres (3,741 sq mi). The other districts include the Belleh, Bokomu, Gbarma, Gounwolaila and Kongba. As of the 2008 Census, it had a population of 83,758, making it the eleventh most populous county in Liberia. Created in 2001 when it was split from Lofa, Gbarpolu is the youngest county in Liberia and is bordered by Grand Cape Mount to the west, Bomi to the southwest, Bong to the south, and Lofa County to the east and north. The northwest part of Gbarpolu borders Sierra Leone. The Gola Forest staddles the county border and is home to the Gola Forest community.

Robert is the former head of the National Oil Company of Liberia, a position he held for several years despite local and international condemnations of his mother for appointing her son to such high profile position. President Sirleaf was persistently accused of practicing nepotism but the Liberian leader stood firm, describing her sons serving in government as qualified to hold positions in Government. Robert resigned recently claiming that his job of reforming the oil sector of Liberia is over and it was time to leave the scene. At NOCAL, Robert became a self styled humanitarian implementing several sports projects in and around Monrovia and currently serves as president of a local football club, the Barrack Young Controllers. The son of the president will have resources, cash and kind at his disposal should he contest the pending election, putting him in the drivers seat to campaign in one of the poorest counties in Liberia.

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Friday, January 10, 2014

In Liberian politics, money is a key factor as Robert has used his money to gain popularity in Montserrado and other counties across Liberia, thereby promoting his political ambition. Political observers say a Robert Sirleaf campaign in Gbarpolu County will be no different from a presidential campaign although at a news conference early this year, Mr. Robert Sirleaf told the Liberian public that he has no political ambition and does not want to contest for any public position, but stakes are high that Sirleaf will be a senatorial candidate in Gbarpolu. But some constitutionalists say, Robert faces a constitutional hurdle in his bid for the senate as a provision in the Liberian constitution could be used to disqualify him even though in Liberian politics the impossible becomes possible. Article 30 A and B of the 1986 Liberian constitution states Citizens of Liberia who meet the following qualifications are eligible to become members of the Legislature. a) for the Senate, have attained the age of 30 years and for the House of Representatives, have attained the age of 25 years; b) be domiciled in the country or constituency to be represented not less than one year prior to the time of the election and be a taxpayer. Opponents to Roberts senatorial quest are arguing that Mr. Robert Sirleaf, son of the President though has served in government as Adviser to his mother, and President of the National Oil Company (NOCAL), a position he just resigned but has not lived in Gbarpolu County for one year or more as per the constitution.

ALARIC TOKPA -PROGRESSIVE REBIRTH

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NATHANIEL MCGILL CDC IN PLAY

CDC is Liberias most populous political party but judging from results of the 2005 and 2011 elections the party is not very strong numerically in Gbarpolu, Grand Cape, Bomi to name a few counties where the party does not have a strong political foothold but a senior official of the party is not bothered by this factor as he has declared his intention for the senatorial seat of Gbarpolu. Nathaniel McGill, National Secretary General of the CDC recently declared his intention to contest as senator calling on the National elections Commission to properly handle the pending election. Says McGill individuals who have represented the county and are currently representing the county have done little, so we need a change of leadership because there are so many things we see happening that we believe should not happen, so we want to change that McGill criticized the incumbent and says he does not want to be bothered about the news of Robert Sirleaf contesting against him. I am not ready to talk about someone else; as far as I know Mr. Sirleaf has not declared his intention to contest. Until then I will leave it at that because it will be premature to discuss Mr. Sirleaf at this point. McGills performance will be used to measure the chances of CDC in Gbarpolu ahead of 2017, an indication that he and the CDC will take the political process head-on. Another new political party, the Alternative National Congress (ANC) is said to be lining up a candidate for the Gbarpolu senatorial race but a senior official of the party, Cllr. Theolophilus Gould could not comment on the partys plan despite inquiry from FPA.

Adding to the small list of contenders in Gbarpolu is a long-time progressive icon, Professor Alaric K. Tokpa who recently declared his intention to contest the 2014 senatorial election in Gbarpolu. Tokpa recently announced over ELBC radio that his declaration is in response to popular requests from citizens of the electoral and administrative districts of Gbarpolu County that the time has come for him to serve his region. He has also said that among his priorities are the encouragement of attention to quality education, better health service delivery, road construction, agriculture, the improvement of sports, accountability and the defense of the County against land grab which, he contends, are never the issues for job and money seekers who will also be in the race. Concession agreement signed between the Government of Liberia and Sime Darby grants 51% of Gbarpolu County to the Agricultural Plantation for the cultivation of palm. Tokpa is an outstanding professor of political science who received his education mainly in Liberia, Ethiopia, Ghana, Britain, and the United States. When many others were fleeing Liberia during the early 1990s, he returned home and brought fame to the Department of Political science at the University of Liberia when he served as head of that department. A humble character, his radical scholarship is highly respected and admired by many in and outside Liberia. Recently questioned by ELBC (on Wednesday, January 8, 2014) about the eventual effect of his intention for political leadership in Gbarpolu on his contribution to University teaching, he expressed belief in what he called activist scholarship and said that there is no tension in blending the political with the academic. He thinks that linking theory to practice is essential for extracting lessons for the better teaching of future generations. Tokpa served as General Secretary of the Liberia National Students Union (LINSU) in the early 1980s. In January 1982, exactly about 33 years ago during the military government, he was among six national student leaders that were sentenced to death by firing squad for protesting the ban on democratic election in Liberian schools. Also in 1985, he was arrested at gun point and sent to the Post Stockade at BTC and then transferred to Belle Yella for hard labor. What was his crime? Patriotic pamphleteering, he says. Tokpa has served in many capacities in Liberia. He served as Civic Education Administrator and Instructor in the New Armed forces of Liberia. He provides consultancy for national and international organizations. Currently, he is the Chairman of the National Democratic Coalition (NDC) toward which progressive Liberians are said to be moving in rapid frequency. He is highly revered as the Founding Chair of the New DEAL Movement, Liberias social democratic party (which is the only opposition political party that was formed during the administration of Charles Taylor). Some political observers have classified Alaric Tokpa as Liberias most consistent revolutionary activist.

DANIEL FLOMO NAATHEN EYEING COMEBACK

Perhaps the name likely to shake things up could be former Junior Senator Daniel Flomo NAATEHN, SR (Unity Party) who obtained 3,016 (14.3%) out of a total of valid of 21,393 votes during the 2005 election making him Junior senator at the time. He says he is confident of election back to the Capitol. R. Lincoln Johnson, Secretary General of the Unity Party Electrical District number 3 in Gbarpolu County, who spoke to frontpageafrica via the mobile phone belonging to former Senator Naatehn, says the former lawmaker has no fear concerning the pending election. We have no fear; you can call him Senator Naatehn as he is going to help bring development to Gabrpolu, there is no force to stand before him, says Johnson. On the Nathaniel McGill factor, a confident Johnson asserted Gbarpolu is not West Point or New Kru Town, we are not willing to mortgage the county to McGill, he and the CDC need to look for another place to run, let him go to West Point or New Kru Town, not Gbarpolu. Johnson believes even a combination of McGill and Robert Sirleaf and all the other contesting candidates on a single ticket cannot withstand the political strength of Naatehn in Gbarpolu County. McGill is a joker, Gbarpolu is not up for joke, the people have known the importance of senator Naatehn to that county, so there is no question about his election, Johnson said. On what went wrong in 2011 for Naatehn, Johnson accused Senator Armah Jallah of spreading lies about the former senator which led to his defeat. A 419 Armah Jallah lied to the people and they have now known the kind of person he is, the development he promised the people is farfetched so Senator Naatehn is going to fix the mess, the UP Electoral District 3 Secretary generated declared. In 2001, Naatehn secured 6,450 votes 26.1% of the total of 24,711 valid votes cast, making him second to current Senator Armah Z. Jallah who obtained 15,263; 61.8% of the votes.

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Gbarnga, Bong County he internal wrangling in the former ruling National Patriotic Party (NPP) appears to be darkening the chances of the partys national chairman, Senator Jewel Howard-Taylor, who is seeking re-election in Bong County, political pundits have observed. The NPP crisis started a month ago when Howard-Taylor endorsed Cllr. Theophilus Gould to maintain the post of national chairman of the NPP, amid rejection from two senior partisans of the party in Bong County- Rep. George Mulbah (district 3) and Bill Corneh (district 6). Decision by the party on Thursday, January 9, 2014 to expel 23 of its senior members including Mulbah and Corneh has been greeted with mixed reactions, especially among partisans of the party in Bong County. The decision to expel Mulbah and Corneh is resulting into polarization of the party as factions have emerged;a decision political observers say is the beginning of Howard-Taylors re-election woes ahead of a crunch reelection bid. The insurgence of this faction, uncovered the long-standing crack in the party and from that time on, it has become Chinua Achebes Things fall apart as the centre could no longer hold. One of the splinter NPP groups belongs to Mulbah and Corneh while the other faction is led Howard-Taylor. But according to analysts this seeming internal crisis regrettably could be the undoing that will frustrate Howard-Taylors efforts of being re-elected for another nine years. According to the Corneh and Mulbah led faction while addressing the press, they vowed that their faction would frustrate every move by Howard-Taylor in the county by ensuring she does not get re-elected. The group boasted that it is prepared to throw more spanners into the works of the senator by the declaration of total war against her. The Corneh and Mulbah factional head, Emmanuel Weah, an ex-fighter of Charles Taylors elite presidential group, the Anti Terrorist Unit (ATU), who led about 50 members of the group during a parley with the media, said that the group is not in support of Howard-Taylor. According to Weah, the fact that they are not supporting the aspirant of their party does not mean they are disloyal to the party as there are cogent reasons for their action. By

GLOOMY ROAD TO 2014

NPP Crisis Could Ruin Jewels Senatorial Ambition
Selma Lomax, selma.lomax@frontpageafricaonline.com
in crisis. I take his senate bid into serious consideration, he said. FrontPageAfrica has reliably gathered that after a meeting at Jacksons residence Thursday, the group allegedly took a decision to back the former Bong superintendent against Howard-Taylor and organize a team to work out arrangements for the support ahead of the October 2014 senatorial election. The insistence of ex-fighters who are partisans of the NPP, to support Jackson in the forthcoming senatorial election was the basis for the faction to declare that it will not back Howard-Taylor for the election. Even though the faction has not stated categorically that it is working for Jacksons candidacy, some of the comments of Weah during his press conference pointed in that direction. Speaking with journalists recently on why the members of the party have refused to support Howard-Taylors senate bid, Marvin Cole, NPP Bong County chairman, said, estranged members are everywhere and in every political party. They are in Unity Party, the Congress for Democratic Change and they may also be in the NPP. But when the wind of change starts to blow, you either follow the direction or risk being blow away .I can assure you that the tide is so strong that no individual, no conspirator can stand on the way of the tide. Change must continue if there must be a future for all of us. Supporting Howard-Taylor, Cole described those who are in the faction as fifth columnists in the party, stressing that the party has resolved to ignore them and leave them to their petty devices. The statement issued by Cole read in part; it is a matter of time and some of them like petulant children will come running back.However for now, we no longer consider them as being part of us as their membership has expired .We only call them to openly move to the Unity Party, which Jackson is part of, that currently foots their bills, together they will meet their disgrace in October 2014, the statement added. But how realizable and related are these comments to the victory of Howard-Taylor in the pending senatorial election are amongst the questions begging for answer.

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us not supporting our partisan for the senatorial seat in no way means that we are against our party, he said. He told FrontPageAfrica via mobile phone from Gbarnga Thursday that they have no faith in Howard-Taylor winning the election without the support of Corneh and Mulbah and it would be in the interest of members to form strategic alliances withan aspirant that can win the election. His words: It cannot imagine how Howard-Taylor will win the October election when those who suppose to propel her are at odds with her. Mulbah secured the highest percentage of votes in Liberia as a legislative candidate, 86%; while on the other hand,Cornehs popularity in district 6 secured him reelection. Weah maintained that when Howard-Taylor came to power in 2006, the NPP was having majority in the county and now that they have lost all those opportunities, the party cannot win any election in the county. The party has lost popularity in this county. We categorically state that it is not absolutely true that a member of a political party must support the aspirant of his party. They are plethora of examples to support this assertion, Weah said.

During the 2011 election in Bong County ex-Taylors fighters fielded Mulbah, Corneh and now district #5 lawmaker, Edward Karfiah; yet all their selections came to past. Weah added that in todays politics, the dictating factor is to vote for a good, credible candidate, who has integrity and commitment to the welfare of the masses.

govern well or who decides to run the race without adequate preparation can definitely not sail anymore. However, Weah said, We have no other party and will not decamp to any other party, we also believe that HowardTaylor without the support of Mulbah and Corneh and therefore, the NPP should be prepared and position itself properly for future elections. But according to sources, the

bid of former Bong County superintendent Ranney Jackson. Mulbah supports Jackson? Dowee and Scotts position had been supported with the opportunity given to Jackson

Politics, he continued, is dynamic not a static game. In Liberia, the principle of voting for leadership has changed for good performance or the pursuit of it is the yardstick .The rigidity that I must vote for the candidate of my party, even if he has no mettle or experience to

step taken by the Mulbah and Conneh faction had been a long time plan, precisely four months ago. In this faction, they include, Mark Dowee, a former ATU General and Prince Scott, a prominent exTaylors fighter in Gbarnga, all of whom are believed to be sympathetic to the senatorial

by Mulbah. Mulbah, who is the caucus chair of Bong, said his relationship with the former superintendent dates as far back as 2006 during his first tenure. I cant go against my friend Ranney Jackson. Because of his support for me during my first term his family is now

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THE WORLD BANK LIBERIA

INVITATION FOR BIDS FOR THE SALE OF ONE USED MOTOR VEHICLE The World Bank Liberia intends to sell one used motor vehicle listed below to any interested bidder. The item is to be sold on the basis of as is, where is and the World Bank will have no further liability after sale. The vehicle was tax exempt at purchase; therefore, the purchaser will be liable to pay taxes. The World Bank now invites sealed bids for the purchase of: 1. Make: Toyota Land Cruiser GX Colour: White Year of Manufacture: 2006 Mileage: 111012 Condition : Running Fuel Type: Diesel

Interested bidders may inspect the vehicle on week-days at the World Bank former office at Bright Building, Mamba Point, Monrovia from January 9-16, 2014 from 10am 2 pm. Bids should include the bid price in United Sates dollars and payment terms. The evaluation of bids shall be based on price, subject to acceptance of payment terms. The method of payment will be by certified check and payment instructions will be given to the successful bidders. The best evaluated bid shall be the highest priced bid and shall be recommended for award of contract, subject to any reservations regarding failure to meet the official valuation or reserve price. Bids clearly marked Sale of Motor Vehicle must be delivered by hand to the address below on or before Friday, January 17, 2014 at 3:00pm. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders representatives who choose to attend in the World Bank Conference Room, German Embassy Compound, Congo Town at 3.01pm on the closing day Late bids shall be rejected. The World Bank reserves the right to reject any bid or to cancel the bidding process and reject all bids at any time prior to contract award. Att: Resource Management Analyst The World Bank Office Liberia German Embassy Compound Congo Town, Tubman Boulevard Telephone no: +2316606967

Page 12 | Frontpage

UNFAMILIAR FOES
Bomi Political Race: Allison, Saytumah Face Lassanah
1,942 square kilometres (750 sq mi). As of the 2008 Census, it had a population of 82,036, making it the twelfth most populous county in Liberia. Bomi is bordered by Grand Cape Mount County to the west, Gbarpolu County to the north, Montserrado County to the southeast, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south. In 2005, incumbent senator LahaiGbabyeLansanah who will be counting on his incumbency going into the occurred, resulting into injuries and at least a death. His opponents accused him of playing a big role in the Guthrie saga but the senator denied all allegations including some from those who accused him of physically discharging firearm at the plantation. His critics believe he is not a friendly and accessible lawmaker. One citizen of Bomi County who spoke to FPA said the senator has created a barrier between him and ordinary citizens of the county as accordingly to see the senator is a very difficult task. Unfamiliar Foe Frances in play The senatorial election will see the emergence of known figure although unfamiliar foe in elective politics in Liberia in person of Cllr. Frances Johnson Morris Allison, who had held several high profile positions in Government ranging from the judiciary to the executive. Cllr. Allison has served as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia, Minister of Justice, Chairperson of the National Elections Commission of Liberia and most recently head of the Anti Corruption Commission of Liberia. Confirming her political ambition to Front Page Africa, Cllr. Allison says her years of experience and dedication to serve Liberia makes her a formidable candidate for the Bomi senatorial post. oh yes I am contesting and from my interactions with the people of the County, I think I stand a good chance, I have served this country, discharging my duties with credit, integrity and distinction, so I can see that my people will be proud to have a woman who has represented that county and the country very well in all capacities as their next senator, says Cllr. Allison. On her involvement with Bomi over the years, she says the county should be happy to see her performances in public service which were for the betterment of the entire country which Bomi is a part. I have heard this around, what have I done for Bomi, but that is not the question, I dont have to build roads, schools, before I represent my people, Bomi needs somebody with good character, in 2008 census, Bomi was characterized as the poorest county, this is the irony when in fact the county is very close to Monrovia. This is because of leadership gap in the county which I want to fill, the confident lawyer expressed. According to her, besides her service to the country in high profile positions she had identified with the county by providing assistance through scholarships and other financial aid to students hailing from the county. On her political options in terms of political party affiliation, she says she is not a member of any political party and is looking to the way of the newly formed African National Congress, the ANC. Since I have never been a member of any political party, I am looking to the ANC, because from what I have read and heard, they subscribe to basic democratic tenants, rule of law and other good democratic practices, she noted. The ANC is a newly formed political party and is believed is former Minister of State for Financial and Economic Affairs,Morris Saytumah who county sources have confirmed is contesting the pending elction. Satymah hails from Gborgbeh Town, Bomi County and served the Executive branch of government for years where he was dubbed the Prime Minister of Liberia due to his high influence at the level of the presidency. He was all powerful during his tenure at the Executive Mansion with his name surfacing in nearly all major presidential decisions.Until his dismissal, Saytumah was one of the most powerful ministers in the Unity Party led government, said to

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POLITICS

Friday, January 10 , 2014

As the race to the senate in the 15 counties of Liberia gets hotter with early campaigning already in play, unfamiliar foes in elective politics in Liberia are testing the political process some for the first time. Some of these individuals are very popular although not for elective political reasons but for the positions they had held in government. In Bomi County, the former head of Liberias National Elections Commission who presided over a tension parked first post war election in 2005 has publicly declared intention for legislative politics. Cllr. Frances Johnson Morris Allison who headed the NEC in an election that led to protest from opposition politician George Weah and his CDC resulting in bitter verbal exchanges with Weah will contest for elective post for the first time as she is lining her political bid along with at least two other individuals known for now. Some politicians are playing the wait and see game before making their political intention public but still prevailing realities in some of the 15 counties clearly points out some of the aspirants even with official campaigning months away. Incumbent Factor favors Lassanah Bomi is located in the northwestern Liberia and is one of the 15 counties that comprise the first-level of administrative division in the nation. It has an area of 755 square miles (2,000 km2) and a density of 36.6 persons per sq. mile It has four district-, it has four districtsDewoin District,Klay District, Mecca District and Senjeh District. Tubmanburg serves as the capital with the area of the county measuring

Lassanahs closet rivals in 2005 were Richard Blamah Devine of the Coalition for Transformation of Liberia (COTOL) who won 5,198 votes representing (11.7%), coming second and subsequently making him the Junior Senator. Devine was closely followed by SandoDazoe Johnson, National Patriotic Party (NPP) who obtained 4,523 amounting to (10.2%). Johnson later contested the 2011 elections where he became victorious and is

senatorial elections won the highest vote which qualified him to become senator of the first category. Lassanah of the National Democratic Party of Liberia (NDPL) in 2005 won 5,403 votes out of total valid votes of 45,597 representing (12.2%). He has been at the Capitol since 2005 making him to have a good understanding of legislative politics.

currently serving as Senator of the county. Senator Lassanah has since joined the Liberty Party, parting ways with the NDPL on which ticket he rose to the position of senior senator. His tenure, the senator had experienced some odds, as he was heavily accused of involvement in series of disputes at the Guthrie Rubber Plantations Company during which time shooting

to be making headways in the political arena of Liberia whooping supporters. She believes the people of Bomi County have trusted many male who m she said have not delivered to the people and it is time to have a woman, competent and qualified to rescue the county. The people of Bomi say the men have been fooling them and it is time for a woman but not just woman but a competent, qualified and a woman with good character to lead the people of Bomi, Cllr. Allison asserted. Satytumah Factor Surfaces Another name surfacing in the politics of Bomi County

have played a major role in the dismissals and appointments of several officials, because he had the ears of the president. Saytumahs tenure at the Executive mansion was not short of controversies as he was involved rancor with former Auditor General john Morlu at a budget hearing at the Unity Conference center in Virginia, outside Monrovia. Taylor Factor in play for Haja Washington Haja Washington, former superintendent during the regime of Former President Charles Taylor is another candidate pushing to become senator of Bomi County.

Is This a Spillover of The CDC-LP Pre-2011 Failed Merger?

Wade C. L. Williams, wade.williams@frontpageafricaonline.com
institution and CDC feels threatened by the fact that the Liberty Party is winning so much confidence from the Liberian people that it is perceived now as the possible alternative after Madam Sirleafs regime. Responding to Baikpehs statement that the LP is no challenger to the CDC as it came third place in 2011 runoff elections, Toomey said the CDC feels threatened by the LP terming the attacks as a hardcore distraction. Weve raised the standard of our national debate. When it comes to the policy issues, the CDC cannot discuss it, the only thing they can do is to drag us into personality attacks so that we can lose our reputation that we have in the eyes of the Liberian people he said. We are not going to relent. This has been for too long, weve complained to executives of the CDC to caution their followers but to no avail and so at this point it is only fair enough that constituent with our responsibility to our followers and to people that believe in us, that we bring the CDC to a check. Sanvees Scenario The LP, created another storm when its former standard bearer openly backed the candidacy of Benjamin Sanvee for the upcoming 2014 special election challenging Weahs candidacy for Montserrado County. No one knows when this quarrel will end but many are calling for the two parties

Monroviahe fight between Liberias lead opposition political parties, the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) of soccer legend George Weah and the Liberty Party Cllr. Charles W. Brumskine is hitting boiling point. Wednesday saw the throwing of intellectual blows on radio stations and at Hatai shops in Monrovia. The two parties which were close to forming Liberias biggest merger to take on then incumbent Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of the ruling Unity Party as she geared up for her second term bid, have become fierce enemies since then. The animosity is evident in every aspect of their political engagement. Both parties hold the other responsible for firing the first bullet that ignited this new war and as it seems both are far from calling a truce. The CDC has maintained that the fight is a spillover from the failed pre-2011 merger that broke down. The party says that the LP still holds grudge against it from that deal and always tries to sabotage its operations. We have done everything in our weak way to maintain our status as an opposition political institution, why are they still pushing since this deal broke down in 2009. We supported them just recently in Grand Bassa County, where you had CDCians wearing LP Tshirts, lamented Janjay Baikpeh Vice Chairman for Finance and Investment of the CDC National Youth Wing. Baikpeh who has taken the airwaves in recent days launching attacks on the LP called the party a regime collaborator accusing it of not speaking in the interest of the Liberian people and also showing blatant ingratitude to the CDC after the party helped campaign for it in Grand Bassa County Bi-election in 2013. The Bassa County leaders supported Nyomblee Karngar to become who she is today. Liberty party has always been against us. Liberty Party is a regime collaborator. When you raise critical issues against the government they say everything is well, he said. The CDC executive said he was authorized by the partys executive committee to respond robustly to the LP and he told Liberians at one Hatai center debate on Wednesday that the LP is no match for the CDC calling on it to get over the merger fiasco. There was a negotiation that broke down between

BITTER CLASH
Friday, January 10, 2014

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POLITICS - REPEAT

Frontpage

Page 13

the Congress for Democratic Change and the Liberty Party and in every political negotiation you must give and take, he said. But what the Liberty Party refused to do at the time was to choose who they wanted to be in the negotiation, thus prompting the CDC with its huge number to pull out of that negotiation. We are sophisticated to take them on. They just have these few guys going around spreading lies. The Liberty Party maintains that the CDC is not a political party that should be taken seriously by any Liberian given the partys track record of failure. In fact the former Party Chairman of the LP Israel Akinsanya who declared his intention to run in the Grand Bassa Senatorial election in 2014 accused the CDC of taking US$180,000 from him and the Liberty party to seal the deal. Many say the cause of the animosity is that after the CDC through its head Weah received the money, the party then severed ties with the LP, choosing Cllr. Winston Tubman who ran on the CDC ticket in 2011 alongside Weah. The discussions for the merger which happened in 2010 between Weah of CDC and Cllr. Brumskine of LP, broke down when the Deputy Secretary General of CDC at the time now CDC lawmaker Acarous Gray (Representative Montserrado District 8) and Mulbah K. Morlu were bitter with the arrangements which they contended was not in the interest of the grassroots thus threatening to take the matter to the Supreme Court of Liberia. But LPs Secretary General Jacob Smith opening up about

the deal for the first time on Truth FM said the discussion that led to the merger with the CDC was a waste of time, resources and ideas. He alleged that Cllr. Brumskine who was then political leader even bought airplane ticket for Ambassador Weah to come from the United States for the merger discussions but said as the discussions were ongoing, Morlu and Gray made inquisition about what financial benefits the merger would yield for them. Both men not trusting Eugene Nagbe who was SecretaryGeneral at the time of the merger and Weah approached Cllr. Brumskine on the matter. But the CDC maintains that the deal was just another arrangement that did not come to fruition and it is not something that the LP should hold against the CDC. There have been some rumors and lies being spread by the Liberty Party that the CDC is a business institution, said Baikpeh. We will not be distracted by those distractions that are going on. Our primary objective is to create a situation more people will be part of the CDC. Somebody claims that the CDC comprises of criminals and hooligans and thieves but at no time has the Liberty Party proven that the CDC has carried out any criminal act. Kla Toomey, Assistant Secretary-General for Press and Propaganda of the LP said the CDC has lost its sense of direction and the LP will not be fall with the CDC in its political mud. He accused the CDC of starting the fuss. The Liberty Party is well noted for subscribing to the issues, weve never at any time reduced ourselves to

personality attacks. It can be recalled that the CDC in recent times has engaged itself with attacking officials of the Liberty party, said Toomey. The party asserts that couple of months ago the CDC Youth Wing Chairman Jefferson Koijee launched a stinging attack on its former standard Bearer Cllr. Charles W. Brumskine, accusing him of planning a coup against the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf-led government. They didnt only stop there, few weeks later the vice chairman for operations Mulbah Morlu repeated similar accusations; in fact, he went as far as insulting the national chairman of our party, he said. Toomey said that the CDC

returned to Liberia as our peace Ambassador, we expected him to desist from attacking our party executives. But to the contrary, Ambassador Weah in fact nurtured Koijees statement by saying that our political leader once called for the resignation of the President, he said. It was a blatant lie. At no time did Cllr. Brumskine call for the resignation of Madam Sirleaf. What he did say was during the campaign period he would retire the President honorably and that was the political season and a political message. He said the CDC is bent on spreading lies about the LP and its leadership and what it

standard bearer has done nothing to stop these unwarranted attacks coming from senior members of the party. When Ambassador Weah

has simply done is to respond to those comments that are coming from the CDC. We are not found in the business of attacking the CDC. We have built our

to put their houses in order and stop dwelling on what they call trivialities.

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Friday, January 10 , 2014

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T
(CNN) --

unisia's interim Prime Minister Ali Laarayedh has confirmed that he will submit his resignation Thursday, the state news agency reported, as part of a deal aimed at putting the North African country's transition to

TRIAL OF FORMER EGYPTIAN PRESIDENT MOHAMED MORSY POSTPONED T

Cairo (CNN) -he trial of former Egyptian President Mohamed Morsy on charges of inciting the murders of at least three protesters in 2012 has been postponed until February 1 because he did not appear in court Wednesday. Morsy is charged alongside 14 other members of the Muslim Brotherhood. If convicted, they could face the death penalty. The second session in their trial was due to take place Wednesday, after a chaotic opening hearing in November. But according to a letter read by the judge in court, the helicopter that was transporting Morsy from prison could not take off due to poor weather conditions -- despite earlier reports in state media that the ousted President had arrived in court. One of Morsy's co-defendants, former Parliamentarian Essam el-Erian, told reporters from the stand before the session that the trial was a "political vendetta." El-Erian, the vice chairman of the Muslim Brotherhood's political wing, the Freedom and Justice Party, was arrested in October. He said Morsy is still the legitimate elected President and is still not being allowed to meet with lawyers or family. "Our stance is still the same. This is an unjust trial. This is of many mass public protests, were closed after calls from pro-Morsy forces to march in support of the ousted President during the trial. Morsy, who was deposed by the military amid widespread protest of his rule, has been in detention since early July. The charges stem from December 2012 protests over a constitution that Morsy shepherded into effect. Egyptian authorities have accused the former President and his staff of ordering supporters to attack protesters outside the presidential palace after guards and members of the Interior Ministry refused to do it. Morsy has said he doesn't recognize the court's authority, claiming he still is Egypt's legitimate President. Muslim Brotherhood members have continued their protests, even though the government declared the group a terrorist organization last month. The government has threatened to arrest anyone who attends Muslim Brotherhood protests or provides financial support to the organization. Egypt is due to hold a referendum on January 14 and 15 on a new constitution that would ban religious parties and put more power in the hands of the military.

democracy back on track. His successor, Industry Minister Mehdi Jomaa, is expected to announce a new caretaker government before the end of the week. Laarayedh will hand his resignation to President Moncef Marzouki Thursday afternoon, the state-run TAP news agency said. Tunisia -- the cradle of the 2011 Arab Spring uprisings that toppled autocratic leaders in one of the most conservative corners of the world -- has been in crisis since the killings of two secular opposition leaders by gunmen last year. Thursday's move is in line with an agreement between the government and opposition last year to end a political deadlock. That deal foresaw the ruling Islamist Ennahda party

TUNISIA'S INTERIM PRIME MINISTER TO STEP DOWN

handing over power once parties had finished writing a new constitution and appointed an electoral commission to oversee new elections. Tunisia's national assembly has been voting on the last clauses of the new charter this week and on Wednesday appointed the electoral committee. Economic woes The once-banned moderate Islamist Ennahda party won elections in October 2012 -the first after the January 2011 ouster of former autocratic leader Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali -- and formed an Islamist-led government. But political turmoil has beset the North African country, which relies heavily on foreign tourists for revenue, and the presidency has declared a state of emergency.

WORLD NEWS

ALL NORWEGIANS BECOME CROWN MILLIONAIRES, IN OIL SAVING LANDMARK

IN BRIEF

One of the most secular nations in the Arab world,Tunisia slid into a stalemate after the assassination of two secular politicians, widening divisions over the role of Islam. Ennahda condemned the killings, but the opposition accused it of failing to rein in radical Islamists. The political wrangling that followed has threatened to disrupt a democratic transition in a country once seen as a model of post-revolutionary stability in a still volatile region. The uneasy compromise between Ennahda and the secular opposition in Tunisia's transition contrasts with instability affecting Libya, Egypt and Yemen, countries which also ousted leaders in the 2011 Arab Spring.

an unconstitutional trial," elErian said. The judge made the public prosecution responsible for bringing Morsy to the hearing on February 1. Lawyer Ramy Ghanem told CNN it's up to the judge to decide whether or not to proceed with a hearing if a defendant already in custody is not present. Morsy has yet to accept legal representation, so he had no lawyer to represent him in court Wednesday. A lawyer

appointed by the Freedom and Justice Party to represent him did not show up. Egypt's interim Cabinet officially labels Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist group Morsy supporters, security forces clash A number of Morsy supporters gathered Wednesday morning outside the police academy where the trial session was to be held. Some were arrested because of skirmishes with police, according to Nile TV. Hundreds of protesters

also staged a pro-Morsy demonstration after prayers at al-Salam mosque in Cairo's eastern Nasr City area. According to state media and the Muslim Brotherhood's website, they clashed with security forces that fired tear gas. According to the state-run newspaper Al-Ahram, the protesters had planned to march to the nearby police academy. Meanwhile, roads leading to Cairo's Tahrir Square, the scene

OSLO (Reuters) veryone in Norway became a theoretical crown millionaire on Wednesday in a milestone for the world's biggest sovereign wealth fund that has ballooned thanks to high oil and gas prices. Set up in 1990, the fund owns around 1 percent of the world's stocks, as well as bonds and real estate from London to Boston, making the Nordic nation an exception when others are struggling under a mountain of debts.A preliminary counter on the website of the central bank, which manages the fund, rose to 5.11 trillion crowns ($828.66 billion), fractionally more than a million times Norway's most recent official population estimate of 5,096,300. It was the first time it reached the equivalent of a million crowns each, central bank spokesman Thomas Sevang said. Not that Norwegians will be able to access or spend the money, squirreled away for a rainy day for them and future generations. Norway has resisted the temptation to splurge all the windfall since striking oil in the North Sea in 1969.Finance Minister Siv Jensen told Reuters the fund, called the Government Pension Fund Global, had helped iron out big, unpredictable swings in oil and gas prices. Norway is the world's number seven oil exporter."Many countries have found that temporary large revenues from natural resource exploitation produce relatively short-lived booms that are followed by difficult adjustments," she said in an email. The fund, equivalent to 183 percent of 2013 gross domestic product, is expected to peak at 220 percent around 2030. "The fund is a success in the sense that parliament has managed to put aside money for the future. There are many examples of countries that have mot managed that," said Oeystein Doerum, chief economist at DNB Markets. Norway has sought to avoid the boom and bust cycle by investing the cash abroad, rather than at home. Governments can spend 4 percent of the fund in Norway each year, slightly more than the annual return on investment.Still, in Norway, oil wealth may have made the state reluctant to make reforms or cut subsidies unthinkable elsewhere. Farm subsidies allow farmers, for instance, to keep dairy cows in heated barns in the Arctic.

Friday, January 10, 2014

DECISIVE STAGE
National county sport meet quarter-finals kick-off on Sunday?
DanesiusMarteh, danesius.marteh@frontpageafricaonline.com

Sport

Frontpage

Page 15

ETHICS VERSUS INTIMIDATION Sayon reveals why Grand

SPORTS BRIEF
Danesius Marteh, 0776 236 528/0886 236 528

Kru may not beat Nimba on Sunday

he quarter-finals of the 2013/2014 national county sports meet is expected to kick-off at the Samuel Kanyon Doe sports complex on Sunday. The preliminary rounds, which kicked-off across the country on December 14, ended with Bong, Grand Bassa, Grand Cape Mount, Grand Kru, Lofa, Montserrado, Nimba and Sinoe qualifying in the football category. Bong, Gbarpolu, Grand Bassa, Grand Cape Mount, Grand Kru, Margibi, Montserrado and Nimba Counties qualified for the kickball section. According to Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Dionysius Sebwe, the ministry reviewed two protests submitted by

HARD WORK PAYS OFF

SPORTs WRITER ASSOCIATION OF LIBERIA VICE PRESIDENT Honored

Grand Gedeh against Maryland and Gbarpolu against Sinoe in the football category. Grand Gedeh won the protest against Maryland for fielding a foreign player during their match in the preliminary while Gbarpolu lost the protest filed against Sinoe on procedural grounds. It means Montserrado, who qualified with Bong from the preliminaries held in Gbarnga, were eliminated on superior goal difference having been leveled on points with Grand Gedeh. So, the decisive stage begins in kickball when Gbarpolu meet Grand Kru at 12:00 noon and Margibi take on Montserrado at 2:00PM. In football, Nimba will take on Grand Kru at 3:20PM while

Lofa will welcome Grand Gedeh at 5:10PM. The actions will continue on Monday when with four games. Bong will take on Grand Cape Mount at 12:00 noon and Grand Bassa meet Nimba at 2:00PM in kickball. In football, it will be Bong versus Grand Cape Mount at 3:20PM. Sports Minister Lenn Eugene Nagbe has been accused of misappropriating funds provided by the National Oil Company (Nocal), which he has denied. We spent the money and we can account for every cent. There is nothing that was done without the proper procedure. I am a very meticulous person. Any mistake on my part, it will be to the pleasure of political

opponents. I understand all of this. I am [a] political person and have political enemies and I am accounting for every penny. The people who misused the money last year are the ones behind this whole thing [of] accusing me of misusing US$500,000. Last year, they didnt use the material and we are using the material; we did not buy 15 sets of jerseys as claimed we bought jerseys; specialized jerseys for football, basketball and all the county meet sports for all the counties including a cash payment of twenty thousand USD to each county. The documents are available, Nagbe told Truth Breakfast Show on Thursday.

Grand Kru technical committee head Alfred Sayon

Monroviahe Vice President of the SportsWriters Association of Liberia, Martina Brooks has been awarded by the Astute Talented Comrades [ATC] for her outstanding reportage as a female journalist. According to the group which comprises veterans from the University of Liberia, their decision to select Madam Brooks is as a consequence of her role played as female sport journalist. ATC hopes that the honoree will live up to their expectation and continue the good and ethical work she has been

carrying on over the years. Presenting the award Barak Sackor said, his organization is awarding Martina for the role she has played in the Liberian media landscape at the level of SWAL. He said, she has been able to add value to her by acquiring a degree something he thinks is laudable. Brooks thanked, ATC for recognizing her work over the years adding that she accepts the award in good faith. She said, the award came as no surprise adding that she has been confident that her work will one day pay off. The SWAL Vice President

urged female journalists to get involved in sport reporting adding that it is her hope to see more females joining SWAL. Martina as she is commonly called amongst her colleagues rose from been a cadet at the United Nations radio to a sports presenter. Joining SWAL initially Martina was the only female journalist amongst several male but her lone presence amongst her male counterparts did not tear her apart. With her courage, determination and friendly interaction Martina soon found herself in leadership, currently she is the vice president of

SWAL. With her presence at SWAL female are gradually getting involved in reporting sports and turn the mans club [SWAL] into a gender sensitive organization. Martina who was part of the University of Liberia December graduation is poised to take over the helm of leadership at SWAL. The ascendency of Martina as President of SWAL will be the first time a female has reached that far, sports pundits are saying that Martina is the best candidate to take SWAL to another level.

he quarter-finals of the 2013/2014 national county meet is expected to begin at the Samuel Kanyon Doe sports complex on Sunday. The preliminary rounds, which kicked-off across the country on December 14, ended with Bong, Grand Bassa, Grand Cape Mount,Grand Kru, Lofa, Montserrado, Nimba and Sinoe qualifying in the football category. Bong, Gbarpolu, Grand Bassa, Grand Cape Mount, Grand Kru, Margibi, Montserrado and Nimba qualified for the kickball section. Grand Kru are upbeat about winning at least two titlesbut the tournament, traditionally held between December and January, has never ceased with its unending problems. Alfred Sayon, Grand Kru technical committee head, has threatened to protest unfavorable refereeing decisions when his side square-off with Nimba in the football division. Already, it is being said that Nimba County will win the tournament. And the person, who has said that, told me Sayon, you guys can play but I dont see your chances. And I asked why? He said that you know you are going to play Nimba County. Do you know what it means to play Nimba County? The president of the LFA [Musa Bility] comes from there. LFA director of referees [Stanley Ebenezer Konah] comes from Nimba and he assigns referees for the tournament. So with the revelation from my friend, there are two issues: professionalism and loyalty will come into play. As much as the referees will want to be professional, they have a loyalty to Konah. And I am throwing this out as a challenge that it is already known that Nimba County will win the game, Sayon pointed-out on UNMIL Radios Sport Extra program on Monday. From Buchanan, Grand Bassa to Voinjama, Lofa and from Greenville, Sinoe to Gbarnga, Bong Counties, there have been outcries of poor officiating in favor of the hosts. But Sayon, a seasoned sports administrator, was quick to concede that he will be a good loser if the match officials prove their skeptics wrong. I am a sports man. So that will be it if I lose fairly. While I dont allude to that but that is a factor that cant be ruled out. Last year when Cape Mount beat Nimba, Stanley Konah suspended the referee despite that fact that the referee handled a fair game but because Nimba lost to Cape Mount, Sayon recalled. It is still not clear whether the games will go ahead following threats by Gbarpolu, who lost Tuesdays protest hearing filed against Sinoe, to seek a writ of injunction from the Civil Law Court.