County News

276 COVID-19 cases reported from 2,126 screened samples, positivity rate averages 13pc

admin — Mon, 26 Oct 2020 19:50:02 +0000

276 COVID-19 cases reported from 2,126 screened samples, positivity rate averages 13pc admin Mon, 10/26/2020 - 19:50

Monday, October 26, 2020

Original Publisher

Original Article

276 COVID-19 cases reported from 2,126 screened samples, positivity rate averag…

NAIROBI, Kenya October 26 – The health ministry announced 276 more coronavirus cases on Monday picked from 2,162 samples analyzed over a period of 24 hours.

This represents a 12.98 per cent positivity rate with the five-day mean standing at 13.1 per cent, a figure that is almost triple the five per cent threshold stipulated by the World Health Organisation.

The new figure brings to 49,997 the total reported cases out of the 662,046 cumulative tests conducted since March.

Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, through a statement sent to newsrooms also announced that eighteen patients had succumbed to coronavirus raising the national death tally to 920.

Kagwe said that there are ninety-two patients who are on emergency care including twenty patients under Intensive Care Unit (ICU), fifty-two on supplementary oxygen and twenty on High Dependency Unit.

The Ministry of Health noted that 220 more patients were cleared including 150 who were under Home-Based Care Program and seventy who were discharged from various hospitals.

The the total number of patients who have been cleared after recovering from the virus since April 1 rose to 34, 429.

Another 1,191 patients were said to be hospital-based care while 1, 406 were being monitored under the home-based care protocol.

The new cases reported include a two-year old baby and are distributed among 179 males and 97 females.

Mombasa, Machakos and Nairobi accounted for the highest cases with 71, 58 and 50 cases respectively while Kilifi and Busia followed with 21 cases each.

Other cases were distributed in Kwale (19), Kajiado(13), Garissa (6), Nakuru (5), Narok(4), Makueni(3), Kiambu(3), Taita Taveta(1) and Tharaka Nithi (1).

Kenya

Africa

News

‘Margins Of Poverty And Suffering Will Determine Weah’s Fate in 2023’ – Cummings Asserts

admin — Sun, 19 Jun 2022 16:30:01 +0000

‘Margins Of Poverty And Suffering Will Determine Weah’s Fate in 2023’ – Cummings Asserts

/sites/default/files/imported_articles_images/node__1341.png

admin Sun, 06/19/2022 - 16:30

Monday, June 13, 2022

Original Publisher

Politics – FrontPageAfrica

Original Article

‘Margins Of Poverty And Suffering Will Determine Weah’s Fate in 2023’ – Cumming…

KAKATA, Margibi County – Liberians will grade and decide President George Weah’s fate in the 2023 general elections, based on the margins of their current economic status, whether they are living better or sinking deeper into abject poverty, the Political Leader of the Alternative National Congress (ANC), Mr. Alexander Cummings, told a cheering crowd in Monrovia.

Cummings said ANC and the millions of Liberians suffering due to Weah’s misrule are determined to work in collaboration with other political parties to vote and make him a one term President.

The Liberian economy has performed very poorly in the last five years, unable to attract foreign investment, with rampant corruption in every sector and high unemployment especially among the youths. Deteriorating social services including electricity, access to water, sanitation, and health care, and the messy educational system are adding to the daily frustrations of Liberians.

Cummings said these hopeless and deplorable living conditions coupled with growing insecurities including mysterious killings and disappearances, in addition to the vexing challenge of soaring food prices, are factors that have rendered the Weah administration incapable of ruling and impossible to win a second term.

He spoke Friday, June 10, at the Friends of Friends forum, a local intellectual center in Monrovia. The forum was interactive with questions and answers on issues of national concerns leading to the 2023 general elections.

In response to a question about security reforms to halt the influx of dangerous substances and the increasing crime rates including mysterious killings and disappearances of citizens, Mr. Cummings said an ANC government will depoliticize the security sector, ensure adequate funding for training and empower the police to conduct independent and professional investigations, and will ensure perpetrators be made to face the full force of the law.

Cummings said youths on drugs will be rehabilitated and provided vocational training skills that will make them productive citizens to earn a decent living.

Regarding the just-ended bogus criminal trial against him, the ANC Political Leader said he is not perturbed, and that the trial which he maintained was politically motivated, afforded him the opportunity to experience the travesty of Justice and the dire need for judicial reforms.

Cummings stressed that without a strong independent Judiciary and robust enforcement of laws, the country risks being unattractive for foreign direct investments and a recipe for lawlessness, banditry, and instability.

On the question about the deteriorating health care delivery service and messy educational system, Mr. Cummings said rebuilding and improving these sectors will be a top priority of an ANC government.

He reaffirmed an ANC government commitment to zero tolerance for corruption and the establishment of the long-delayed war and economic crimes court to adjudge persons bearing the greatest responsibilities in Liberia’s 14 years of bloody civil war that killed a quarter-million of the population and the economic looting of the country.

Mr. Cummings said Liberia after 175 years and with the abundance of natural resources, it is unacceptable for the vast majority of Liberians to be living in extreme poverty, while public officials in the Weah government continue to steal and amass wealth. He said the masses deserve better and made a clarion call on all Liberians to support the ANC quest for real change in Liberia.

Liberia

Africa

Politics

Liberia: Lofa County Might Be A Difficult Win for Unity Party in Upcoming By-election

admin — Sun, 19 Jun 2022 16:20:01 +0000

Liberia: Lofa County Might Be A Difficult Win for Unity Party in Upcoming By-election

/sites/default/files/imported_articles_images/node__1044.jpeg

admin Sun, 06/19/2022 - 16:20

Monday, June 13, 2022

Original Publisher

Politics – FrontPageAfrica

Original Article

Liberia: Lofa County Might Be A Difficult Win for Unity Party in Upcoming By-el…

VOINJAMA, Lofa County – When the people of Lofa County go to the polls to elect a new senator on June 28, they will make a choice out of seven candidates.

It is poised to be a highly intriguing event after the Supreme Court of Liberia ruled this month in favor of the opposition Unity Party that it can field a candidate in the ensuing by-election in the county.

Lofa was the only county that overwhelmingly voted for the former ruling Unity Party and its standard-bearer, Joseph N. Boakai in the 2017 presidential elections.

During the first round, Unity Party obtained 91,324 votes, representing 78.5% of the total valid votes cast, with the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) getting 8,194 votes amounting to 7.0%.

In the run-off, which was contested between Boakai and George Weah, things did not improve for the CDC, with the Unity Party getting 79,258 votes representing 84.2% and the CDC getting 14,860 votes or 15.8%.

The results from the run-off indicated that Lofa was the only county where the Unity Party and Boakai defeated the CDC massively, while the remaining fourteen counties were all won by the CDC.

Statistics indicated that the votes from Lofa contributed hugely to the election reaching a run-off.

Fast forward to the June 28 by-election, the CDC didn’t field a candidate but it seems the ruling party is making frantic efforts to win the Senate through a proxy candidate, Cllr. Joseph Jallah, an Independent candidate.

In recent years, officials from the CDC hailing from Lofa County have been frequenting back home and building strong political bases in what looks like a clever political game plan.

Prominent among those making headways in Lofa County are Monrovia City Corporation Mayor, Jefferson T. Koijee and Montserrado County lawmaker, Thomas Fallah, both of whom are natives of Foya District.

Koijee made his presence known or rejuvenated his presence in Lofa County during the 2019/2020 edition of the National County Sports Meet, where he attended all the group stage games played in Voinjama and up to Monrovia and became one of the highest donors to the county teams.

The CDC official was seen everywhere with the Lofa County football team and even took them to hotels and other places for lunch in Monrovia as a sign of motivation.

Koijee, an influential young man from the Kissi chiefdom, has been going all out to ensure the victory of Jallah, given the “mandate of his party”.

Fallah, meanwhile, has been heavily involved in stamping his influence in Foya by constructing a US$ 300,000 town hall in the district and has been instrumental to the pavement of streets in Foya.

Could CDC actors in Lofa propel Jallah?

Fallah favors a lower Lofa candidate, believing that this would enhance the CDC’s chances in that region. As National Vice Chairman for Operations of the Coalition for Democratic Change, Fallah continues to work tirelessly to ensure that his prominence is maintained in the lower Lofa region, particularly in District one, where he is poised to contest against the incumbent representative Francis S. Nyumalin of Unity Party.

In addition, Superintendent William Tamba Kamba, a former representative candidate of District One and a prominent son of lower Lofa, has been using his influence to guarantee that Jallah is elected based on the “party mandate”.

Jallah could also receive the political blessings of Boakai’s long-time campaign manager and a current CDC supporter, Paramount Chief Tamba Taylor, who is the traditional leader of the Kissi chiefdom and a highly regarded actor in the region. Prior to the cancellation of the by-election, he publicly endorsed Jallah and urged residents of Foya to do the same.

In comparison to prior elections, the presence of these four famous personalities from the lower Lofa region, especially Foya, could likely give Jallah a comfortable lead and increase his chances.

However, the presence of Boakai, Nyumilian, and Brownie Samukai, who lost the current seat after the Supreme Court ruling for money laundering, have been campaigning for the Unity Party candidate Kortimai. This, according to political pundits, would be the greatest obstacle of the CDC in Foya District.

Also, District Two representative Julie F. Wiah, a member of the CDC, has already given her nod to Jallah through Friends of Julie, a political group in the district. Wiah participated in the most recent mid-term election and earned an overwhelming majority of votes in District Two. Political pundits believed Wiah’s support for Jallah would have a greater chance for him than in prior elections.

Could Jallah break his election jinx?

Jallah is a serious political competitor to Lofa’s body politics, as proven by his consistent second-place finishes in two consecutive elections (2014 and 2020) and third place in 2011.

He hails from a Kolahun District that has continuously voted him, and he is the sole contender from lower Lofa, the county’s most politically populous division, with more than half of the county’s registered voters.

When he ran in 2011, he came in third place with 12,420 votes out of 91,402 valid votes cast among ten candidates. In 2014, Jallah came in second behind Senator Stephen Zargo with 8,570 votes out of 48,812 total valid votes cast, with nine candidates running, including former senator Sumo Kupee and Kortimai, who came in fourth and sixth, respectively. Jallah finished second behind Brownie Samukai in 2020, receiving 13,968 votes out of 64,252 valid votes cast for 11 candidates.

Liberia

Africa

Politics

Liberia: Jurors in Motorcyclist’s Murder Case Find Suspects Guilty

admin — Sat, 18 Jun 2022 20:00:01 +0000

Liberia: Jurors in Motorcyclist’s Murder Case Find Suspects Guilty

/sites/default/files/imported_articles_images/node__1275.png

admin Sat, 06/18/2022 - 20:00

Thursday, June 2, 2022

Original Publisher

News – FrontPageAfrica

Original Article

Liberia: Jurors in Motorcyclist’s Murder Case Find Suspects Guilty

ZWEDRU, Grand Gedeh County – Jurors at the 7th Judicial Circuit Court in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh have handed a unanimous guilty verdict against defendant Moses Mlarmah, despite his earlier guilty plea and his plea for mercy.

By Garmah Lomo, Contributing Writer

The Ministry of Justice through its Correction superintendent at Zwedru Correction Palace was invited by Judge George S. Wiles to ascertain the defendant’s character.

Furthermore, the court has scheduled the sentencing of the defendant for June 6, 2022.

On the other hand, state prosecutors are expected to commence the trial of Co-defendant Jeremiah Appleton alias Open Zipper, Leo K. Williams and Alice Davis, who pleaded not guilty after their indictment was read on Monday, May 30,2022.

During the trial proceedings, state prosecutors produced three witnesses with the production of both oral and documentary evidences.

At the commencement of the ongoing trial of motorcyclist Mordacious Nyema who was gruesomely murdered for alleged human parts in Pleebo, Maryland County late March to early April 2021, the prime suspect Moses Mlarmah pleaded guilty to the crimes of murder and criminal conspiracy after being arraigned in open court.

Despite his guilty plea, state prosecutors said they will put aside and go into the case to produce evidence against him, while co-defendant Jeremiah Appleton, Williams and Davis pleaded not guilty thereby joining issue with the state.

Meanwhile, defendant Francis Kla Nyema was released through a nulle prosequio in line with chapter 18 section 18.1 of the Criminal Procedure Law of Liberia on ground that he has no connection to the case.

The case had been transferred from Maryland County to Grand Gedeh based on a change of venue request made by state prosecutors.

After the prime suspect Moses Mlarmah pleaded guilty, he was asked by Judge George S. Wiles of the 7th Judicial Circuit Court as to whether he was force to say so but he answered in loud voice and said no but rather he did the killing.

Based upon his guilty pleas, state prosecutors headed by Cllr. Wesseh A. Wesseh requested court for separate trial in favor of defendant Moses Mlarmah who pleaded guilty and also in favor of Williams, Davis and Appleton.

The request for separate trial is consistent with Chapter 16 section 16.10 of the Criminal Procedure Law of Liberia in order not to prejudice the defendants who have issues with the state.

While defense lawyer Rodney O. Moses interposed no objection to the request for separate trial, adding that pre-Judicial being the right of defendant who after arraigned and entered plead separately, are entitled to severance and separate trials so as to meet the end of Justice.

The court presided by its Resident Judge George Wiles granted the request for severance trial and said severance or separate trial being the right of either party with the defense interposing no objection, is hereby granted and defendant Moses Mlarmah will be tried separately since he has pleaded guilty to his crimes charged.

On May 31, 2022, defendant Moses Mlarmah waved testimony and his legal counsel Moses also waved legal final argument into the case.

Liberia

Africa

News

Liberia: Citizens in Lofa Pledge Support to Daniel Cassell’s Presidential Bid

admin — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 20:00:01 +0000

Liberia: Citizens in Lofa Pledge Support to Daniel Cassell’s Presidential Bid

/sites/default/files/imported_articles_images/node__1182.png

admin Mon, 02/21/2022 - 20:00

Thursday, February 3, 2022

Original Publisher

Politics – FrontPageAfrica

Original Article

Liberia: Citizens in Lofa Pledge Support to Daniel Cassell’s Presidential Bid

LOFA COUNTY – Thousands of citizens in Lofa County have pledged their unflinching support and commitment towards the actualization of the presidential ambition of the Standard Bearer of the People’s Liberation Party (PLP) Dr. Daniel E. Cassell.

Dr. Cassell is also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President of the Dr. Cassell Foundation and Kwenyan and Associates Security Firm in Liberia.

The citizens, who include, Town Chiefs, traditional leaders, elders, marketers, youths among others made the pledge during a visit of Dr. Cassell and other executives and members of the PLP to the county over the week end.

Dr. Cassell and his party’s executives and supporters had gone to Lofa to seek the blessings of the chiefs, elders and citizens as part of the commencement of his tour across Liberia. He was also gowned and presented gifts by the locals

They visited several districts in Lofa including Zorzor, Voinjama, Quarnu Gboni, and Kolahun, among others.

In separate remarks, the citizens recounted the numerous contributions being made by the PLP Standard Bearer towards the improvement of the living conditions of Liberians and the betterment of the society.

“As for us, we have seen your good works and we want to assure you that we will not let you down. We been making other people President and what about our own son? We know very well that you started doing things for our people long time ago before even thinking about being President, and so, we stand by you in readiness to make you our President”, Town Chief Varmah Kanneh stated.

He observed that since the inception of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) led government, chiefs and elders of Lofa have not benefitted from their fair share of the country’s wealth and resources.

He added that they are being punished by the CDC because of the decision taken to overwhelmingly vote for Unity Party (UP) Standard Bearer Joseph Nyuma Boakai during the 2017 general and presidential elections.

“Chiefs and elders here are suffering because of the decision we made in the past. We are not feeling the impact of any development in our county even though the resources belong to all of us; our children are not in school and our women cannot make market. We are traditional people and when we say we are for you, we are for you”.

Another Town Chief identified as Siafa Manobah indicated that the respect shown elders and traditional leaders by Dr. Cassell and his officials is welcoming.

According to him, Dr. Cassell remains one of the first Liberian politicians to ask for their blessings ahead of the 2023 general and presidential elections.

“For you to travel on this bad road from all the way Monrovia to come and ask for our blessings, we want to assure you that we will not let you down”, he stated.

Speaking on behalf of the women, Klubo Taywu called on Dr. Cassell to continue to provide empowerment opportunities to Liberian women across the country.

She noted that for too long Liberian women, particularly those who are illiterate, have been downplayed and seen as nobody in their own country.

She observed that women are only recognized and supported during electioneering period, even though they continue to contribute to the growth and development of Liberia in other areas.

Madam Taywu vowed to rally women in Lofa in order to attain the presidential ambition of the PLP Standard Bearer.

“You have shown to us that you can do more when you get there. We the traditional women are ready to take you to the highest seat”. She stated.

For his part, Dr. Cassell commended the Town Chiefs, elders, traditional leaders and others for their overwhelming and receptive support towards his ambition.

He observed that despite the continuous hardship citizens of Lofa continue to experience year after year, they still have trust and confidence in someone who is planning to contest the presidency.

“You have a spirit of determination. As you have put your faith to a test for God to work a miracle through us, as long as you believe, things will become better for you and your children.

Dr. Cassell

Citizens of the county advanced multiple requests to Dr. Cassell and his team, following his visitation to their respective districts.

In response, the renowned Liberian humanitarian committed nearly 2.250M Liberian dollars for the empowerment of women, physically challenged and provision of scholarships to citizens in Voinjama city, Zorzor, Kolahun, Lawulazu Town, among others.

“We are familiar with your plights and national government has abandoned our county for reasons best known to themselves. They have made us to look like we don’t exist anymore. God has heard your cries and prayers and he has sent a Moses out of Lofa County to deliver not only Lofa County, but the entire Liberia”.

“You all are my assignment because, I am a messenger of the Most High God and I follow instructions. What you see me doing is my biblical responsibilities and the things what I asked me to do is what I am doing and will do”.

Dr. Cassell added that he has been mandated by God to take care and provide assistance to needy Liberians, including old folks, widows, disabled, visually impaired, and provide scholarship and other opportunities to deserving young Liberian students, amongst other.

“I was eight years old when my father passed away. The same thing you are going through today, I went through that same thing or hardship and so, God is using me now to be a help to my people”.

He maintained that he will not sit supinely and allow Liberians to continue to be suffering in their own country without doing anything.

Liberia

Africa

Politics

Liberia: ANC Political Leader Alexander Cummings Inducts into Office Leadership of the ANC Global Youths Movement in Bomi County

admin — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 19:50:01 +0000

Liberia: ANC Political Leader Alexander Cummings Inducts into Office Leadership of the ANC Global Youths Movement in Bomi County

/sites/default/files/imported_articles_images/node__1179.png

admin Mon, 02/21/2022 - 19:50

Monday, February 7, 2022

Original Publisher

Politics – FrontPageAfrica

Original Article

Liberia: ANC Political Leader Alexander Cummings Inducts into Office Leadership…

TUBMANBURG, Bomi County – Mr. Alexander Cummings, the Political Leader of the Alternative National Congress (ANC) has inducted into office the leader of the ANC Global Youths Movement (GYM), in Tubmanburg, Bomi County.

The ANC Global Youths Movement is an axillary political youth group that supports the presidential’s bid of the ANC Political Leader Cummings.

At the event, over the weekend, the ANC strong man congratulations the new leadership and called on them to be steadfast in promoting the vision of ANC.

While in Bomi County, the ANC Political Leader also participated in several activities organized by GYM.

“The GYM is one of the many youth groups supporting me and the Alternative National Congress (ANC) in general. They have reaffirmed their commitment to our efforts to make Liberia a better country for everyone,” Mr. Cummings said.

The ANC Political Leader added: “I am happy that the young people, women and men who came from different parts of Bomi County to participate in the GYM activities, were exuberant and motivated about the real change we are working to achieve in Liberia.”

Mr. Cummings also reassured the young people of Bomi County that his ANC along with Liberty Party and other Liberians with similar desires will never let them down.

“We will do the real work, make the difficult decisions, make the right choices and do things differently,” the ANC Political Leader said.

Mr. Cummings added: “As I have said many times, Liberia will not change simply because we wish for it to change – we must do.”

Liberia

Africa

Politics

Liberia: Concerned Citizens in Lofa Want Senate Declare Senatorial Seat Vacant for By-election

admin — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 19:50:01 +0000

Liberia: Concerned Citizens in Lofa Want Senate Declare Senatorial Seat Vacant for By-election

/sites/default/files/imported_articles_images/node__1178.png

admin Mon, 02/21/2022 - 19:50

Monday, February 7, 2022

Original Publisher

Politics – FrontPageAfrica

Original Article

Liberia: Concerned Citizens in Lofa Want Senate Declare Senatorial Seat Vacant …

MONROVIA – The leadership of the Liberian Senate has received a communication emanating from a group under the banner “Concern Citizens and Registered Voters of Lofa County” seeking the indulgence of the Senate to declare the senatorial seat of Lofa vacant.

Plenary has taken seize of the communication based on motion proffered by Grand Cape Mount County Senator Simeon B. Taylor that due to the critical nature of the matter.

In their petition, the Concern Citizens and Registered Voters of Lofa County acknowledged that based on the recent opinion of the Supreme County of Liberia, Browine J. Samukai, the declared winner of the Lofa County Special Senatorial election, the said Court has virtually rendered the winner incapable and disable to occupy said seat for and on behalf of the county.

The “concerned Citizens further indicated that since Senator-elect Samukai is convicted and ordered to be incarcerated for at least two years by the Supreme Court, of Liberia, they (Petitioners) will highly appreciate that the Senate to not only declare the County seat vacant but to inform the National Elections Commission (NEC) of said vacancy to proceed in filling it in accordance with laws as well as add terms and condition that will be prudent and expeditious for exigency of time.

Supreme Court ruling

The Supreme Court of Liberia on January 27, 2022 ordered the incarceration of Senator-elect, Samukai and co-defendants for two years for their failure to comply to the mandate of the court by paying 50% of the judgement sum in the tone of $ 537, 828, 15 within the period of six months.

The former Minister of Defense was prevented from taking his seat as Lofa County’s Senator after the Supreme Court of Liberia halted his certification by the National Election Commission (NEC).

Essentially, Samukai, Joseph Johnson and James Nyuman Ndokor have to serve two years imprisonment each and pay the full judgment amount of US$1,147,656.35.

The former Defense Ministry officials were indicted and found guilty by a Lower Court for theft of property, criminal conspiracy, misuse of public money, and money laundering.

Liberia

Africa

Politics

Liberia: Lofa Lawmakers Divided Over Imprisonment of Senator-elect Brownie Samukai

admin — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 19:50:01 +0000

Liberia: Lofa Lawmakers Divided Over Imprisonment of Senator-elect Brownie Samukai

/sites/default/files/imported_articles_images/node__1177.png

admin Mon, 02/21/2022 - 19:50

Tuesday, February 8, 2022

Original Publisher

Politics – FrontPageAfrica

Original Article

Liberia: Lofa Lawmakers Divided Over Imprisonment of Senator-elect Brownie Samu…

MONROVIA – Members of the Lofa County Legislative Caucus are said to be divided over the latest ruling from the Supreme Court of Liberia, mandating the incarceration of Senator-elect J. Brownie Samukai for misapplying money belonging to soldiers of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) along with two others.

The Supreme Court is the final arbiter of justice in Liberia

On Thursday, January 27, the High Court ordered the imprisonment of Mr. Samukai and two others for their alleged failure to meet up with the 50% payment of the US$1.1 million money of soldiers of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) money which was misapplied by them.

Mr. Samukai, who is the former Minister of National Defense, Joseph Johnson, former Deputy Minister for Administration and James Nyumah Dorkor, former Comptroller were found guilty of the crimes of theft of property, misuse of public money and criminal conspiracy.

Senator-elect Samukai was ordered jailed for two years, while the co-defendants were given six months jail terms each but with a condition that their sentences shall be suspended if they restitute 50 percent of the fund within six months and make full payment within a year.

Though Senator-elect Samukai claimed to have paid his portion of the money through his supporters, the High Court mandated his imprisonment in its latest ruling on grounds that the 50% payment has not been met by the trio in its totality.

Embracing court’s ruling

Speaking when she participated on Radio Kintoma Morning Show following the court’s ruling, Lofa County district # 4 Representative Mariam Fofana stated that the decision reached by the court will deter others from mismanaging public funds.

“I want to state that I agree with the ruling and we all should see that as a deterrent to mismanaging the trust of the people when given to us-and what has happened to the army people and their money will not happen again and I hope that will give us a closure”.

“I am also waiting to further see what will happen with the local people seat. We will be waiting-now that the decision has been made by the Supreme Court, whether NEC will be able to declare this seat vacant so Lofa people can go back to election and decide who they want to be their Senator”.

Not witch-hunt

Opinion leaders, stakeholders and locals in Lofa have pointed accusing fingers at the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) led government of President George Manneh Weah for the lawsuit filed against Senator-elect Samukai.

They believed that Senator-elect Samukai was being witch-hunted for his refusal to accept an offer to contest on the ticket of the CDC during the December 2020 senatorial election.

But the government has denied the accusation.

According to Representative Fofana, the matter involving Mr. Samukai is more legal than political.

“I don’t see the motive why this government will want to witch-hunt one person. There is no reason or motive to convince me that this was a witch-hunt. I think this is justice that has been served. We cannot be asking for justice to be served in other cases than when it is our own criminal we say prosecute everybody but protect our criminal”.

Representative Fofana claimed that the former Unity Party led government took Samukai to court for the AFL money, and not the CDC administration.

She pointed out that the court’s ruling against their kinsman Samukai could have been avoided if a report from Counselor Miller Catakaw was endorsed by executives of the UP at the time to prevent Mr. Samukai from contesting on the ticket of the party.

She added that Senator-elect Samukai was not the best choice for the former ruling party to contest on the CPP’s ticket, but he was erroneously endorsed and presented to citizens of Lofa over other qualified and competent contenders.

“They still went ahead and selected somebody who has been convicted. This man (Samukai) was convicted before the election. I don’t see the motive of the President or the CDC led-government to witch-hunt a single individual in the Senate. He (Samukai) cannot do anything; you have to work with your colleagues”.

Stop fooling our people

Representative Fofana used the medium to cautioned politicians and others against inciting citizens of Lofa against the Supreme Court’s ruling.

She blamed Senator Steve Zargo and Representative Francis Nyumalin along with the Standard Bearer of the UP, Mr. Joseph Nyuma Boakai for being the masterminds behind the current situation Lofa is faced with.

According to her, the two Lofa County lawmakers, along with Mr. Boakai allegedly misled citizens of the county to vote for Senator-elect Samukai who was already indicted.

“Anybody who is going around fooling our people-and telling them that this thing is politics, they have no basis to this. They are just saying it to manipulate our people; to ride on the sentiments of our people. They are lying to our people”.

Declare the seat vacant

Sometimes ago, Representative Fofana was petitioned by a cross section of citizens to contest the seat won by Senator-elect Samukai if it is finally declared vacant by the Liberian Senate.

But critics accused her of stage-managing her own petitioning ceremony because she is “over-zealous and desperate” to become a Senator.

She claimed that citizens of the county, especially traditional leaders have been waiting for Mr. Samukai’s seat to be declared vacant.

Representative Fofana added that despite the current situation, some citizens of the county are politicizing traditional leaders over the matter.

Africa

Politics

Waiguru speaks out on perceived Uhuru tag and her political journey

admin — Sat, 11 Dec 2021 07:40:01 +0000

Waiguru speaks out on perceived Uhuru tag and her political journey

/sites/default/files/imported_articles_images/node__822.jpeg

admin Sat, 12/11/2021 - 07:40

Wednesday, December 8, 2021

Original Publisher

Kenya – Capital News

Original Article

Waiguru speaks out on perceived Uhuru tag and her political journey

NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 7- Kirinyaga Governor Ann Waiguru has refuted claims that she has always been hand-held by top leaders to rise up the political ladder saying she has fought to be where she is.

Speaking Wednesday during the Women Leadership Academy forum in Nairobi, Waiguru termed as unfounded allegations on her career due to her close political relationship with President Uhuru Kenyatta.

“I want to be clear because there are a lot of associations. My county was very unique because the two main candidates for the gubernatorial seat were women. Myself and honorable Martha Karua who I tremendously respect but I have to say this. The ‘system’s’ preferred candidate was her. PS Kibicho used to go around campaigning for her,” Waiguru said.

Waiguru reiterated that even to win a gubernatorial ticket during nominations was not easy as she had to contest for it with six other candidates.

“Karua was running under Narc Kenya ticket but her party was affiliated with Jubilee party. Then I was there with six men fighting for the same ticket. It was not easy, but I soldiered on,” she said.

The Kirinyaga Governor who emerged the winner in 2017 pointed out that she was not endorsed by President Kenyatta and neither was she handed the party ticket.

“When President Kenyatta came to Kirinyaga for campaigns, he did not endorse me. He told people to choose whoever they wanted, and he will work with them. It was a hard learning curve but as a leader, I already knew I was not going for an endorsement because when you are endorsed, you don’t earn as much respect as when you fight for the position,” Waiguru said.

Waiguru won the gubernatorial seat after garnering 161,373 votes against Martha Karua who managed 122,091 votes.

Karua contested the election and filed a petition in court seeking to have Waiguru’s election nullified citing election irregularities but lost the petitions at the High court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court.

Kenya

Africa

News

Liberia: Lofa Citizens Petition Joseph Boakai to Honorably Retire from Politics after Serving Country for Nearly 50 Years

admin — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 23:20:01 +0000

Liberia: Lofa Citizens Petition Joseph Boakai to Honorably Retire from Politics after Serving Country for Nearly 50 Years

/sites/default/files/imported_articles_images/node__1088.png

admin Fri, 12/10/2021 - 23:20

Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Original Publisher

Politics – FrontPageAfrica

Original Article

Liberia: Lofa Citizens Petition Joseph Boakai to Honorably Retire from Politics…

VOINJAMA – A group of citizens from Lofa County have called on the standard bearer of the Unity Party and former Vice President Joseph Boakai to honorably retire from politics, having served the country for almost 50 years in different capacities.

“Our Uncle has served our country in many capacities for almost 50 years, including being a vice president of our country for 12 unbroken years. Therefore, the concerned citizens of Lofa County have realized that our uncle is no longer in good health to continue serving us, according to his own confession during a radio interview recently,” the citizens noted in a petition statement.

The former vice president has always insisted that he is fit and in good health to contest the Liberian presidency.

Mr. Boakai will be 78 years old in 2023. If things work his way or in his favor following the finding of a resolution to the rigmarolewithin the CPP, he will be contesting against President Weah, who will be in his late 50s.

Mr. Boakai told a BBC Focus on Africa interview early this month that despite his age, he remains fully fit and capable to compete with the incumbent come 2023 general and presidential elections.

“In terms of fitness, I am very fit; in terms of being able to compete, I am very, very capable. We are not talking about age. I am in very good health. Weah may be in his 50s, but he’s not doing what the people want”.

Mr. Boakai maintained that Liberia and its citizens currently need a leader that is capable, fit, and able to lead by examples.

“I don’t have health problems. I am a normal human being; went through normal things. My activities have shown that I am capable and able to move around wherever I need to go”.

He told the BBC that Liberians, especially young people have realized that they made a mistake in the past to elect President Weah, and now see him as one who will “set the agenda for them for a prosperous Liberia”.

However, his kinsmen and women believe that the 76-year-old statesman is being coerced by some “unscrupulous or dishonest individuals that have no political gravitas in our country. They are doing so for their own selfish political gains at the detriment of our uncle Joseph N. Boakai.”

They admonished the former vice president to live a peaceful retirement life with his children and grandchildren.

The post Liberia: Lofa Citizens Petition Joseph Boakai to Honorably Retire from Politics after Serving Country for Nearly 50 Years appeared first on FrontPageAfrica.

Liberia

Africa

Politics

County News

276 COVID-19 cases reported from 2,126 screened samples, positivity rate averages 13pc

‘Margins Of Poverty And Suffering Will Determine Weah’s Fate in 2023’ – Cummings Asserts

Liberia: Lofa County Might Be A Difficult Win for Unity Party in Upcoming By-election

Liberia: Jurors in Motorcyclist’s Murder Case Find Suspects Guilty

Liberia: Citizens in Lofa Pledge Support to Daniel Cassell’s Presidential Bid￼

Liberia: ANC Political Leader Alexander Cummings Inducts into Office Leadership of the ANC Global Youths Movement in Bomi County￼

Liberia: Concerned Citizens in Lofa Want Senate Declare Senatorial Seat Vacant for By-election

Liberia: Lofa Lawmakers Divided Over Imprisonment of Senator-elect Brownie Samukai￼

Waiguru speaks out on perceived Uhuru tag and her political journey

Liberia: Lofa Citizens Petition Joseph Boakai to Honorably Retire from Politics after Serving Country for Nearly 50 Years

Liberia: Citizens in Lofa Pledge Support to Daniel Cassell’s Presidential Bid

Liberia: ANC Political Leader Alexander Cummings Inducts into Office Leadership of the ANC Global Youths Movement in Bomi County

Liberia: Lofa Lawmakers Divided Over Imprisonment of Senator-elect Brownie Samukai