Monrovia – As the clock towards 2017 general elections ticks slowly, the code of conduct continues to come into play. Cllr. Jallah A. Barbu, Chairman of the Law Reform Commission (LRC) has tendered in his letter of resignation to President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
“Your Excellency, I have developed very high commitment to doing purely scholarly and other forms of public service work,” said Cllr. Barbu in his resignation letter. “I therefore cannot continue to serve in the Law Reform Commission as of June 1, 2016.”
The code of conduct, passed by the National legislature and signed into law by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, requires appointed officials of government desirous of contesting to resign their post two years prior to the elections.
Though the reason of his resignation was not clearly stated in his letter, it remains a puzzle whether the outgoing chairperson of the LRC is vying for an elected post.
According to sources close to the learned lawyer, he is eyeing to contest the presidency on the ticket of the Liberia National Union (LINU).
However, the political leader of LINU says Cllr. Barbu is a staunching member of the party, saying it has not reached his desk whether the learned counselor wants to go in on the highest slot in the party.
“If partisans of the party deem it necessary to elect or petition anyone to contest on our party ticket, so shall it be,” says Blama. “The voice of the people is greater than anyone in the party.”
Cllr. Jallah told FPA in an interview that he resigned because his interest has changed.
“Definitely I did turn in my resignation to the president; you know everyone has the right to association and disassociate whenever they want, but there are specific reasons for my resignation. And one of the reasons is maybe my interest has changed with respect to the nature of my work,” he explained.
He said everyone has the right to assume any public office in Liberia so long they are favored by the electorates.
“As relate to that, I cannot remove all that speculations on the table when it comes to working for my country and helping my people. Let’s wait for the future and let see what happens,” he concluded.
Edwin G. Genoway, Jr (231886458910)[email protected]