The Editor,
Since the formation of Liberia, corruption has been epidemic with no or little political will by government to prosecute those accused.
Two most recent administrations, Charles Taylor and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf regimes have been rated as the most corrupt regimes in post-war Liberia history with nearly US$2billion dollars raped off or unaccounted for.
While we hold true these statistics, we must be cautious, grateful and admit truthfully that there remain and will always be a great number of Liberian professions around the world who don’t engage into corruption feast.
Amongst these many Liberians, including Matilda Parker- a selfless and professional Liberian who has devoted her life and career to humanity and country growth.
Appointed by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf during the early era of his second administration, Madam Parker landed at the nation National Port Authority (NPA), and soon begun revamping the sector raising millions in government revenues.
Her move provided jobs and a sense of proud as the country main gateway was once back on its feet and running smoothly. Howbeit, others saw her move personal and crafted a well-grounded conspiracy plan to have her removed. They had accused her of signing a bogus government contract costing US$300.000 and US$500.000 for the port of Greenville, Sinoe County.
Unfortunately, former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf fell prey to the conspiracy theory and suspended Mandan Parker! Moving forward, Madam Parker was sent to court!!
Main Issue!
Since July of 2015 when the grand jury of Montserrado County indicted Madam Parker, the government of Liberia is yet to proceed with this trial. This brings me to a point to ponder why these delays and the motives behind same. Questions that I personally continue to ask include:
1. Does the government really have evidence against Madam Parker?
2. Are the evidence strong enough to convict her?
3. Was her indictment is a ploy to get her out of the port?
4. Is the government buying time or trying to save face?
5. Was the government and president misled about the damaging conspiracy?
6. Can the government dismiss these charges now and close this chapter?
7. What has the life and reputation of Madam Parker turn into all this while?
While these and many more questions continue to pop up, it’s important to take a close look at our criminal justice system law of our country Liberia. The law among other things provides that when one a person is accused, prosecution (Government) has two terms of court to proceed with trial.
However, in the event where government fails to proceed and two court term passes, said individual accused has the right to filed a motion for dismissal. Surprisingly, Madam Parker trial has exceeded more than two terms since July 2015.
Although Madam Parker has the right to file a motion for dismissal, I wouldn’t support said move! Instead, the government needs to be responsible enough in cleaning its mess and attempt repairing the reputation damaged caused for Madam Parker.
As an advocate of justice, I’m of the strongest conviction that government has no case. Hence, I am pleased to request the government of Liberia via and through the office of President George Weah and the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) to immediately dismiss these bogus charges against Madam Parker and proffer an official apology for the following reasons.
1. Government has failed to proceed and prove this case in court since July 2015.
2. Government has exceeded the two terms of court threshold set by law for prosecution.
3. Continues delay by government has erupted a human right violation against the government record.
4. Continues delay has and continue to place the life and movement of Madam Parker in a canned with no time limit.
5. It also violates the United Nations Convention on Peoples Rights.
6. It paints a continues picture of government witch-haunt style on past and current officials.
Justice delayed, is justice denied! Government must move swiftly in dropping these charges aimed at uniting and cleaning the country’s existing mess!!
Yours,
Stephen Binda
Liberian Journalist
United States of America