Ganta, Nimba County – The Minister of Internal Affairs, Varney A. Sirleaf has expressed disappointment over what he termed as the constant desertion of post by local authorities including County Superintendents and their deputies.
Report by Franklin Doloquee, Contributor
Minister Sirleaf said he has observed that local authorities are constantly in Monrovia, leaving their offices without the consent of the Ministry.
He noted that County Superintendents are constantly seen traveling from counties to counties attending workshops, seminars and other private matters.
He urged them to discontinue the act and remain in their respective areas of assignments, noting that if the need arises for them to travel; they should inform their immediate bosses.
“We are asking you today that before you leave your post, you should inform the Ministry. Try to remain in your assigned areas because your absence may cause so many problems,” he urged.
He also vowed to inform the various ministries and agencies including NGOs to notify the Ministry of Internal Affairs before inviting local authorities to any of their activities.
The internal Affair Minister made the statements during the opening of a three-day “National Boundary Dispute Resolution and Local Governance Orientation Conference” in Ganta, Nimba County on Monday, September 17.
The conference is being organized by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and The Carter Center (TCC) with funding from USAID and the Swedish Government.
According to Minister Sirleaf, it is intended to collect information from various county superintendents about some of the boundary disputes they have in their respective counties and to find means to resolve them.
It is also geared towards educating the recently appointed local government workers including the Ministry of Internal affairs’ central appointees to properly understand the functions of their respective offices and their roles in the governance process of the state in line with the vision of President George M. Weah.
“The gathering is very important because it will enhance effectiveness and efficiency for our appointees in various posts-whether at the central offices or in the counties and ensure that the Pro-poor Agenda is achieved at the local government level, Minister Sirleaf said.
Also speaking, the superintendent of Nimba County, Dorr Cooper pointed out that the lack of vehicles for all County Superintendents and their deputies is a “serious impediment” in the discharge of their duties.
He then called on the government to seek means of addressing the situation.
Also speaking, the Deputy Minister for operation at the Internal Affairs Ministry, Emmett K.Reeves has stressed the importance of the orientation as most of the new appointees will ne enlightened to perform their duties to the fullest.
Meanwhile, delegates stressed the increase of land disputes in their respective counties, while emphasizing the need for the government to quickly intervene before it gets out of control.
Delegates of Bong, Sinoe, Margbi, Bassa and Bomi outlined concerns of several boundary issues in the respective counties.