TUBMANBURG, Bomi County – It was a show of massive support for Alexander Benedict Cummings of the Collaborating Political Parties last week when he toured Bomi and Grand Cape Mount Counties in Western Liberia.

By Gerald C. Koinyeneh – gerald.koinyeneh@frontpageafricaonline.com

The tour commenced in Grand Cape Mount County on Thursday and culminated with a grand endorsement ceremony in Tubmanburg, the capital of Bomi County.

In their official endorsement statement, the citizens said after careful consideration of all presidential candidates in the upcoming elections, Cummings was the most qualified candidate for the presidency due to his remarkable track record.

Ms. Makunnba Dorley, a first-time voter, eloquently read the endorsement statement on behalf of the citizens of Bomi: “Mr. Standard Bearer, it is you and your character that stood tall. Your rich experience and technical understanding of solving critical problems have made you better suited for the presidency of Liberia.”

She continued, “With our current situations as a country and people, we will not accept to be cajoled and misguided. There is too much at stake ranging from bad roads, messy educational systems, a disastrous health sector, lack of infrastructural development and many more. At this stage, gambling our future is not and can never be an option during these elections.”

Cummings is making his second bid for the Liberian presidency, having retired from Coca-Cola as Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer before his initial attempt in 2017, where he secured fifth place with 7 percent of the vote. This time around, Cummings brings campaign experience, greater name recognition, and an extended period of engagement with the people, all of which appear to be resonating well with the electorate.

Ms. Dorley stressed, “It is hard time that we scout out the best surgeon for this most needed political surgery as Liberia is currently in the intensive care unit. I want to assure you that Bomi County is extremely glad to be part of this effort. It is an open secret that Bomi is a victim of systemic failure and bad governance. Our natural resources are being depleted with nothing to show. Other counties with natural resources are even crying louder. It has become imperative that we, the first-time voters step forward and play a meaningful role in putting an end to this national embarrassment.”

The citizens said in Cummings’ vision, they find hope for a brighter future, improved healthcare, a united Liberia, equal opportunities, accountability, respect for the rule of law, equitable wealth distribution, regional and global competitiveness, and a Liberia free of drug abuse and other substance-related issues.

‘Let’s retire President Weah’

The CPP standard bearer expressed gratitude for the endorsement and the warm reception he received during his tour. He urged voters to support him and all CPP representative candidates in Bomi, including Sonnie Kamara of Bomi District #1 and Jartu Boykai of District #2.

He called on the electorate, especially young people, to choose a new path by voting for him and Cllr. Charlyne Brumskine, his vice standard bearer, on October 10.

“It is very important that you encourage your friends, your relatives and colleagues to vote to change our country. Our country has been suffering for too long and the only way we can stop the suffering is to vote for different people. Let’s retire President Weah. And I know I can trust the people of Bomi, women, youth, elders to vote Alexander Cummings and Cllr. Charlyne Brumskine to change Liberia.”

Cummings’ tour in Cape Mount was equally significant. Joined by Cllr. Charlyne Brumskine and Rep. Yekeh Kolubah (Montserrado District 10), they extensively tour the county, visiting numerous towns and villages, including Gbah Foboi, Senji, Kinjor, Lofa Bridge, Gold Camp, Tiennie, Damballah, Bamballah and Mano River.

The tour marked their inaugural campaign activities outside Montserrado County, and it was characterized by warm receptions and enthusiastic support from the local population. Cummings assured the people of Cape Mount that his administration would transform the county and the entire nation, with improved education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Grand Cape Mount County boasts substantial concessions, including Mano Oil Palm, the former Sime Darby, and Bea Mountain Mining Company (BMCC), Liberia’s largest gold mining company. Cummings expressed his dissatisfaction with the ongoing extraction of natural resources while citizens endure poverty, vowing that his administration would ensure that citizens benefit from their own resources.

Cummings declared, “We will hold Mano Company accountable for their actions.”

“We will make sure that this Mano Company treats you well. It makes me vex, it makes me angry to come to Cape Mount to see all the resources leaving and the people suffering like this. This cannot be your story forever. The young people who represent the future of Liberia are suffering. And we are committed to change that. But first you have to elect us. If we will change this country. You have to elect different people. And when you elect us, the suffering will stop.”

The trip’s highlight took place in Kinjor, the mining epicenter of Grand Cape Mount County, where a large group of supporters warmly welcomed Cummings and pledged unwavering support to the CPP and its legislative candidates K-Rich Foboi and Ma. Yatta Dordor.

Cummings’ message of substantial change resonated with the crowd. Leo Johnson expressed their collective sentiment, saying, “We believe in you, and we trust that when we elect you, you will not let us down. Kinjor will be electrified, and our youth center will be built. Thank you for reaching out to us.”

Numerous other groups, including the Southeastern and Bassa Communities, as well as the Disadvantaged Youth (Zogoes), joined in pledging their support to the Cummings-Brumskine ticket.

Cummings reiterated his message of substantial change if elected, emphasizing, “This is one of the richest counties in Liberia. Cape Mountaineers are smart people. But the people continue to suffer. And this is because they are stealing your resources, they are stealing your money. When you elect us, Kinjor will receive electricity, and as your gold leaves this county, you will benefit. Your living conditions will improve, and the quality of your housing will be improved. How can you live in a country that is so rich and the people are suffering too much?”

Vice Standard Bearer Brumskine, in an impassioned speech, rallied women, youth, and the elderly to vote for the CPP ticket and its representative candidates. She pointed out that the current government, like its predecessors, is mismanaging the nation’s resources while the people endure hardship. She emphasized that the CPP offers voters a choice for a brighter future.

TUBMANBURG, Bomi County – The election of Representatives and Senators based on political parties’ mandate or popularity and mere campaign promises is said to be diminishing across Liberia, especially in the western region.

On Tuesday, November 16, thousands of eligible voters in Senjeh district# 1 Bomi County went to the polls to elect the candidates of their choice.

The by-election in Senjeh district in Bomi was held simultaneously along with three separate by elections taking place in Bong, Nimba, and Grand Gedeh Counties.

The by-elections were triggered following the ascendancies of four Representatives to the Liberian Senate during the December 8, 2020 senatorial election held in the country.

They include Senators Edwin Melvin Snowe (former Representative district # 1 Bomi), Prince Moye (former Representative Bong district # 2),  Zoe Pennue (former Representative Grand Gedeh district # 1), and Jeremiah Koung (former Representative district # 1) respectively.

Nine candidates contested the representative seat for electoral district # 1 in Bomi County.

They include: Armah Vanah Boakai (Independent ), Charles S. Brown of the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP), John D. Karmo of Liberian National Union (LINU), Finda Gborie Lansanah (independent), and Edwin Folley McGill (independent).

Others are: Harry Buster Sando, Sr (Independent), Roosevelt Arvin Tulay, Sr of People’s Unification Party (PUP), J. Kpakpa Obediah Varney of Liberia Restoration Party (LRP), She Maxwell Vincent of Liberian People’s Party (LPP).

The ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) did not field a candidate in the race.

But President George Manneh Weah sometimes ago reportedly endorsed a request from his good friend, Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe to support his candidate-the lone female in the race.

The provisional results tallied run in favor of independent candidate Finda Gborie Lansanah, who was supported by Senator Snowe during the process.

Citizens in Tubmanburg attributed the decision taken by the CDC to snub the process to “fear of being massively defeated” again.

It can be recalled that the ruling party’s candidate Alex Tyler, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, was massively defeated by Senator Snowe, who contested as an independent candidate during the December 8, 2020 senatorial election.

Senator Snowe  got 16, 476 or 53.97% of the total valid votes of 30,526 cast, while Mr. Tyler accumulated 8,834 votes.

The citizens of Senjeh district viewed the just ended by election as a race which was held between Senator Snowe and Mr. Tyler.

Mr. Tyler supported and vigorously canvassed for the candidate of the Liberia Restoration Party (LRP), Obediah Kpakpa Varney.

But the citizens described the results in favor of Madam Lasanah as a complete replica of the 2020 senatorial election.

Speaking in an interview with Frontpage Africa in Tubmanburg on Wednesday, November 17, Sam Karneh observed that residents of the district have abandoned their usual political habit of voting for representative and senatorial candidates based on party lines.

He claimed that Senjeh district remains a “no go zone” for the CDC as evidenced by the party’s decision taken to stay clear of the by election.

“My political leader is Soko Dorley and he endorsed Madam Lansanah. I will be unfair to judge the CPP or CDC right now. But the people of Bomi particularly Senjeh district have decided to move and not to vote based on party lines or affiliation”.

” We have decided to have our own representing us. We left the issue of party affiliation and decided to have our own because this is a person who has been there for us and we can reach out to at anytime and any day”.

He claimed that the results of the Senjeh district representative by election was going to be a political “tsunami” against the CDC, if the ruling party was to support a candidate to contest on its ticket.

“The flogging was going to be overwhelming if the CDC was to support a candidate in the race. The CDC has lost its integrity particularly in Bomi”.

Karneh maintained that it was going to be a “waste of time” for the CDC to put forth a candidate for the just ended by election in Bomi.

“The CPP couldn’t even make it then that CDC? I am just like I am in Heaven right now. We don’t want them to come and fail us again and so we voted for Finda Gborie Lansanah”, Hawa Sheriff, a dry fish seller, stated.

She continued: “Things are not going on fine in the country and even if CDC was going to support a candidate, the person was not going to win. We are suffering and even if we buy our goods for people to come buy, it’s not easy”.

She attributed the severe hardship confronting citizens of the western region to the lack of foreign direct investment to guarantee the provision of job opportunities to scores of citizens and others residing in the county.

Moore James is an elderly man residing in Tubmanburg. He’s a member of the former ruling Unity Party.

The UP is one of the political parties that make up the opposition Collaborating Political Parties (CPP).

The remaining parties that make up the CPP include: All Liberian Party (ALP), Alternative National Congress (ANC) and the Liberty Party (LP).

He declined from supporting the candidate of the CPP, Charles Brown, in the Senjeh representative by-election on grounds that he was not the preferred choice of the people.

“We expected the results to be in our favor because we worked towards it. The CPP candidate Charles Brown came in the picture very late and he doesn’t have any weight here. Though I am from the UP, but I didn’t support him”.

“If CDC was even going to put a candidate in the race, we were going to defeat them and so, they were afraid”.

Marie Siafa is a member of the CDC. She supported candidate Foday McGill in the just ended by election in Bomi.

“I am feeling fine even though my candidate did not win. CDC was not going to win even if they had a candidate in the race because they failed us in the past. It is better we find someone or vote for a person that can work with us in the county”.

“People from here went in the House and they failed us. Even if they come back or show us someone for us to vote for that person, we will not do it because that person will fail us too”.

Marie emphasized that though the CDC did not field a candidate in the election, she reneged on supporting the candidate of Mr. Tyler, who is a hierarchy of the ruling party, because he (Tyler) did not do well for the people of Bomi during his stay in both the 52nd and 53rd national legislatures of Liberia.

Not voting on empty promises
The citizens remain resolved to reject candidates vying for various elections at both the local and national levels based upon what they termed as “empty promises”.

They claimed that most often politicians make promises that are unrealistic to win their minds and votes during electioneering periods.

The citizens maintained that they have been deceived  based upon the declaration of these promises to cast their ballots in favor of those candidates, but following their ascendancies, the fruition of these commitments remain a myth.

“Every year we can hear them (politicians) saying if your vote for us, we will build your market buildings, we will give your loans and we will give your children scholarships, but as soon they get there (in power), you will not even see or hear from them”, Patience Varney, a marketer stated.

Promise is a debt
She continued: “We believe that promise is a debt and whenever you made a promise to someone, just know that you are oweing that person. But for the President, Representative or Senators-when they promise you and they win the election, you can’t even go near their houses or working places to remind them about those promises they made”.

They observed that some politicians are in the constant habit of denying that they made promises to electorates during campaign periods.

They want promises for votes to be adequately documented and archived in a bid to ensure that elected public officials do not renege on actualizing those promises made.

“As for me, I don’t really have problem with someone making promises, but if you fail to fulfill your promises, there where I can have issues. I want those making promises to us to document them and give us our copies and you  have yours also because when tomorrow comes, we will be able to judge you base upon that document”, an elderly man who only identified himself as Pa Morris stated.

The electorates are now considering track record or tangibles,  accessibility, sincerity and leading by examples as indicators to look for in candidates vying for elected positions in the future.

They appear to be relunctant or tired of trading their votes for finances, food, materials or voting based on “party mandate of vote one, vote all”.

The provisional results of the just ended representative by elections in the four counties must serve as a warning shot to the ruling CDC and CPP to reunite, recalibrate and implore additional strategies if they must be successful in future presidential and general elections come 2023 and beyond.

Senjeh District, Bomi Count – Representative S. Gayah Karmo has lost his bid to keep Representative Edwin Melvin Snowe(Montserrado County, District No. 6) off the ballots in Bomi County.

Henry Karmo (0886522495) henry.karmo@frontpageafricaonline.com

Mr. Washington V. Farmah, Magistrate for the National Elections Commission in Bomi, on Saturday dismissed the complaint filed by Representative Karmo but the incumbent Bomi lawmaker has vowed to appeal and file a bill of exception.

After reviewing the submissions made by the parties and listened to the arguments, the magistrate recorded Saturday that he observed that the law relied upon by the petitioner, Rep. Karmo, could not be applied to the respondent under the circumstances of the case.

Said the Magistrate: “The respondent cannot be barred from registering to vote outside of his district and at a location where he has established a residence. Wherefore and in view of what I have narrated above, the petitioner’s petition objecting to the registration of respondent at the Weakama Public School is hereby denied and dismissed.”

Rep. Snowe, it can be recalled sparked controversy recently when he registered at the National Elections Commission to contest for a representative seat in Bomi County’s Senjeh Distinct, which is currently being represented by Representative Karmo.

Karmo followed with a complaint of objection file with the Bomi Elections Magistrate in the county arguing that a sitting lawmaker in another county does not have the right under the Liberian Constitution to contest other county.

The incumbent lawmaker stressed that the Speaker of the House of Representatives as presiding officer had not notified the Elections Commission of any vacancy in the Electoral District #6, which Representative Snowe legally represents as an elected and endorsed lawmaker.

Rep. Karmo argued that Rep. Snowe’s bid is in violation of provisions provided under Article 37 of the 1986 Liberian Constitution, Snowe has elected for his own selfish gain, to create additional electoral district. “Sitting Representative Edwin M. Snowe hereinabove having been legally seated as a 73rd member of the Electoral District #6, Montserado County is the current Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee as well as a delegate of the House to the ECOWAS, receiving all benefits, salaries and legislative entitlements as a registered and domiciled honorable member of the District, Montserrado County,” Representative Karmo said.

Snowe emerged on the political scene in the aftermath of the 2005 presidential elections. Running as an independent candidate in the 5th district of Montserrado, Snowe was elected to the House of Representatives and subsequently he was elected as Speaker.
His tenure ended however in January 2007 after he was entangled in a bribery case and his colleague voted to impeach him. A few days later the Supreme Court ordered him to be reinstated, pending Snowe’s appeal.

Snowe argued at the time that the regular setting of the house was unconstitutional and was illegal and alleged that some votes against him were obtained through bribery and that the matter was not legitimate because it did not occur in a city, as required by the constitution.

On January 29, 2007, , the Supreme Court ruled in Snowe’s favor, describing his removal as unconstitutional. However, the legislators who attempted to vote Snowe out of his position reportedly intended to again attempt to remove him by holding another vote but Snowe resigned on Thursday, 15 February 2007 on grounds that he would not go to the township of Virginia for Legislative matters in keeping with article 40 of the Liberian Constitution which states: Neither House shall adjourn for more than five days without the consent of the other and both Houses shall always sit in the same city.

Monrovia – The controversial shooting incident in Bomi which instilled fear in Liberians across the country and in neighboring Sierra-Leone was a result of an unidentified individual who was learning practicing how to shoot, according to Minister of Justice, Cllr. Fredrick Cherue.

Report by Edwin G. Genoway, Jr – edwin.genoway@frontpageonline,com

Cllr. Cherue, at a news conference on Tuesday, said there was no helicopter and burly men as reported by Bomi residents. He noted that the firing in the forest of Fula Hill and Sass Town does not pose any threat to the country security.

“The shooting that was carried on in the bush does not pose any threat to our security as a country. From what we saw in the bush, someone may have gone there with a nine millimeter pistol to practice how to shoot,” he noted.  “As you can see, the person went there with lots of empty beer bottles that you can see spider web in.”

The Justice Minister disclosed that the Government is currently in pursuit of the culprit who is yet to be identified.

What remains unclear is how government’s investigators or intelligence derived at the conclusion that it was an individual that was practicing how to shoot when the said person is still on the run and has not been arrested.

But the Justice Minister told journalists that from what the investigators observed on the scene, it suggests that someone was practicing in the bush.

“There were five rounds released by that individual. We discovered that there was tree stump with empty beer bottles on it, and on that tree we saw one of the bullets mark which indicated to us that he missed the bottle and shot the tree,” Minister Cherue explained

Recently there were reports of strange armed men being spotted in a local village called ‘Fula Hill’ around Klay District in Bomi County, a situation that created fears in villagers who spent sleepless night pondering what was afoot.

As a result of the scaring report, officers from the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) and some members of the Liberia National Police (LNP) Emergency Response Unit (ERU) were dispatched to the scene to ascertain the facts surrounding shooting.

The Government’s latest position that there were no men in the forest contradicts the Superintendent of Bomi County Samuel Brown who, at the time, confirmed that villagers told him there were strange armed men and shooting in a farming area, “Fula Hill’ in Klay District, Bomi County.

Superintendent Brown told reporters that the firings of light weapons were heard in the Fula Hill area, something he said created panic among citizens.

A farmer now considered as a principle witness of the situation was prevented from speaking with media by state security forces.

Fact finding investigations, according to Superintendent Brown and Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization Commissioner Col. Lemeul Reeves, are ongoing as the identities of these reported strange men are yet to be known, while at the same time no arrest has been made.

Too much lies

After addressing the media on the Bomi shooting, several students of the University of Liberia in separate interviews with FrontPageAfrica described the report as ‘nonsense’.

Laurence Breway of the political science department at the University of Liberia said the Justice Minister is confused and does not know what he’s saying.

“I wonder the Minister thinks we are stupid people living in this country? How can you tell us that a man who the government of Liberia has not seen or arrested was practicing how to shoot in the bush? So how the minister and his so called investigators know that this man was practicing in that bush?”

Yassah Meyakor also of the Political Science Department expressed disappointment in the government’s report.

“Maybe that person who was practicing in the bush that we all don’t know is the son of the minister. Maybe that person told the minister before going to practice there, we are tired of the too much lies by this government,” she expressed.

Another student, Marcus Weah of the Business College at the University also disagrees with the report.

“We told you the journalists them that this government was making up stories but refused to believe us, but thank God they themselves have come out to explain the lies for themselves.

How can an individual who is claiming to be a lawyer is telling us that a strange man went to the bush at night but that strange man only went there to practice how to shoot? In the first place, the Minister just showed his own weakness as Sannoh was,” Weah explained.

Clemency for nine prisoners

Speaking on other issues at the press conference, Justice Minister Fredrick Cherue said President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, by recommendations from the Justice Minister, has released nine persons from detention from around the country including the Monrovia Central Prison.

He said those released were placed behind bars and over stayed for committing minor offenses that does not warrant years in jail.

Justice Minister Cherue said those individuals released by the Liberian leader are being rehabilitated in the society.

Minister Cherue said the inmates were being kept in prisons around the country for committing offenses like simple assault, theft of property, and disorderly conduct, among others.

Monrovia – Citizens of some parts of Grand Cape Mount and Bomi Counties have launched an appeal to Malaysian Company Sime Darby, which is operating oil palm planations in the two counties, to extend its operations in their areas.

Report by J.H. Webster Clayeh – websterclayeh@frontpageafricaonline.com

Inhabitants of Tubmanburg, Bomi County and Gahn-Zodua Clan, Garwulah District, Grand Cape Mount County have praised the company for the manner in which it is conducting its operations in other parts of the counties especially avoiding carbon pollution.

Despite some prominent citizens of Bomi County operating farmlands, Sime Darby remains the only large scale agriculture company in the two counties.

Momo Zodua an inhabitant of Failie, Garwulah District Grand Cape Mount County says they are calling on Sime Darby to expand its operations in their community in order for the company to develop their land for the future of their children.

With the operation of the company in the two Counties and a plan to extent to a third county—Gbarpolu— there has been concerns about carbon effect that could affect habitants of that region.

Go ahead

But according to Zodua, the lands that they have given Sime Darby do not have a high forest.

“The only thing that we want to tell our government and the international community is that we have high forest but the area we gave Sime Darby no high forest there. Sime Darby can go ahead it will not affect us. We gave the place to Sime Darby for free.”

Zodua said with the land given to Sime Darby, he is optimistic that the company can help with the building of schools, clinics and providing scholarships for their children.

 Abdullai Sembeh, 52, Town Chief of Gahn-Zodua Garwulah District Grand Cape Mount County says it is good that Sime Darby is operating in their county but added that the forest is far from where they have given the company.

For him, the youths in the County are losing interest in subsistence farming and with the expansion of Sime Darby; their children can get employment and be able to help themselves.

“It is good that they are here in our county, our children will benefit because we are already old and we can’t do any hard work again”, he said.  

With about 1,800 inhabitants, Zodua clan has only one Junior high school and is without a clinic. Jenneh Moore, Chairlady of Zodua Clan explained that many women are facing lots of problems with child birth because they walk long distances to access medical facility to give birth.

Ma Jenneh, as she is commonly called, is optimistic that the expansion of Sime Darby will help them to build clinic in their town to ease the many problems they (Women) are faced with.

“It is not easy on us the women, when we get in delivery pain we walk long distance to get to the clinic because no car”, she said.

Ma Jenneh added: “but the way Sime Darby na come in our place they will help build clinic to help us”.

More needs to be done

Samuel Browne, Superintendent of Bomi County says at present all is well in Bomi and Sime Darby is doing well to a larger extend.

According to him the presence of the company in their county has created more jobs for their people but added that there are still concerns that more should be done by the company.

He explained: “the palm on the plantation has overgrown or almost to bear why will they not take the seeds and give it to potential farmers that could use it under a MOU and that at the end of the day they will be able to buy the produce from farmers like the case in Firestone”.

A concession agreement between the County and Sime Darby the superintendent, he said, states that every fiscal year the company will provide ten thousand dollars to the county but to his dismay for the past six years, they have not received any money from Sime Darby.

“We have not received any money yet but we think it is about time that we call on their attention to request for that money to be part of our development basket for the county”, he said.

He added: “if Sime Darby was giving us that money, I believe that the money could reach to our people and that could serve as an impetus to allow some expansion”, Superintendent Browne concluded.

Bendu Johnson, a member of Rural Women in Tubmanburg, Bomi County says Sime Darby came in their county they could benefit but sees things going quite the contrary.

“Well, Sime Darby is a company that has come into our County to benefit the County and alleviate the poverty from the County. We want to so far say thanks to them but then the inhabitants are really not benefiting from what Sime Darby has said they are going to do for the inhabitants”, she explained.

Sime Darby signed a 63-year concession agreement with the Government of Liberia to plant oil palm and rubber on 220,000 hectares of land in Grand Cape Mount, Bomi, Gbarpolu and Bong Counties.

Sasstown, Bomi County – The alleged shooting incident in Bomi County, which was supposedly a matter of national security, has been swept under the carpet as the government is yet to issue a report, irking some residents of the county.

Report by Edwin g. Genoway – edwin.genoway@frontpageonline.com

The residents said since the incident, the government has not come up with a definite statement on the issue to clear the doubts of the people living in that part of the country.

Some residents in the county said since the incident, the government has not clarified the rumors swirling in the country.

It is widely reported in the county that it was a makeup story by the government, through the heads of security agencies, to get more money from donors.

But the government of Liberia has rubbished such reports, describing it as not true. Deputy Information Minister Isaac Jackson reacting to the reports said government has no intention to do something of such. Responding to the reports via text message after he was contacted Wednesday, Minister Jack wrote:

“We reject and deny such ill-conceived conspiracy theory. The intervention of the security forces were prompted by an alarm raised by citizens of Bomi. Why will the securities forces want to create panic in Bomi-the claim coming from them is ridiculous and has no origin in truth.”

Recently Bomi County Superintendent Samuel Folley Brown called on citizens of the county to remain calm as security forces investigate the recent shooting incident in the county.

Brown noted that certain people are using the incident to create panic in the county by spreading rumors and falsehood, noting that this is causing panic among residents of the county.

Superintendent Brown made the call when a team of journalists went in the county to do follow up on the alleged shooting and how people are living since the alleged incident.

The Superintendent said there was shooting in the county, but refuted claims of the presence of armed men on the streets of Tubmanburg and that people fled areas where the shooting took place.

According to the Superintendent, the county’s Security Council is working with the national security apparatus to establish the identity of the individual (s) connected to the incident.

He warned those spreading rumors and falsehood about the shooting incident in the county to desist immediately, allowing the state security to do its work.

Residents in the county said they are still afraid to go some parts of the county to carry out their normal farming activities since government has not released any outcome of the investigation.

Mother Siah Momolu of Sass Town, Bomi County, the area where the shooting allegedly took place has alarmed that she cannot go about her normal business on her farm because government has not given her green light.

“I still scary, we heard that it was the government playing tricks to get money so they put people in the bush to make us scare, but we ourselves don’t understand since that time the government not come back to us to tell us to go back on our farm,” she explained.

A youth leader of the county, Musa Sheriff, described the situation as an evil omen to the people of Bomi County.

“If the government truly believes that they are not playing trick let them come up with the findings of the investigation. We are still in panic because our government has not told us anything about that shooting, the only thing we heard from our county leaders was that everything is calm and since then we have heard nothing from them,” he noted

Days after the alleged shooting in Bomi, the Ministry of Information called for a press conference that attracted the attention every media institution in Liberia.

The conference, which was heavily attended by journalists and civil society groups, was rescheduled after journalists waited for over three hours for the Minister of Defense, Brownie Samukai to update the nation.

Since the rescheduling of the conference, the Ministry of Information is yet to disclose the date for a new press conference.

In the absence of the Liberian government’s silence, the Sierra-Leonean Police Director in a statement published in one of the country’s local dailies, Cocorioco online regarding the alleged shooting situation in Liberia by ‘strange gunmen’ on “Fula Hill”, authority of the Sierra Leone Police say it notes with concern information going round in the social media of a pending attack on the State of Sierra Leone making reference  of recent shooting in Bomi County by unknown gunmen.

The statement further noted that the information has been assessed and so far no evidence has been established to ascertain the veracity of threats of any attack whatsoever.

 “What has so far been found out is that a certain group with arms and blank rounds shooting a film in the interior of Liberia was spotted in the Bomi County without notifying the people of the area. This situation caused fear and panic when photographs of the scene were posted on the social media.

Some ill motivated people have used this incident in Liberia to circulate rumors of pending attacks on Sierra Leone.

The Sierra Leone Police wishes to assure the general public that there is no evidence to support this claim as security personnel in all areas of the country are on high alert and the security situation is calm and quiet. Members of the public are advised to go about their normal business as there is no cause for alarm.

Two days prior to the alleged shooting in Bomi, Police Director (LNP), Col. C. Clarence Massaquoi, complained about the limited support given to the Police by the Government.

The Police Director further noted that the US$15 million annually allotted to the Police as a national Police force by the central government is indeed inadequate to professionally handle the affairs of the Police.

Speaking on Thursday, August 4, 2016, during the opening session of a 3-day Police internal retreat at the National Police Training Academy (NPTA) in Paynesville, outside Monrovia, Col. Massaquoi said the Police need adequate support in order for them to effectively and efficiently meet up with the statuary mandate of the LNP.

Explaining more of the budgeted US$15M allotted to the Police and its usage, the Liberian Police boss said out of this amount when US$14.5M is subtracted for salary, there will be nothing much left for Police operational efficiency.

 Col. Massaquoi also stated that he is not happy about the current status of his men, adding that the LNP have a severe logistical deficit.

“You cannot just take a group of people and sent them in the streets with theories or pens in their pockets. That cannot work. They need the tools to work with. I am happy that our international partners are here today because I want them to hear the problems of the Police. You need to discuss things affecting the Police.  

This retreat is not to justify the expenses of the Police because the year is about to end. This retreat is intended to discuss and identify the gaps and the severe deficit in the Police support and the underlying realities,” said Col. Massaquoi.

Barely three days after the Director of Police frowned on the government for lack of support to the Police on Thursday August 4, 2016, on Sunday August 7, 2016 the reported shooting took place in Bomi County thus creating fear among the residents in the County.

With the statement from the Police and the delay by government to release findings on the shooting incident in the county, many are of the belief that the shooting was a makeup by government through the heads of security agencies to get money from donors as support for the security sector.

Terh Dsitrict, Bomi County – President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has officially launched the Terh District rally aimed at supporting several development projects in the District amid huge support from the Bomi Legislative Caucus cum prominent citizens – raising LD$700,000.00 cash and pledges for Terh District is a newly created District in Bomi County.

According to an Executive Mansion release, President made the statement on Saturday, May 14, 2016 at Program marking the launch of a rally for the development of the newly created Terh District when she led an array of senior government officials including Bomi County Legislative Caucus for the launch of the rally in Monoon Town, Terh District, Bomi County to accelerate development activities in the district.

 President Sirleaf lauded the people of Terh District for their efforts in developing the district and underscored the need for openness and accountability.

Also a citizen of Bomi County, President Sirleaf made a personal contribution of US$1,000.00 to kick start the rally, followed by Speaker Alex Tyler, Senator Sando Johnson, Carney Johnson, eminent citizens of Bomi, citizens of the five clans in Terh District as well as the youth, women who generously gave cash and made pledges towards district development projects earmarked.

President Sirleaf who served as the Chief Launcher said she was glad that the district could muster the courage to design program of such nature to raise funds for its own development and not sit and wait on government to do everything which according to her was remarkable.

The Liberian leader furthered that as she drove along the road, she noticed too many farms in Bomi County than ever before, which according to her is a sign of progress and should not to go unnoticed. She noted that: “Nobody will say again that Bomi citizens are lazy”.

She however called for transparency and accountability that will ensure the money is used for the intended purpose.

She thanked the Bomi Legislative Caucus for their intervention and support given to the district especially the Commissioner of Terh District, Aaron B. Biomah for introducing ways and means of bringing development to the district and Bomi at large.

She admonished the Commissioner and citizens of Terh District to use the proceeds generated from the rally for the betterment of the district and Bomi.

Speaking earlier, House Speaker Alex Tyler congratulated President Sirleaf for once again demonstrating love for the county by suspending her very busy schedule to participate and contribute to the development of Terh district.

He said this rally is the first of its kind in the district, which according to him is commendable and needs to be given attention and consideration.  

He pointed out that there are numeral projects being undertaken in the County by the Caucus not only from the CDF but also from their personal income ranging from road construction, Micro loan, etc.

In separate remarks, Terh District Commissioner Aaron Biama and Bomi County Superintendent Samuel Brown stressed the need for more quality development in the district noting that Terh district is the hope of Bomi County and commended President Sirleaf for her continued contribution and support to the county.

Monrovia – In an effort to mitigate the ‘insecurity’ at the Sime Darby Plantation in Bomi and Grand Cape Mount Counties, citizens and residents of the host communities are calling for an increase in the presence of police officers in Gbah- Jekeh town.

The concern citizens’ call comes in the wake of recent violent protests at the company’s oil palm plantation that destroyed more than 113 hectares of matured palm trees. The palm trees were completely burned down by angry demonstrators.

The destruction occurred following the disappearance of one lady, Kumba Fallah who went for treatment at the health facilities of the company two weeks ago. After she was treated and discharged she was not seen by relatives and friends.  

Some relatives raised alarm saying that she had gone missing; and accused the company of being responsible. The government deployed police officers to at the plantation to restore calm. After hours, the lady was seen in a nearby place, in one of the estates alive. She along with other people were arrested by police.

This is not the first time for   people to carry out demonstration at the plantation. In the past, they have carried out similar act in which several thousand worth of properties were damaged.

Many residents in the area said one of the ways to mitigate the problem is increase the presence of police officers in Gbah-Jekeh. Some residents also said it would be advisable to have police depot as well. Similar method was applied in the past when BF-Good ridge occupied the plantation several years ago.

According to the citizens, headed by the superintendent, chiefs, commissioners and elders, if the Liberian Government increases the number of police officers, particularly members of the ‘elite group’, the Emergency Response Unit (ERU) and the Police Support Unit (PSU), it will help raid the hideouts of criminal ‘gangs’  and drugs traffickers and users.

Earlier, a group of concern citizens of Bomi County who had gone to identify with the company following the disastrous situation said until Gbah-Jekeh is raided through a joint security operation, the criminals will continue to create havoc for the company.

They further noted that due to the productive period of the company in that part of the country through its effectiveness to its corporate social responsibilities and other extra activities being carried out, there is a need for the Liberian Government to do all it can to protect the company and its staff.

The Bomi County’s citizens who were later joined by local officials of the county said there is a need for the government to construct a police depot at the plantation that will help raid the Gbah-Jekeh community occupied by ‘criminal gangs’.

This, they said the Liberian National Police (LNP) in collaboration with the company’s security officers will regularly patrol the plantation at all times to ensure the protection of lives and properties.

Citizens of Bomi County last week joined the rest of Liberians to denounce mob justice with a pledge to always work in close partnership with the police in handling their grievances.

The commitment was made Monday, April 11, 2016, in Sime Darby Plantation, Bomi County which is noted to be a place of frequent demonstrations. Prior to the calamities at the plantation, Bomi County Superintendent Samuel Browne alarmed over the growing number of drug centers in Gbah Town, Klay District.

Superintendent Brown said due to the growing number of ‘ghettos’ in these areas, he fears that the young people could get involved and eventually become hooked on drugs.

According to Superintendent Browne, if nothing is done to disband the many drug centers in the county, it will damage the future of the young people and will scare away potential investors to the county.

When contacted a senior officer of the police on the possible deployment at the plantation, the officer said: “It is the work of   government to protect investment at all times here. Once the order is given, it will be done.”