MONROVIA – During his confirmation hearing early last week, the then Transport Minister-designate, Sirleaf Tyler, faced questioning from Montserrado County Senator Saah Joseph regarding allegations in the media against Daniel Johnson, who had recently been appointed as the Secretary General of the Roberts Flight Information Region (RFIR).

By Lennart Dodoo, ldodoo@frontpageafricaonline.com

Senator Joseph sought clarification on whether the Transport Minister was considering initiating an investigation against Johnson, who was said to have been evading the American justice system.

Johnson is one of three individuals allegedly involved in defrauding the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) of approximately $1.9 million intended to assist impoverished people and towns in Liberia.

In April 2011, two former humanitarian aid workers were each sentenced to 142 months in prison for their involvement in the crime.

Efforts to prosecute Johnson did not materialize after Judge Boima Kontoe denied a request by the United States government to extradite him to the US for trial.

Liberian prosecutors argued that the crime of Theft of Property allegedly committed by Johnson was not political and thus he should be extradited to the U.S. to face charges. They further argued the existence of a 1937 treaty between Liberia and the USA. Prosecutors contended that the Liberian government had fulfilled all requirements for Johnson’s extradition. However, Johnson’s lawyers argued that he could not be tried under a foreign jurisdiction as the alleged crime took place in Liberia.

Johnson was indicted on September 19, 2007, by a grand jury of a US District Court in Columbus for allegedly diverting US$240,000 of the IRC’s money into his personal account. According to U.S. court records, Johnson served as Project Accountant for the IRC in Monrovia from June 2004 to July 2007, during which time the alleged act occurred.

The U.S. had previously succeeded in extraditing Liberians to the U.S. for crimes committed there.

Located at Roberts Field in Margibi County, the RFIR was established on January 17, 1975, when Guinea Conakry, Liberia, and Sierra Leone established an aeronautical cooperative venture to provide air navigation services for en-route flights (above 3,000 feet AGL) in their combined airspace. Member states continued to manage the lower airspace within their territorial boundaries from ground to 3000 ft.

Article 3(4) of the RFIR law stipulates a tenure of four years for the Secretary General for administration, a position occupied by Liberia, for which Lasana B. Sannor was reappointed by former President Weah. However, Sannor has faced verbal attacks and insults following the nomination of Mr. Johnson to the position.

MONROVIA – The Senate Committee on Transport, through its Chairman Senator Saah Joseph has challenged the Minister of Transport-designate Sirleaf Tyler to conduct a thorough investigation and advice President Joseph Nyuma Boakai on the nomination of Daniel Johnson as Deputy Secretary General for Administrative Affairs at the Roberts Flight Information Region (RFIR).

By Obediah Johnson

Located at Roberts field, Margibi County, the RFIR was established on January 17, 1975 when Guinea Conakry, Liberia, and Sierra Leone set up an aeronautical cooperative venture to provide air navigation services for en-route flights (above 3,000 feet AGL) in their combined airspace. Member states continued to manage the lower airspace within their territorial boundaries from ground to 3000 ft.

Article 3(4) of the RFIR law provides for tenure of 4years for the Secretary General for administration and a position being occupied by Liberia for which Lasana B. Sannor was reappointed by former President Weah. However, Sannor has been under verbal attacks and insults following the nomination of Mr. Johnson to serve in similar position.

It can be recalled that in April 2011, two former humanitarian aid workers were each sentenced to 142 months in prison for defrauding the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) of roughly $1.9 million that was meant to assist impoverished people and towns in Liberia.

The two Liberians, Joe O. Bondo, 39, and Morris B. Fahnbulleh, 41, both of Monrovia, were each convicted by a jury in November 2010 of one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, four counts of mail fraud, two counts of wire fraud and four false claims counts. Bondo was also convicted of two counts of witness tampering. Fahnbulleh was also convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. The two men have been in custody since their arrests in 2009.

The sentencing, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, were announced by U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr., Assistant Attorney General of the Criminal Division Lanny A. Breuer, and Donald A. Gambatesa, Inspector General of the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Efforts to have a third man, Daniel Johnson, the recently nominated Secretary General of the Roberts Flight Information Region, did not materialize after Judge Boima Kontoe denied a request by the United States government to have Johnson extradited to the US to face trial. Johnson’s lawyers argument? Johnson’s case could not be tried under a foreign jurisdiction because the crime was allegedly committed in Liberia.

The issue was a subject of discussion during the appearance of the Minister of Transport-designate before the Senate Committee on Transport on Tuesday, February 13. The nominee has been linked to recommending Johnson, who is believed to be his friend, for the position.

Speaking during the hearing, Senator Joseph questioned the rationale behind the nomination of Johnson by President Boakai despite disturbing media reports.

He inquired whether or not the nominee was aware that Johnson was wanted by the US government for his alleged involvement into alleged acts of corruption.

Senator Joseph challenged the nominee to carry out a thorough research and investigation and present findings to the Liberian Chief Executive following his ascendancy for possible action.

He added that the nominee should also provide a report to the committee.

“Are you aware that the US government has requested for that person who used to work for IRC and World Vision? Will you do your investigation and then make a recommendation to the President base on the information out there?”

He pointed out that issues surrounding the airports of Liberia should also be treated as a national emergency.

He said the incoming management team of the ministry should engage with Firestone and Farmington Hotel to help address the consistent outage of electricity at the Roberts International Airport (RIA) to boost the transportation sector.

Speaking further, Senator Joseph called for the inclusion of an adequate rail and other road packages that would benefit Liberia and its citizens in the ongoing negotiation of the HPX deal.

He observed that many of the functions of the ministry are being outsourced to other foreign companies operating in Liberia.

He added that the ministry would create more jobs and raise additional revenues for government if it takes full charge of the sector.

Senator Joseph challenged the incoming Minister to ensure that trucks transporting containers and other earth moving equipment are road worthy.

He said deplorable trucks plying major routes in Liberia continue to pose a threat to the lives, businesses and properties of Liberians

“About 80 to 90% of trucks carrying containers are not road worthy. Every time I’m approaching a container, I’m shaking because; many times I see container moving can just fall. They are not road worthy.  What you can also do is to call some of those truck drivers call them to a meeting, create a program and ask the banks whether they can give them loan to get new trucks.”

Responding, Mr. Tyler bragged about the experience and qualifications of Mr. Johnson to serve in the position.

However, he failed to acknowledge or allude to reports that Johnson was a wanted man.

“I read that in the paper (that Johnson was wanted by the US government); but I don’t have the documents. As head of the sector if I am confirm along with the ministerial council-with that power I will be talking to the President to have those discussions.”

Commenting on the Roberts International Airport (RIA), Mr. Tyler said the airport is currently faced with multiple issues that need to be addressed.

“As it stands, stable electricity is a major problem. The pavements are absolutely outdated, including the terminals and other infrastructures.”

He said only one of the 650KVA generator at the airport is functional.

Mr. Tyler said the provision of stable electricity at the airport remains a top priority, while a solar system would be a long term plan.

He vowed to exercise his oversight responsibilities to ensure that challenges confronting the RIA and other airports are addressed through adequate budgetary support.

Mr. Tyler, however, disclosed that there exists a moratorium on the movement of trucks transporting containers in the country.

He said systems would be setup to prevent faulty trucks from plying the streets of Monrovia and other parts of the country.

He put the total number of registered vehicles in the country at 53,000.

Mr. Tyler observed that there are too many motorcycles and tricycles in the country, vowing to work along with the Minister of Commerce to control the importation of these goods taking into consideration the wellbeing of young Liberians.

He said the country has one international airport and nine domestic airports recognized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

He observed that since the inception of the Liberia Civil Aviation Authority (LCAA), the body has not been audited.

Mr. Tyler said government should conduct an audit of the institution as compare to other countries within the sub-region.

He observed that Liberia continues to serve as a dumpsite for substandard vehicles and as such, measures would be put in place to address the situation.

He said cars would be tested to establish its road-worthiness.

“We want to also brand all taxis. Taxis are very significant to moving us from one place to another. But when you see taxis in the streets, the colors are not even yellow. According to our regulations, all taxis should be yellow, branded and should have fire extinguisher. All trucks should have lights so it can be seen.”

Monrovia – In April 2011, two former humanitarian aid workers were each sentenced to 142 months in prison for defrauding the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) of roughly $1.9 million that was meant to assist impoverished people and towns in Liberia. Efforts to have a third man, Daniel Johnson, the recently nominated Secretary General of the Roberts Flight Information Region, did not materialize after Judge Boima Kontoe denied a request by the United States government to have Johnson extradited to the US to face trial.

By Rodney D. Sieh, rodney.sieh@frontpageafricaonline.com

The sentencings, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, were announced by U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr., Assistant Attorney General of the Criminal Division Lanny A. Breuer, and Donald A. Gambatesa, Inspector General of the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Two Co-Conspirators Convicted

The two Liberians, Joe O. Bondo, 39, and Morris B. Fahnbulleh, 41, both of Monrovia, were each convicted by a jury in November 2010 of one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, four counts of mail fraud, two counts of wire fraud and four false claims counts. Bondo was also convicted of two counts of witness tampering. Fahnbulleh was also convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. The two men have been in custody since their arrests in 2009.

At the time, Judge Reggie B. Walton, who sentenced both defendants, also ordered that they pay jointly and severally $1.2 million in restitution. Bondo and Fahnbulleh also were sentenced to three years of supervised release following their prison terms. “Through their tax dollars, the American people battle hunger and disease and poverty throughout the world,” said U.S. Attorney Machen. “Today’s sentence makes clear that we will punish opportunists who try to undermine the good work of USAID by diverting development assistance for personal profit.”

US prosecutors said “Bondo and Fahnbulleh defrauded USAID of nearly $2 million intended to provide food for the needy and build infrastructure in war-torn Liberia. Serious crimes deserve serious punishment. These defendants have learned first-hand that we are committed to pursuing aggressively those who steal from our government programs. Our office will continue to pursue anyone who defrauds USAID,” said Inspector General Gambatesa. “As in this instance, we will use the necessary resources to investigate allegations of wrongdoing worldwide in order to serve the U.S. taxpayer.”

According to court documents and information presented at trial, after Liberia’s 14-year civil war, USAID awarded a grant in 2005, through Catholic Relief Services, to World Vision, an international non-profit Christian humanitarian foundation. The grant was a two-year humanitarian project in Liberia for community reconstruction projects.

Under the agreement, Bondo and Fahnbulleh were assigned to supervise World Vision employees as they assisted Liberian communities with infrastructure projects, including road, latrine, and water well construction. In return for their labor, USAID, through World Vision, was supposed to then distribute food to the residents of these communities.

World Vision Audit Raised Red Flags

However, in 2008, an internal audit conducted by World Vision revealed that up to 91% of the food never reached its intended beneficiaries. According to the trial evidence, the defendants sold the food and pocketed the proceeds; they then instructed World Vision employees to falsify the documents used to track food distributions.

Bondo and Fahnbulleh also directed USAID-salaried employees to perform construction work on their personal compounds, instead of building clinics, schools, roads, and other vital infrastructure projects which the federal government had funded. They further concealed these activities from World Vision headquarters, Catholic Relief Services, and USAID by intimidating the World Vision employees with threats of job loss and by paying some subordinates “hush money” to cement their silence and cooperation.

As a result of the defendants’ conduct, thousands of families never got the food or reconstruction assistance they were to receive. More than 250 towns in Liberia submitted statements to the Court that detailed the consequences of the fraud. In addition, World Vision has repaid about $1.9 million to USAID through Catholic Relief Services. World Vision also expended extensive resources in investigating the fraud and working with authorities.

In August 2008, three years before Bondo and Fahnbulleh were sentenced in the US, the US government sent investigators to Monrovia to seek extradition of Johnson, who had won a DV Visa Lottery and was denied. Later on, the embassy reportedly tried to grant him a visa so that they could arrest him in the US, but Johnson reportedly sensed the bait and did not go to the embassy for the visa.

At Johnson’s extradition proceedings in Liberia, the US government’s pursuit sought to have him sent to America to join Bondo and Fahnbulleh for trial in the United States District court on charges of Wire Fraud and Theft of Property.

At the time, Liberian prosecutors and defense attorneys debated the issues surrounding the case at the Monrovia Magisterial Court over the extradition of the defendant Johnson to the United States.

Extradition Debacle

Liberian prosecutors argued that the crime of Theft of Property allegedly committed by defendant Johnson was not political, and as such, he should be flown to the U. S. to answer charges levied against him. The prosecutors further argued that a 1937 treat exits between Liberia and the USA.

Prosecutors added that the Liberian government had met all requirements to extradite defendant Johnson. However, lawyers representing the defendant contended that their client cannot be tried under a foreign jurisdiction because the crime was allegedly committed in Liberia.

Defendant Johnson was indicted on September 19, 2007, by a grand jury of a US District Court of Columbus for allegedly diverting US$240,000 of the IRC’s money into his personal account. According to the US court record, Mr. Johnson served as Project Accountant for the IRC in Monrovia from June 2004 to July 2007 at which time the act was allegedly committed.

The US had previously been successful in having Liberians extradited to the US for crimes committed in the US.

Back in November 2007, Wilma Bailey, who fled the U.S. in 2004, during a Medicaid fraud investigation, was extradited to the US. Bailey pleaded not guilty in U.S. District Court in Columbus to one count each of health-care fraud and money-laundering conspiracy. Bailey was the office manager and administrator for Hope Home Health Care, a Reynoldsburg business that federal prosecutors said submitted bills to Medicaid for nursing and home-health services that were not performed.

Both Bailey and the business owner, Melee Kermue, were indicted in September 2005. Both had gone fled to Liberia after committing the acts in the US. Bailey and Kermue were arrested in Monrovia, Liberia, two months after they were indicted, but both apparently were released after a judge there ruled that an extradition treaty between the countries had expired. The Liberian supreme court overruled the decision, and Bailey agreed to turn herself in. U.S. marshals returned her to Columbus on Nov. 17.

It is unclear why US authorities did not exercise similar appeal at the level of the Supreme Court to have Johnson also extradited to the US for trial although his lawyers had argued that his alleged crimes were committed in Liberia and not in the US, in contrast to Bailey and Kermue.

In the backdrop of the Johnson saga, many were taken aback by President Boakai’s decision last week to make such a controversial appointment, which is likely to bring international embarrassment to the Boakai-led government, particularly in regard to the government of the United States.

Multiple sources closed to the presidency confirmed to FrontPageAfrica that the Johnson appointment was pushed by Vice President Jeremiah Koung. VP Koung’s insistence came against the backdrop of multiple warnings by several inner circle officials that it would pose embarrassment to the Boakai government.

JNB Under Pressure

FrontPageAfrica has learned that the letter was reportedly pushed on the insistence of Vice President Jeremiah Koung, whose wife has a long friendship with Johnson’s wife.

It is the relationship FrontPageAfrica has learned was used by the Vice President to push the appointment through without the knowledge of the President. Two members of the President’s inner circle confirmed to FrontPageAfrica Thursday that the President was pressured by Koung to make the appointment against the advice of better-judgement officials making the case against it.

In April 2011, two former humanitarian aid workers were each sentenced to 142 months in prison for defrauding the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) of roughly $1.9 million that was meant to assist impoverished people and towns in Liberia. Efforts to have a third man, Daniel Johnson, the recently nominated Secretary General of the Roberts Flight Information Region, did not materialize after Judge Boima Kontoe denied a request by the United States government to have Johnson extradited to the US to face trial. Johnson’s lawyers argument? Johnson’s case could not be tried under a foreign jurisdiction because the crime was allegedly committed in Liberia.

This is the second time in as many weeks that Prince Johnson’s Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction, using Vice President Koung, has tried to push through a controversial nominee to a job with international implications and significance.

The President’s recent appointment of Cooper Kruah has hit a wall with his confirmation hearing apparently in limbo amid reports that the nomination has been quietly withdrawn.

The Robert Flight Information Region that was established in 1978 through a ratified agreement by Mano River Union Countries was revised in 2022 giving tenure positions to its appointed Secretary Generals. Article 3(4) provides for a tenure of 4years for the Secretary General for administration and a position being occupied by Liberia for which Lasana B. Sannor was reappointed by former President Weah.

However, Sannor’s appointment raised a red flag from the new government with some Unity Party officials arguing that under the agreement with the Mano River Union, the position is not one the President can make but one which has to be done by the council of ministers of Transport by the three Mano River countries, preceded by a letter from the Minister of Transport in Liberia.

It is an argument from Unity Party stalwarts, FrontPageAfrica has gathered, that led to Sannor losing his claim on the position because President Weah did not have the authority to appoint him.

Last week, Sannor came under attack by outsiders calling for his ouster from the position. Sannor has been in the position since 2018 when he was first appointed by President Weah.

Sannor told FrontPageAfrica after the incident that he was attacked by men believed to be supporters of the Unity Party. “They demanded I leave my office or be made to leave as it is their job and time. They made all sorts of threats to my life and that of my family. I am calling on the ruling establishment/ government to please intervene as I am not taking this for granted.”

Eyebrows Being Raised

In recent days, FrontPageAfrica has learned that a number of Unity Party supporters have been pushing for the position and aiming to have Sannor replaced, despite what Sannor believed to be a tenured position.

FrontPageAfrica was later informed that although Sannor had a letter from the President, his argument to stay on the job did not hold.

The controversy over appointments is causing serious embarrassment for the president amid leaks and sudden withdrawals of nominees on social media. It is unclear why Vice President Koung chose to push through an appointment of someone wanted for theft of property and fraud by the United States government, to such an important position, flying the flag of Liberia in the West African subregion.

President Boakai was very critical of his predecessor George Weah’s reign. “We see hard times, we see disfunction, we see culture of impunity, we see corruption in high and low places. It is these and similar conditions that we have come to RESCUE,” the President said during his inauguration.

Although the President pledge to act in the first hundred days of his administration, and then diligently pursue the Unity Party’s rescue mission, the wave of appointments without proper vetting is raising eyebrows both at home and abroad.