Simeon Freeman Wants Actions Against U.S. Citizens Working in Liberian Government

The political leader of the Movement for Progressive Change (MPC) Mr. Simeon Freeman said President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s statement to punish lawless people must not only be limited to the Nimba raid, but to all those accused of participating in destructions in the country.

Freeman said Justice must be done to all and not a select few adding that Liberia is a country of laws and not men. “Presidents of Liberia do solemnly swear to conscientiously uphold and protect the laws and constitution of the Republic and urge God’s help in the fulfillment of so huge a responsibility,” said Freeman.

“We do support and endorse the statement made by Ellen when she says “All accused of participating in these destructions will have their full day in court as quickly as possible. All those found guilty will face the fullest penalties imposed by law”. Freeman said President Sirleaf has violated Liberia’s constitution with what he calls full impunity. Freeman said non-Liberian citizens are appointed to positions in government in clear violation of the country’s laws.

“Robert Sirleaf, an American citizen, officially advised her on Presidential matters before applying for a Liberian status; though it is unclear whether this has been granted,” said Freeman.

“An official extradition process was begun for Ellen Cockrum and Melvin Johnson. The courts of Liberia take judicial notice of this action.” Freeman said when a person is not a citizen of a country and serves in leading positions; the impact on the national morale and its associated impact is priceless.

Freeman said when institutions spend collected revenue outside of nationally prescribed laws and they are not persecuted speedily, their actions in all respects is more costly to the state than the Nimba raid and therefore called for President Sirleaf and other officials of government to face investigation.

“That officers at NOCAL or LISCR or the Maritime Bureau or Ellen herself must submit to the police, be placed behind bars for the speedy trials they deserve,” said Freeman at a news conference held at the MPC headquarters in Congo Town on Monday

“Such blatant constitutional violations are part of what she calls – these destructions. Such destructions undermined economic growth and the perpetrator must submit to the police; be placed behind bars while awaiting speedy trial as the action both violates the oath of office and the constitution of Liberia.”

The MPC political leader told journalists that the Public Financial Management Law of Liberia is clear on the management of public funds and its subsequent expenditure but public institutions continue to violate the rules.

“Institutions like LISCR and NOCAL; collecting millions of dollars annually and expending most of that money for Ellen’s public Relations and associated expenditure in clear violation of the PFM law of Liberia,” he said.

Continued Freeman: “Under Ellen, concession agreements are in clear violation of Liberian laws. When a well-intentioned investor is awarded illegal privileges to enable unspeakable but special favors for the negotiators, at the expense of the people, especially those in project affected areas; it undermines the equitability of wealth distribution and is globally a source of national conflict as documented by the United Nations Panel of Experts on Liberia and the Centre for International Conflict Resolution of the Columbia University. The CICR visited Liberia since 2012 and published a report entitled – Smell No Taste. Ellen was quoted in that report as saying.”