This video gives a little window of the kind of leader Mr. Tilman Collins, president of the Grand Gedeh Association is. Watch, more will come. Thanks.

Legal Build-up For 27 Grand Gedeans

Information received today, Friday, January 11, 2013, from Monrovia suggests that there might be a formidable legal team for the 27 Grand Gedeans detained at the Monrovia Central Prison, otherwise known as “South Beach”.

Grand Gedeans in detention at South Beach in Monrovia

According to our sources, there will be a 9-man legal team. On the list and with whom negotiation is ongoing include Cllrs. T. Dempster Brown, Tiawan Gongloe, Arthur Johnson, and Sayma Syrenius Cephus.

Others are Cllrs. Dexter Teah, Nicholas Edward, and two others only identified as Cllr. Sheriff and Cllr. Sesay. When contacted to confirm the information, the President of the Gbarzon District Youth, Arthur Tenty told me today that he met with Cllr. Johnson who confirmed that frantic negotiation is ongoing with the lawyers to form part of the defense team.

According our sources and confirmed by Mr. Tenty, the lawyers have been divided into two separate parts: Cllrs. Dempster Brown, Arthur Tenty, Tiawan Gongloe, Cllr. Sheriff and Cllr. Sesay will be taking on the extradition hearing against an equally crack government prosecution team.

For the main case that begins by next week, Cllrs. Sayma Syrenius Cephus, Cllr. Brown, Cllr. Johnson, Cllr. Dexter Teah and Cllr. Nicholas Edward will be at the Criminal Court “A” to defend the legal interest of Oforie Diah, Nezee Barway, Bobby Sarpee Julu and others.

Also confirming the information, Cllr. Arthur Johnson told me on phone today that the lawyers have consented to forming part of the defense team. “All my colleagues I talked to have agreed to form part of our team,” Cllr. Johnson said.

The lawyers have so far reserved comments. If the negotiation comes to fruition, it is expected that the 27 Grand Gedeans will get a reasonably good legal representation. However, there are indications that most if not all of them may form part of the team.

In a related development, it has been confirmed that 20 of the 27 Grand Gedeans have been formally charged. Of the 20 that were charged and/or indicted, the government of Liberia is seeking legal permission to extradite seven of them. The prosecution’s application at the lower court seeking permission to transfer the seven detainees is being challenged by the defense team. The hearing of the extradition petition is expected to take place next week.

Our sources said the remaining seven of the 27 are yet to be charged but are still in detention at the Monrovia City Court. It is not known what their charges will be, but our lawyers are certain that they may as well be charged with murder, rape, and other similar charges levied on the 20 already indicted.

Meanwhile, the Gbarzon District Youth President, Mr. Arthur Tenty has been meeting with senior and opinion leaders Grand Gedeans in his effort to galvanize broad-based support for campaign to obtain justice for the 27 Grand Gedeans. Mr. Tenty has so far met with Mr. Thomas Nimely Yaya, former head of the defunct MODEL, Dr. George Boley, former political leader of the defunct LPC, and he and other youths are expected to meet with Mr. Bai M. Gbala today, Saturday, at Mr. Gbala’s residence. Details of his discussion with the senior Grand Gedeans are being kept on low key, but he said soon the details will be made known.

Gibson W. Jerue

For and on behalf of Concerned Grand Gedeans

I'm Slowing Down on the 27 Grand Gedeans Issue

Hi everyone, as of today, I am slowing down on the plight of the 27 Grand Gedeans in jail, some without charges. I am getting the signal that the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas (GGAA) has set up a committee, and some representatives of the Association are making efforts to get to the bottom of the situation. This is good news and I welcome it. Although we may have used our energy, resources, time and put our reputation, profession and everything on the line to stand up to the government, we do not feel the dividend must be personal.

The GGAA is the singular organization that we all subscribe to. Hence, if there are issues with Grand Gedeans and the administration is making efforts, whether slow or fast, there is a need to give the administration a chance to have a smooth sailing. My sources tell me that Mr. Tilman Collins is getting engaged with the process and that is a very welcome news. In a way, he should have his way of approaching the situation to find solution the way he knows best as administrator. That too is a good thing.

Since June this year, I and others have been keeping the issue of our brothers afloat. This is not about us. It is about Grand Gedeh County and its citizens. There is no special glory we seek in this. It does not mean if we start the process, we should end it. In fact, by our own way of dealing with issues, it may complicate the work of the GGAA; hence, we must give way to the larger organization to take over for now. That does not mean we are completely disengaged. We are not far and if need be we will do what can do best.

In the process of advocating, and in our activism, we may have hurt some people along the way that we don't intend. In advocacy, you have to destroy everything that may stop you or serve as a bottleneck to achieving you objectives. If we are fanning off the attacks and characterization from outsiders, we don't expect our own people to call us names that outsiders call us. The same stick we use to beat off the detractors out there will be used to beat off anyone who use words that outsiders use against us. Personally, I love every Grand Gedean I can stick my neck for anyone of them any day. But I cannot stand to see one of them destroy me while I am trying to rescue our brothers. On this note I would like to apologize on my own behalf and any members of the Concerned Grand Gedeans who may have done or said anything to hurt anybody. It is not on purpose.

I am appealing to all Grand Gedeans to lend their support to the GGAA administration in whatever way, financially, materially, as you have always done. I must quickly say also that all Grand Gedeans working for the government should please serve as a bridge to achieving justice for our brothers. You cannot destroy us before you try to help out.

To the President of GGAA and the administration, we are available to assist in ways that we could. Like I told Doris Jarlee when I provided those phone numbers to her to make the contacts she is making, this thing concerns us, not one person. Honestly, I am overwhelmed too about these troubles, having to deal with all the loyalists of government and Madam Sirleaf. I like to cool off and concentrate on my family and redirect my family business.

My special thanks to all members to the Concerned Grand Gedeans, and those who have encouraged us to stick in there. I cannot imagine your support. My wife, though from Nimba County and has been supportive of me, is very proud of Grand Gedeans handling their own business. She wants me to thank you all.

NOTE: I AM NOT GONE FAR!

Thanks
Gibson W. Jerue,
Journalist. Author. Advocate.

Gedeh Youths Host Mass Meeting Sunday In Monrovia

I talked to the President of the Gbarzon District Youth, Mr. Arthur Tenty, who is also senior member of the Grand Gedeh youth consortium, and he told me that the youths of the county will be hosting a mass meeting on Sunday, January 6, 2013 in Monrovia.

The meeting is expected to bring together youths from the three districts of the Grand Gedeh County, all of whom are concerned about their brothers in prison. Cardinal issue to be discussed is the plight of the 27 Grand Gedeans, currently detained at the Monrovia Central Prison. Nine of the 27 have been formally charged, while 18 of them are yet to know their charges. The issue of funding the two lawyers will also be high on the agenda.

According to Mr. Tenty, the Sunday meeting will be graced by Miss Doris Jarlee, a member of the Grand Gedeh Association who is visiting Monrovia, and who is said to be gathering facts about the detention of the Grand Gedeans.

Mr. Tenty said radio announcements are running currently to encourage large attendance of the Gedeh youths. "Mr. Willie Dweh gave us some money to pay for announcements," Mr. Tenty told me. He spoke highly of Doris and Mr. Dweh's engagement with the process.

If everything goes as planned, I have asked to speak with the youths via phone to give them my perspective. I have participated in similar meetings in the past and spoken to the youths.

Meanwhile, I am asking the President of the GGAA, Mr. Tilman Collins, to call in and speak with the youths. I offer to contribute an unlimited phone call to connect the GGAA president to the meeting for one hour, and more if he desires. This is my way of contributing to the process, and is in no way suggesting that the GGAA president cannot foot his personal phone call. To avoid personality contest, I would prefer not to speak with the youths if the President will be addressing them, that is I am positive he will.

Update On 27 Detained Grand Gedeans

Oforie Diah-Grand Gedean

There are some good news coming out of Monrovia concerning the detained 27 Grand Gedeans. Cllr. Dempster Brown, the lawyer the Concerned Grand Gedeans contacted to represent the detainees, has filed a Motion for Advancement at the Criminal Court "A".

A motion for advancement is filed to advance or bring up the case on the court's docket. A docket usually has many cases lined up for trial. Most judges would go by first come first serve. But if the a case is graver than another, the judge may agree to advance that case before another.

For example, a murder case could be advanced before an aggravated assault. It does not mean the other case is not important. So, the reason for the motion is for the case of the 27 to be heard in the February Term of the Criminal Assize Court A.D 2013.

If the motion is approved by the judge, the case may commence by next week or the next. And that means the case will be on trial for at most 45 days, the time required for a criminal trial. In rare cases, the trial goes beyond that 45 days.

If the case begins in one or two weeks, lawyers of the party litigants will select the 15 impaneled petite jurors (usually 12 will decide and 3 are alternate in case one of 12 juror falls sick or drops off). Cllr. Brown and I talked sometimes ago and he said the case would be a jury trial. He will have to request for jury trial the first day of court sitting, when legal issues are being disposed.

That means, the decision to convict the 27 Grand Gedeans will be in the hands of 12 jurors--12 Liberians, who must all agree that the defendants are guilty. If one person disagrees, the case will go retrial. A retrial is not as bad but it means prolonged detention for the guys.

On the other hand, all the jurors must also agree to acquit them. If one person disagrees the case goes into retrial as well. And that is what the government would be fighting for. That is if the government realizes that it has no case against the defendants, it will seek to make at least one juror disagree so that the case will go to retrial and then those guys will have to remain in jail. Let's hope justice is done either the men and guilty and the law punish them or they are innocent and the law grant them their freedom.

Clarification: So far, only nine people have lawyers. We contacted Cllr. Brown for the first seven then added Oforie and Bobby. Luckily for us, Oforie Family hired the services of Cllr. Arthur Johnson. However, Arthur has been there for everyone. We thank the lawyers for their time and commitment.

Things to know: The government of Liberia pays each juror $15 Liberian Dollar per day. within 45 days each juror earns $1,125 Liberian Dollar. If you convert that to US Dollar, that means each juror will earn US$15.63 (Exchange rate: 72LD to 1USD). With this amount for someone sitting on a case for 45 days, you don't go home, nobody is allowed to talk to you, the temptation to take bribe from prosecution is very high. But there are record to show that responsible jurors have decided fairly before and we think responsible jurors can still do now.

Part I: Presaging Liberia After Sirleaf Regime

-An Introspective Post-Ellen Analysis

By Gibson W. Jerue

Late Liberian President Samuel Doe

It was 133 years, eight months and 12 days when 17 enlisted men of the Armed Forces of Liberia seized political power by force on April 12, 1980. The regime change was not from bad to good, rather it was from bad to worse, from the educated to the novices, and the consequences were enormous and grave. Seventeen half-baked semi educated hardcore infantry soldiers assumed political power that crack politicians often fumble with. Their mentors were the likes of Dr. Togba Nah Tipoteh, Gabriel Baccus Matthew (the late), D. Karn Karlor, Dr. Geroge S Boley, and an array of the progressives of the 1960s. These mentors were later fled into exile, either in self-impose exile or government triggered exile.

By the time the People Redemption of Council of the enlisted AFL men spent four years, their numbers had reduced drastically—most were executed for alleged plot to overthrow the regime, others died from mysterious and/or violent circumstances. The tension and political feud that developed consumed every one of the coup makers that they became enemies of themselves. Decrees one to five of the PRC declared, “Anyone who attempts to overthrow this government must be executed…” Whether or not the conspicuous absence of “will be prosecuted” was probably the bottom-line for the disregard to rule of law, pundits are still wondering how fast the heroes on the morning of April 12, 1980 became so engrossed with the “water dry fish eats fish” mentality.

Every PRC member became a monster, and law and gospel, in himself; Samuel Kanyon Doe was too, and with every ounce of his life and powers to protect himself and his government, he dared anyone raised a finger. Before ten years elapsed, Doe had made for himself enemies from within and without. He struggled with compassion and iron fist rule. While he was ordering his defense minister and chief of staff to quell university students' riot with a strongly worded command—“move or be remove—he was pardoning Kaloungo Luo and seven others accused of coup plot and Nimba Raid in 1983. He tried to turn around his political outlook when he sat under the tutelage university professors, who were themselves hypocrites playing in Doe’s pockets. Truly they were working for the money, and it did not matter if Doe learned anything from their tutorial. Doe did learned but it was late to turn around the perception of the populace; hence, the war and his assassination on September 9, 1990.

All this time there was one female voice. It was that of Mrs. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, nicknamed “Iron Lady” for her defiant and strong stance against human rights abuse, flagrant disregard to the rule of law, disrespect for human dignity, violation of democratic tenets, among other vices. Her voice sank deep into the hearts of Liberians, and the more she spoke the people loved her. She was the singular beckon of hope for true democracy, rule of law, respect for human rights and dignity, good governance and social justice, no more, no less. Watch out for part II.

Ellen’s Succession Hypothesis Puts Kofi Woods on Threads

An Analysis by Sherman C. Seequeh

The Author

“I traveled on that road [A.B. Tolbert road] today. Is Public Works Minister here?” President Sirleaf growled as she entered the fabulously furnished Paynesville City Hall where throngs of women and supporters stood in ovation to usher her to a Welcome and Thanksgiving service tendered in her honor upon her return from Tokyo, Japan on Wednesday October 17.

“I will not travel on that road again, in that state!” the President continued, increasing wild trepidation and alarm amongst the audience. Then she said: “The Big Push for Development requires that each of us has to carry out our responsibility to the fullest, whether you are Superintendent, whether you’re an Assistant Minister, whether you are a Director, whether you are a Minister, whether you are a legislator. All of us have a part to play. And at the end of the day, this development that we’re pushing for is something which affects each and every one of us, irrespective of party affiliation, irrespective of where you come from. If we build a road, or expand the power, or we increase water supply, it benefits you in your community, I don’t care who you are.”

There are too many roads in the country—and more so in the nose of Government right here in Monrovia. Many of the roads remain in acute disrepair; some impassable. The President has travelled on them repeatedly without venting such a fury expressed. Some occasions, as we saw during the recent electoral campaign, President Sirleaf entered impenetrable forest lands, rode in canoes over wild rivers, drove on swampy and rocky routes, and walked on monkey bridges. The President has even travelled on AB Tolbert Road “in that state” a couple of times. In other parts of Monrovia, the President droved on roads similar to, or worse than, conditions of AB Tolbert’s.  So, what is new about travelling on potholes-laden roads in Liberia, let alone the now talk-about A.B. Tolbert Road this time? 

The President knew that she had just left Kofi Woods abroad where both had gone on state matters. She knew Kofi Woods was not in the Paynesville City Hall. Yet, having ridden on the road “in that state,” she asked, as if to muck, “Where is the Public Works Minister,” before she corrected herself with, “I left him there [abroad].”

President Sirleaf did not forget that Woods wasn’t in the hall. She did not forget Woods was still out of Liberia on a mission she certainly must have known well. An academic and a longtime political activist, Madam Sirleaf doesn’t easily forget the whereabouts of trusted allies. She once branded Woods “my loyal servant.” But on this day, she spoke, or acted, as if she forgot Woods was out. She did not forget.

There is something amiss—and intriguing—something far more than A.B. Tolbert Road that the President was rather hallucinating about.

Think about this: a leader on the Traditional Chiefs of Liberia also made a remark that raised eyebrows. The traditional leader said Kofi Woods always likes to act presidential. Whenever Government or private contractor completed a piece of road or bridge, etc., Woods would invite several chiefs and elders, and a huge attendance to a colorful dedication program. Woods would disembark from his vehicle in the full glare of the waiting audience, walk gorgeously towards the crowd and make big statements that exalt himself rather than Government as if the project being dedicated was a product of his personal sponsorship. What gave rise to that statement? 

Whether Woods himself realizes it or not, there has been wide speculation that he has got his eyes on Liberia’s highest public office. And whether that speculation is true or false, any other Liberian who has parallel ambition would regard Woods a silent opponent. But Sirleaf is not a candidate, someone may hastily object, believing, as we say or commonly put it in Liberia, that Ellen has “got no fish to fry” in Woods’ ambition.” I disagree. 

Former Auditor General John Morlu recently in a speech said President Sirleaf will not have much influence in who becomes the next President. He said Liberia is not North Korea, where a dictatorial regime has a succession plan and that our current President will become a lame duck. I also respectfully disagree with the venerable former AG. Yes, President Sirleaf may not be considered a dictator, and Liberia’s constitution may not acknowledge succession plan for an outgoing president. But Sirleaf does have a serious succession plan for many reasons for which she will not and cannot remain aloof, or exhibit “lame duck” attitude, in 2016. Though her success plan will not be realized, she got it--firmly--and will go all out for the kill for it. The reason is this.

There is an amalgam of complexities born during the leadership of President Sirleaf which portends rough landing for her after 2016. And like every leader or ruler, Sirleaf wants a soft landing upon retirement from the presidency. For instance, how will the next leader treat the potential former President regarding the TRC report? The TRC report holds her culpable not only based on her confession, which she later regretted, that the NPFL rebel group should “level Monrovia”, meaning bomb buildings and maim anyone to overthrow the late President Samuel Doe, but also her confessed contribution of US$10,000 to the largest warring faction widely believed to have visited mayhem and horror upon the people. It is estimated that 250,000 died during the civil conflict, many hacked to death, dismembered, disemboweled and beheaded.

Secondly, there hangs a plethora of audit reports; reports that provide seemingly empirical evidence of corruption--others call it massive loot of public resources--perpetrated by the political administration presided over by the President. So many scandals resulting to loss of millions of United States Dollars took place, and these are investigated, documented and reported by the General Auditing Commission and the media. Several international watchdog groups, including Crisis Group, Panel of Experts, Global Witness, amongst others, also alarmed about the scale of corruption. On many occasions, President Sirleaf herself acknowledged the rampancy or the uncontrollability of corruption. She has got no record of taking stance to protect the Liberian treasure from fiscal piracy and pillage, thus giving credence to critics who believe that this President who at the onset of her leadership declared war on corruption must be in complicity if she is not the prime culprit.

Thirdly, she is a longtime political activist and given what the nature of crude African politics, some of the things the President has said and done openly and in secret could resurrect, and they could have post-presidential accountability implementations.

Certainly, all three scenarios conjectured supra provide serious grounds upon which a critical or revolutionary-minded successor of the President could call her to accountability. There are ample examples around the world that both autocratic and democratically elected heads of states were subjected, some currently being canned, to post-presidential trials related to corruption, misuse of office amongst other things.

The Harvard trained and longtime international civil servant, President Sirleaf, knows this very well and clearly. This is why she has all reason to construct a do-or-die succession plan and ensure that every asset, experience and expertise acquired not only during her 12-year presidential tenure but also since the last 71 years of her existence will be amassed to give cushion to her post-presidential life.

For Kofi Woods, who is situated in the social service infrastructure sector of Government, who supervises works projects dear to the hearts and minds of the rural majority of Liberians, whose name is becoming synonymous to the most tangle and visible achievements of Government--roads, bridges, town halls, schools, clinics, etc.—his gait, smile, frown, handshake and speech are bound to provoke some inkling of presidential disposition, particularly to groups and individuals like the president who have overt or covert claims as well as direct and indirect desire to the Liberian presidency. He is therefore a justified, silent target. 

And Kofi Woods and other analysts following unfolding Woods-Sirleaf relations will make a sad mistake understanding the President’s hitherto amiable, cajoling description of Woods, coupled with her seemingly placid overtures towards him. To get a soft landing after a presidential tenure ruffled by impunity, corruption and nepotism, and allegations of warmongering, President Sirleaf will take no chances. She will turn, if she hasn’t already, into a venomous viper ready to strike and inject the most catastrophic toxins of incumbency and the sniper shot of the trained “freedom fighter” she has long been into any soul showing an iota of sabotage. 

While Woods, for reasons already stated, is a perfect fit for the President’s scheme of things towards 2016, all other current appointed public officials who are wittingly or inadvertently discharging presidentially ambitious signs remain in firing range. And the fires will come in various degrees and magnitudes so that the target, when hit, is reduced to rubble once and for all, rubbed of every character, name and prestige, and rendered totally unable to put up his/her hand to say, “I am a challenger in 2017.” 

Surely Woods, and others like him serving in Government and widely or faintly perceived as ambitious, hang on threads—a thin line of vulnerability—to the cataclysmic venoms of their boss’ succession plans. How they unravel themselves from the looming sword of vengeance fit for a separate piece coming out soon.