TOP

STORIES

Obituary

Law & Order

pg 7

pg 6

COURT
SUMMONS
POLICE BOSS

JONATHAN
HICKS, R.I.P.

CENTRAL BANK OF LIBERIA

MARKET BUYING AND SELLING RATES
LIBERIAN DOLLARS PER US DOLLAR

For Holding Two Suspects

In Prolonged Detention

Contributor to UL Journalism
Program, is Dead

FrontPage

BUYING
L$84.00/US$1

L$85.00/US$1

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2014

L$84.00/US$1

L$85.00/US$1

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2014

L$84.00/US$1

L$85.00/US$1

MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2014

These are indicative rates based on results of daily surveys of

the foreign exchange market in Monrovia and its environs. The
rates are collected from the Forex Bureaux and the commercials
banks. The rates are not set by the Central Bank of Liberia.

www.frontpageafricaonline.com

Source:
Research, Policy and Planning Department,
Central Bank Liberia,
Monrovia, Liberia

PRICE L$40

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2014

VOL 8 NO.713

SELLING

NEC FINANCE & BUDGET CHIEF QUITS

ELECTION CHIEF
ACCUSED OF GROSS
FINANCIAL INDISCIPLINE

INSIDE

As I submit to you my resignation, the cost of ballots remained double in excess of US$275,000, the cost of
elections material is stated in excess of $300,000, the cost of vehicles is over stated in excess of $200,000. These
actions by you are possible because of the grant of PPCC waiver which allows you to negotiate prices in excess
of stated amount. Also, support from our partners is never clearly reported to the Ministry of Finance thus
allowing you to charge GOL account for the same activities. - Joseph Duwana, Director, Finance and Budget

EXPOSED
After an accidental needle stab, a
doctor's Ebola watch begins
Ebola
p8

PAPER TIGER
ENTITY
LACC MPW Keita Responds
Corruption Watch p6

Politics - pg.5

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Page 2 | Frontpage

C
Monrovia-

Wade C.L. Williams, wade.williams@frontpageafricaonline.com

omfort Reeves could not find a hospital or

clinic open in her community two weeks ago
when she needed one. She had to be attended
to by a midwife in the community because
the Pipeline Community Health Center at which she has
received prenatal treatment was not opened the night she
was in labor.
Reeves is among many mothers in Liberia who continue
to find difficulty getting adequate healthcare delivery or
getting their children immunized due to the deadly Ebola
outbreak.
I normally take treatment here but when I was in pain,
it was late and the hospital was closed. I didnt have the
money to go far away to another hospital, so I gave birth
in the community, she says.
The clinic, which caters to mainly mothers and children
have to close down for the night due to the deadly Ebola
virus that continues to cause death in Liberia.
We are here up to 7pm in the evening because of the risk
involved. Even if we receive pregnant women in the day
and you are to deliver around 10 to 12am, we refer you
to another facility. If you come early and are to give birth
early, we accept you, says Nurse Mabel Sesay.
We are here from morning to 7pm; sometimes we refer
them to JFK, or we ask them where they want to go, if
they have any other place in mind, we refer them there.
But with the virus slowing down its transmission,
some community clinics like the Pipeline Community
Health Center are beginning to open their doors to the
communities, providing routine vaccination. The Clinic
opens during the day to mothers and their babies for now,
helping them get the immunization they need to fight other
illnesses like measles, pneumonia, polio and also treating

them for malaria.

Josephine Paye 26, is among some of the many lucky
mothers who turned up at the Pipeline Health Center
where routine vaccination is currently going on. She said
after giving birth to her son four months ago in Gbatala
Bong County, he only received one shot of the polio
vaccine at birth and nothing else since then.
She says with the deadly Ebola virus spreading, she could
not bring herself to risking bringing her son for vaccine
fearing that doing so could lead them to contracting Ebola.
There were no hospitals opened, so, there was no way for
us to get vaccines and because of the virus some of us are
still afraid to go to hospitals. Thats why my child has not
been vaccinated, she says.
Nurse Sesay, says the clinic has been serving the Pipeline
community despite the outbreak of the deadly Ebola Virus
but there was a time when they and patients could not trust
each other. She says many times they (health workers) are
scared that they could contract the deadly Ebola virus
while rendering such routine healthcare delivery. She says
Ebola created a wedge between patients and healthcare
workers, eroding the most essential element-trust.
July, August, patients were afraid of us and we were
afraid of them. Especially when they heard that nurses
were dying, they felt that we were the carriers of Ebola.
But now, some have understood the reality, she says.
When the Ebola crisis came about, you know, nurses, we
were all afraid, we left facilities, even the patients were
afraid to come to hospital to receive treatment. It was
when they began to supply the PPEs, then, we started to
come back to work.
She says without the PPEs and gloves many clinics and
health centers will not open their doors to patients. During
immunization the health worker who administers the

vaccines to babies and pregnant women have to use one

pair of gloves to a patient with constant washing of hands.
During the Ebola outbreak, when we did not have PPE,
what we used to do was, we would ask the mother what
was happening to the child. She would explain and we
would then prescribe drugs based on the explanation
without touching the child or the pregnant woman, says
Sesay.
We will tell them you see the situation on the ground?
We ourselves dont want to die; so tell me what is wrong
with your child and Ill prescribe drugs for you. They
felt bad, but there was nothing we could do, we could not
work without PPEs.
The United Nations Childrens Fund UNICEF is helping
provide protection for vaccinators and vaccines for the
babies and newborns.
Laurent Duvillier, Regional Communications officer
for UNICEF says the organization has seen the need to
support the government in restoring basic healthcare to
mothers and children, which has been lacking because of
the deadly Ebola outbreak. He says UNICEF is committed
to bringing in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE),
gloves and other materials to ensure patients and health
workers safety while they deliver that care.
If we want to stop Ebola and the cycle of transmission,
it will happen here. By protecting health workers, by
protecting vaccinators and making sure that the people
trust the health system and they feel secure enough to
come by because they feel we are serious about protection
and safety, he said.
Liberia has lost over two thousand five hundred persons to
the deadly Ebola virus. The cases in Liberia currently are
low and there has been no new infection to date. Liberians
remain hopeful that the virus will finally be eradicated.

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Page 3

FrontPage COMMENTARY
EDITORIAL A CLASH BETWEEN CASH AND
Frontpage

Commentary

LESSONS FROM
BURKINA FASO: PEOPLES
UPRISING SHOWS
AFRICANS ARE FED UP
STREET PROTESTS BY TENS of thousands of Burkina Faso
citizens and subsequent burning of the parliament building
led President Blaise Campaore to dissolve the country's
government resign and now the military is back in power.
LAST WEEKS TURN OF EVENTS in Burkina Faso shows
that young Africans can no longer stand a dictatorship that
seeks to hold on to the realms of power even though there
are visible signs that the people are fed up. The attitudes of
African leaders of the fifties, sixties and seventies cannot
thrive in this new dispensation that has been created by more
nations that have become democratized in the 21stcentury.
More and more African countries at the turn of the 20th
century have seen their countries moved away from military
dictatorship and democratic governance restored.
BURKINA FASO BECAME INDEPENDENT as Upper Volta
in 1960, and was renamed Burkina Faso in 1984. Sangoule
Lamizana overthrew its first President Maurice Yameogo in
a coup in 1966. Lamizana was himself overthrown by Saye
Zerbo in 1980. Two more coups in 1982 and 1987 resulted in
Mr. Comparore seizing power. He won four disputed elections
since that time and was trying to amend the constitution to
allow him to run for yet another term in office. This move
was widely unpopular and caused both political opposition
and street violence.
THE LIKES OF BLAISE CAMPOARE continued to cling
onto power while at the same time suppressing their own
people.
Campoare was not alone in his quest to hang on to dictatorship
many more countries including Chad, Sudan, and Equatorial
Guinea continue to harbor tyrants. Equatorial Guineas
Teodoro Obiang Nguema, who came to power 35 years ago in
a coup on August 3, 1979, Jose Eduardo dos Santos of Angola
who has been in power since September 20, 1979.
ROBERT MUGABE, OF ZIMBABWE is the only remaining
African leader to have been continuously in power since his
country's independence, Mugabe became prime minister in
April 1980 and president in 1987 to follow is Yoweri Museveni,
of Uganda who came to power in January 1986 after winning
his countrys war, which ousted the brutal regime of Idi Amin
Dada, with help from neighboring Tanzania. Omar al-Beshir
of Sudan has ruled since he seized power in a coup in June
1989 and Idriss Deby Itno, of Chad emerged as the leader of
the arid north central African state in December 1990, after
the war, which
ousted the regime of Hissein Habre.
LIKE THESE LEADERS, CAMPOARE toyed with the
thought of changing his countrys constitution to allow him
run for another term to saty in power. But the people mainly
the youths said it was over. Campoares effort to seek a
negotiated settlement of the crisis last week failed, and he
resigned and left the country. Burkina Faso now under the
control of the military with army chief General Honore Traore
leading the country, the African Union, the United States and
the United Nations all say the army must
hand power to a civilian authority or face consequences.
THE UNITED STATES CONDEMNS the Burkinabe
militarys attempt to impose its will on the people of Burkina
Faso, stated US Secretary of State John Kerry in a statement.
We call on the military to immediately transfer power to
civilian authorities. We urge civilian leadership to be guided
by the spirit of the constitution of Burkina Faso and to move
immediately towards free and fair Presidential elections. We
regret the loss of life this week in Burkina Faso and call on
all parties to avoid further violence. Both the United States
and France have established military bases in Burkina Faso to

CHARACTER AMONG LIBERIAN YOUTH

Martin K. N. Kollie, martinkerkula1989@yahoo.com, Contributing Writer

he young generation of Liberia is experiencing a serious

integrity crisis as dishonesty increases at a high-speed
in a small country still struggling to rise above poverty,
ignorance and disease. The clash between moral and
money in Liberia is gaining prominence very fast as most young
citizens continue to chase big pockets and purses in search of
survival and better living condition. The moral bank of this 21st
century generation is encountering rapid recession and if urgent
measures are not taken to prevent its overall downfall, Liberia
might slip into a pit of social, economic, and political extinction.
The struggle to hurriedly amass wealth and gain instant influence
among Liberian youth is a common practice nowadays as most
of them continue to sell their self-respect for just anything. This
insistent attitude of compromising character for cash is so evident
to an extent that it has given Liberia an unpleasant image among
comity of nations. The campaign to bury uprightness and satisfy
short-term goals has taken a center stage. This egoistic syndrome
is infecting every stratum of our society and judging from existing
reality, our nation is gradually turning into a belly-driven society
where credibility no longer matters.
As greed takes precedence in Liberia, the need to anxiously
harvest affluence is becoming a normal routine especially among
youngsters. It is evident today that indignity is succeeding dignity
in a country widely known for its ill-transparent history. The
semblance of corruption is everywhere and almost every young
man or woman is unwilling to cultivate a path of sincerity and
honesty. It is not just enough to preach the gospel of generational
change through sweet words, but it is important to go beyond its
real meaning by showcasing good deeds. The sustainability of
any vibrant nation is tied around an innovative young generation
whose ultimate vision is built upon great principles.
A huge number of young comrades in Liberia have become
professional beggars and gamblers due to their inability to invest
more time to hard work. They get themselves involved with
unethical ventures which undermine human dignity. It is difficult
for good ideas to spring out from within them because they are
always seeking gravy. They are not willing to make sacrifice and
endure economic hardship for even one minute. As a result of this,
they usually roam around like dying parasites busy hustling to
survive. They have taken this indecent habit as a specialty and
what is even more disgusting is that they go about slandering
others just to accomplish their naked ambitions. They sometimes
appear blameless, but they walk in the shadow of vagabonds and
vagrants.
In an unfortunate quest to satisfy their economic thirst, they
refer to dishonorable people as honorable. They call thieves as
heroes and heroines. They describe exploitative characters as
humanitarians and philanthropists. They label warmongers as
freedom fighters. They pay homage to rascals. They maneuver
everyday to seek unmerited rewards from pillagers and political
miscreants. They march in long line behind their slave-drivers
day after day, blowing trumpets of deceit and falsehood. Against
their own will and consciences, they bend their heads in shame
to spread visible lies about individuals they know nothing about.
They careless about protecting their reputation as they market their
integrity cheaply. They line up their empty pockets to fill them
with illicit cash from their paymasters. Surely, they are puppets
and charlatans masquerading as champions. These infamous
imposters and ingrates are polluting every echelon of our State.
Does Liberia really have a future with this greedy young generation
soon to take over? Can anyone depend on this young population
for good leadership when it is already experiencing integrity
deficit? Will there be a new Liberia of change for generations yet
unborn? How do young Liberians intend to make their country
a better place when they lack an attribute of trust? How can any
young person think about achieving vision 2030 when he/she is
making less effort to ensure corruption is fought and corruptors

are imprisoned? These are questions that seem very easy to answer
considering current happenings.
A new era is possible in Liberia if young people are willing to
make wise choices. A dawn of a new day can only come if virtues
outshine vices. It is mindless for any young person to trade his/
her prestige for unworthy benefits. The struggle is not about cash,
but character. It is not about money, but moral. It is not about
rewards, but reputation. It is not about self, but others. Until young
comrades can understand these hard truths and earnestly put them
into practice, our country will make no progress. It is time for
Liberian youth to abandon self-seeking objectives and engender a
real sense of patriotism.
In Liberia today, an alliance of blind loyalists is budding rapidly.
The society has abundant of pay agents who continue to indict
individuals with good reputation in a web of mere fabrication.
There is an ongoing spree of character assassination in almost
every sector as bootlickers and certified crooks intensify their
money-eating campaign. Dishonesty is a common way of life for
most Liberian youth as they use their tone so loudly in defense of
people with bad records. The primary concern of these gullible
foot-soldiers is to bark at anyone who tries to expose their bosses.
Every morning they wake up, they monitor and call on almost
all the talk shows busy trying to portray a good image of their
employers and tear apart those who have refused to give in to
their sinister agenda. They wander from one government office
to another hustling every day in an attempt to maintain their false
economic status. Due to their cowardice mentality, they appear
like modern clowns in some quarters.
What is even more disappointing is that the number of movements
in defense of immoral characters in Liberia is too many. If it is
not movement for the re-election of candidate X, it is movement
against candidate Y. If it is not Citizens in defense of Hon. X, it
is Masses for the election of Hon. Y. Even though, I recognize
the fact that there are some genuine movements and organizations
whose ideological concepts are based on firm convictions, but
many of these self-styled movements and interest groups are
money-driven and principle-drained. In this day and age, it is good
for people to express their dissatisfaction through protests. This is
what a true democratic system requires. It is sad to note that some
young comrades in Liberia are using protests as a means of fundraising. They allow themselves to be used by big pockets to protest
without understanding why they are protesting. This fake mode of
operation among Liberian youth got to stop now!
The mindset of most of our peers needs to change if our society
must make real progress and play a leading role in transforming
Africa. It is time for this emerging generation of young Liberian
compatriots to refine their worldview if they must make impact
locally and globally. They must reinvent a new moment to protect
their integrity against abnormal tendencies. They must reconnect
themselves to a model of truth-telling. They must redesign their
thought pattern in conformity with moral tenets. By doing so, this
young generation will once more embrace an image of respect and
reliability. Certainly, they will rewrite a history of great legacy
worthy of public honor.
The time to selflessly advocate for youth empowerment,
employment, and education is now. Therefore, this government
will not take youth-related issues seriously until young people can
stand up with courage and credibility to demand what rightfully
belongs to them. This can only happen if young Liberians unite to
fight against unpatriotic practices. The future is ours; as such, we
must redeem it from a cartel of high-class tricksters who continues
to misrepresent the true character of this generation.
The campaign for change is not about cash, but character. It is not
about reward, but reputation. It is not about money, but moral.
It is not about possessions, but persistence. The struggle for
equality and justice is not about capital, but consistency. Above all
interests, Liberia is Supreme!

combat Islamic terrorism linked to al-Qaeda in the greater Sahel

region of Africa.
SUCH ACTION BY THE PEOPLE of Bukina Faso shows what
a people determined to fight dictatorship can do. This action
by the Burkinabes could lead to a series of events that could
stamp out dictatorship like we saw in what is now know as
the Arad Spring. Leaders like Mugabe must be shaken in their
comfort zones with these developments. Africa is beginning to
feel a sense of true revolution with the people taking over and
changing the course of their lives by saying no to dictatorship.
THE PEOPLE OF BURKINA FASO are brave and courageous,

they stood up for a cause and said no to further suppression

and oppression. The military must now heed to call for transfer
to civilian rule because no amount of military rule can restore
good governance and the rule of law to any country.
LEADERS IN AFRICA INCLUDING Liberia must see the
peoples action in Burkina Faso and take cue from the turn of
events in that West African Country. Power continues to be
inherent in the people and they (THE PEOPLE), can decide to
change the course of events when a leader chooses to become a
tyrants and violate the constitution and peoples rights.

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Page 4 | Frontpage

FrontPage

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING

ABOUT OUR STORIES ON THE
WORLDWIDE WEB

COMMENTS FROM
FPA ONLINE
TYLER, NUQUAY SPLIT OVER WEAH, ROB
SIRLEAF SENATORIAL BID; WAR LOOMS

The Reader's Page

Send your letters and comments to:

editor@frontpageafricaonline.com
YOU WRITE; WE PUBLISH; THEY READ!

OPEN LETTER TO
THE MINISTER OF
EDUCATION, R.L.

DIVIDED I
HOUSE

Dear Madam Minister:

BILL MUSTSHINE DOROBUCCI BARTUE

TOP
COMMENTER UNITED METHODIST UNIVERSITY
I really want to know what impact the Legislature will make on
the campaign of Ambassador George Weah should they decide to
give him a unanimous support. For two elections now the CDC
has won Montserrado with Ambassador Weah's name and imagine
been used as major instruments to win votes for the CDC. Many
CDC lawmakers came to political relevance as a result of Amb.
George Weah been directly involved in their campaign. For this
reason, many Liberians are with the belief that the CDC is not a
full political institution but rather Amb. George Weah is the CDC.
The man who is claimed to have made other people lawmakers is
now in the race to make himself a Senator and is faced with tough
opposition like Dr. Christopher Z. Neyor. Does he need the support
of our national legislature to enter the capitol buiding? On other
side of the story concerning Speaker Tyler, I strongly support his
removal. He has not been a good leader the Legislature, how can
he now eye the presidency? Let him resign his positions as Speaker
and Representative of Bomi County and face the LACC. We can
now believe that Dr. Christopher Z. Neyor is the right man to enter
that capitol building.
OBEDIAH WEAHWEAH CUTTINGTON GRADUATE
SCHOOL
Hon.Alex Tyler needs to go,he has brought an embarrassment to
that sacred body.He needs to step aside to face an alleagations of
corruption filed against him by the LACC.
MICHEAL NMAH WORKS AT ARCELORMITTAL
HON. TYLER, NO NEED TO CRY NOR WORRY BECAUSE
THE SAME ROPE THAT CAN HANG MONKEY CAN ALSO
HANG BAMBOO;HON.SNOWE LEFT AND THIS IS YOUR
TIME TO GO
CIAPHA N. MORRIS TOP COMMENTER
Get Alex Tyler out of the leadership of the lower house. He's corrupt
and should not continue at that leadership.
Nelwin P. Dugbei Business Department Chairperson at Liberia
international christian college
Tyler removal is even seem to be belated; on what basis on of work
in first tenure.
Lorenzo Bernard Top Commenter Classified at Classified
This report is nothing but total distraction . I mean this is all
recycle news will anything concert evolved from this? I continue
to say it again and again until those clowns are kick out and Ellen's
incompetent corrupt administration becomes history our problems
remains. What Liberia requires is a aggressive leadership someone
in the likes of Jerry Crawling whos aggressive approach transformed
Ghana. The evidence is overwhelming Ellen and those clowns have
no vision for our country they there only for their own selfish greed.
John Williams Top Commenter Works at CareLink
Community Support Services
Is the election going to be decided in the or is it going to be open
free and fair election? Why should the CDC even consider not
fielding candidates in 2017 against people whose endorsements
could mean nothing? I hope the information is not true. But if it
true, I hope the CDC leadership will treat it like the rubbish that it
is. What benefit is it to get Weah elected senator at the expense of
potentialllegislative seats? If can not win the Montserrado seat, then
his road to the presidency coulf be rocky. The CDC should use these
electionsnationwide to gauge their strength for 2017!
Thomas Kaydor Top Commenter Assistant Minister for Afro
Asian Affairs at Government of Liberia 474 followers
Speaker Tyler needs to resign. This is the honorable thing to do now.
Or his colleagues need to remove him for corruption. This is the
time for them to slightly redeem their tainted image, eventhough
they all are corrupt.
Ricky Geegbe University of Maryland
I am sure Fahngon who called himself politician but has never run
for office or done anything politically will comment on this!!!!!
Abdoulaye Dukule Works at Self (programming language)
so refreshing to read something that is not Ebola-related....

DISCLAIMER

The comments expressed here are those of our online readers and
bloggers and do no represent the views of FrontPageAfrica

write to express few points that may claim your attention as we are
beset by the scourge of the Ebola Virus Disease.
At this onset, let me commend you and your staff for measures you
have taken in the face of this crisis. Firstly, it was a wise decision
to forbid the use of public schools as Ebola treatment units (ETUs).
This action will make it a lot easier to resume academic activities at the
schools when the crisis subsides or when it is brought to an end.
Secondly, the action to train 10,000 education stakeholders, including
principals and teachers, is a worthwhile intervention in the spread of
Ebola awareness around the country.
Thirdly, the introduction of education by radio is also good, except
that it will have limited effect, given the poor economic state of many
Liberians. Nevertheless, it is a welcomed innovation.
The focus of my missive is to make the below recommendations as we
all foresee the eventual overcoming of the EVD in Liberia in the short
run:
1.
Beginning academic activities with an Interim Crash School
Program: I do believe that you and your staff are currently designing
programs for the re-opening of schools. What I wish to suggest, however,
is that given the length of time that students have stayed out of school,
it would be prudent that the Ministry of Education (MOE) mandate an
interim Crash School Program for all schools whereby students will be
gradually absorbed into academic activities, rather than immediately
beginning normal academic work.
There are psychological as well as economic reasons for this suggestion.
On the one hand, students, having stayed away from school for so long,
will need to be eased into academic activities gradually, especially
considering that they may have been affected in one way or the other
by the contagion. Some may have lost their parents or close relatives or
friends as a result of the spread of the EVD. On the other hand, most
parents may have experienced adverse economic conditions as a result
of the EVD crisis; hence they may not be fully prepared to undertake the
full financial obligations of a normal academic program.
2.
Suspension of certain fees and requirements: During the
Interim Crash School Program, which may run for a semester (100
days), a minimum fee, generally affordable, be charged at non-public
schools and that the wearing of uniform be optional. Also, requirement
such as ID card fees, PTA dues, computer fees, breakage fees and tuition
be suspended for that period. Similarly, at public schools, at the upper
level, where fees were required, such fees be suspended.
3.
Adoption of a core curriculum for the Interim Crash School
Program: A specified set of subjects for each grade level be identified
to serve as the focus of the Program. Specifically, at the primary level,
English Language (Grammar, Reading, Writing, and Spelling) and
Arithmetic should be emphasized; at the Junior and senior high levels,
the focus should be on English Language, Mathematics, Science
and Social Studies. At the high school level, the different prongs of
the science curriculum (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) should be
proportionately alternated on the teaching schedules during this period;
the same should apply to social studies which encompass Economics,
Geography and History.
Utilizing partnerships with UNICEF, UNESCO, WFP, USAID, as
well as other NGOs: The MOE can tap in on the UNICEF Back-toSchool (BTS) initiative as was implemented in Rwanda (1994), Liberia
(2004), South Sudan (2006), Uganda (2007), Cte DIvoire (2011) and
elsewhere, as outlined in UNICEF Back-to-School Guide. A blueprint
for such a proposal may exist at the MOE since this initiative was
used here previously. These partnerships will ameliorate the massive
resource needs that the government may have to mobilize to see the
program become a success.
The setup at various schools should be kept intact: This is to say that
schools should maintain their previous enrollments and staff as much as
possible. Only where necessary, should schools take in new
students or new teaching and other staff.

A uniform compensation plan for all teaching and non-teaching staff

at all schools for the duration of the Program: Given that non-public
schools may not afford to pay their staff under this arrangement, the
government through its partners will need to set up a means of paying all
teachers for the duration of the program. The modalities can be worked
out.
Finally, it is my hope that the ideas presented herein will be taken into
serious consideration for further crystallization to meet the standards
and guidelines of the MOE and other conventions on Education, and
eventually be made operational.
With my highest esteem.
Sincerely yours,
Samuel M. Johnson
Graduate Program in Education (GPED)
University of Liberia
smawoloj@gmail.com
0886-553752/0776-360868/0555-593154

20-20 VISION
AT LACC?

The Editor,

ey, does Counselor James Verdier (the Chair-warmer of the

Anti- Corruption Commission) have a problem with his
vision? Verdier has 4 eyes!, but he keeps turning a blind eye
to the bribe-takers and extortionists in the legislature!! Why?
(Re "...Why Was Entire NOCOL Board, Legislature, Which Received
Bribes Not Indicted, Urey Asks" Daily Observer Online)
According to the aforementioned article, Mr. Urey alleges that it's
"standard procedure for nominees and the Executive Branch to pay
lobbying fees for passage of Bills and confirmation'!!! By the way,
the Senate ratified NOCOL's Oil Contracts without anyone reading it
because of lobbying fees!
If you don't believe Urey's allegations, let's go back and look at how our
lawmakers do business!
You ready?? Make sure you're sitting down for this!
In 2009, Rep. Edward S Forh, the Father of corruption, was accused
of receiving lobbying fees from Harry Greaves, managing director for
Liberian Petroleum Refining Corporation.. Dirty Harry paid lawmakers
an undisclosed sum of money for a concession agreement to be ratified!
(Re "Paid for 'Lunch & Dinner: Greaves Admits Bribing Lawmakers;
Forh Under Probe, FPA, 04/02/09)
During that same year (2009), these same clowns (lawmakers) collected
US$80,000 for their "cold water", oops, I mean lobbying fees from
the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA)! (Re "Mockery in
Corruption Fight?, LTA's Suspended Bropleh Still Enjoys Immunities",
FPA)
According to Mr. Albert Bropleh, former LTA Chairman and twin
brother of Dr. Lawrence Bropleh, the House and Senate were paid
US$52,000 and US$28,000 respectively for passage of the Liberian
Telecommunication Act! The Senate and the House passed the Act--100
to 0 !!!
Last but not least, in 2011, Rep. Alomiza Ennos, the bribe-taking
mammy, was accused of receiving US$80,000 as lobbying fees from
NOCAL's Board of Directors to ratify the oil contracts! Remember that
US$80,000 is their benchmark! Anything less is an insult. (Re "Several
Gov't Officials Linked to Bribery", Liberian Observer)
As you can see, whenever there's a Bill to be passed, or a concession
agreement to be ratified, or a presidential appointment to be confirmed,
it's customary for our lawmakers to expect "cold water" to perform their
Constitutional duties!
But when will the Liberian Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC)
indict those lazy, good-for-nothing, and totally useless lawmakers for
extortion? Isn't extortion a crime in Liberia? Oh, wait, I forgot: If
extortion were a crime in Liberia, then Rep. Edward Fraud and Rep.
Alomiza Ennos would be behind bars!
Martin Scott
Atlanta, Georgia
martyretire@yahoo.com

EDITORIAL TEAM

Rodney D. Sieh, Managing Editor, 0886-738-666;

077-936-138, editor@FrontPageAfricaonline.com;
rodney.sieh@FrontPageAfricaonline.com
Wade C. L. Williams, News Desk Chief, wade.
williams@frontpageafricaonline.com; 0880664793
Sports Editor, Danesius Marteh, danesius.marteh@
frontpageafricaonline.com, 0886236528
Henry Karmo, henry.karmo@frontpageafricaonline.
com
Al-varney Rogers al.rogers@frontpageafricaonline.
com, 0886-304498
Sports Reporter, A. Macaulay Sombai,macaulay.
sombai@FrontpageAfricaonline.com, 077217428

COUNTY NEWS TEAM

Grand Bassa, Alpha Daffae Senkpeni, 0777432042
Bong
County,
Selma
Lomax,
selma.lomax@
frontpageafricaonline.com, 0886-484666
Sinoe County, Leroy N.S Kanmoh, leroy.kanmoh@
frontpageafricaonline.com
0886257528
BUSINESS/ADVERTISING
Kadi Coleman Porte, 0886-304-178/ 0777832753, advertise@
frontpageafricaonline.com

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Frontpage

Page 5

NEC FINANCE & BUDGET CHIEF QUITS

MEDIA CLIMATE STILL
UNSAFE IN EJS-LED LIBERIA, ELECTION CHIEF ACCUSED OF
PUL BOSS ALARMS
GROSS FINANCIAL INDISCIPLINE
As I submit to you my resignation, the cost of ballots remained double in excess of US$275,000, the
cost of elections material is stated in excess of $300,000, the cost of vehicles is over stated in excess
of $200,000. These actions by you are possible because of the grant of PPCC waiver which allows
you to negotiate prices in excess of stated amount. Also, support from our partners is never clearly
reported to the Ministry of Finance thus allowing you to charge GOL account for the same activities.
- Joseph Duwana, Director, Finance and Budget

Monrovia he Press Union of Liberia, says despite the free speech

proclaimed by the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf-led government,
journalists continue to be intimidated, flogged, jailed
while media houses are being shot down.
PUL President Abdullah Kamara said the situation is not creating a
save climate from Journalists in Liberia to write and report freely.
There has also been countless other actions and force against
journalists, like the closure of their facilities , torture, flogging
with no justification even in today Liberia. The case has not been
very different with violence inflated upon journalists with no
respond from authorities, said Kamara
Kamara said as head of the largest media group in Liberia, he will
continue to fight for journalists rights under a government that
has agreed to protect the rights of journalists. We specifically
recalled the brutality against Papie Kollie, David Gwoh, Fumbah
Kanneh are still generally unresolved.
He recalled the tragic end of other journalists in Liberia during
past governments and said his administration is working to
change such chapter between the current government and media
practitioners.
Kamara also disclosed that the government and the Press Union
recently reviewed and agree on a current draft to repeal criminal
sanctions against alleged media offences and said the Union
proposed to forward the proposal in a bid to ensure reforms in
keeping with practices to save democracy.
The PUL boss said the Union also proposed further action to
ensure earlier prosecution for crimes against journalists to ensure
a space for media to flourish.
Mr. Kamara said he hopes that the conversation will recommit
government and journalists to fostering a partnership for smooth
working relationships.
Serving as one of the panelist was Police Inspector General, Chris
Massaquoi who said the press is free and is not being harassed or
threatened by government.
The Police boss also called on the media to be professional and
follow instructions from Police officers.
According to him, no journalist is above the law and called on
members of the media to abide in the framework of the laws of
Liberia.
Not because you are a journalist that means you can commit a
crime; not because you are a journalist that means you should
omit certain things that has to do with the law.
On the issue of the National Chronicle News Paper closure, the
Police Boss justified the police action, stating that it was rightly
aimed at protecting the state from conflict.
According to him, there were reports in the newspaper that some
people were coming to Liberia to destabilize the country while
there were other reports that some people were carrying guns in
casket and shooting at Red Light and that the paper mention the
incident and said they had several articles to publish on some plot
to overthrow the government couple with other issues.
The Police Boss said the newspaper publication incited the
citizens against government and that the nation was going into
chaos following several of their publications.
As a law enforcement officer we want to be show that history
will not repeat itself. I standing before you as chief of Police,
I have never been involved in mistake in identify. When we
intend to arrest member of the media it has and will always be in
compliance with the rule of law Col. Massaquoi said.
According to him the Police has the right to go after anyone
without a writ once the crime endanger the development of the
nation .
The one-day National Symposium in observance of the first
International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists
was organized by the Press Union of Liberia, UNESCO, Center
for media Studies and Peace Building . The day is in accordance
with the UN action plan to help create a safe environment for
journalists and media workers everywhere and end impunity,
deepen freedom of expression and bolster dialogue.

Monroviahe National Elections

Commission
of
Liberia (NEC) the
body charged with the
constitutional mandate to conduct
free, fair and transparent electoral
processes appears to be entangled
in a looming credibility crisis
with the head of the Commission,
Jerome G. Korkoya coming under
attack from Mr. Joseph Duwana,
Director, Finance and Budget,
who stepped down from his
position Monday.
Duwana, A senior official
at the NEC in a letter of
resignation dated November 3,
2014 addressed to Chairman
Korkoya recounted several acts
of corruption and other forms
of financial and administrative
indiscipline allegedly exhibited
by the NEC Chairman.
Duwana, in his resignation letter
exposed several alleged frailties
of Chairman Korkoya which
he noted contradicts the Public
Financial management Law
and the Government of Liberia
Financial Rules.
Systemic Dictatorial Attitude
In the letter, the now former senior
financial official of NEC disclosed
that Chairman Korkoya continues
to exhibit dictatorial attitude at
the Commission warning finance
officers to implement whatever
mandate he gives.
Since assuming the leadership
of NEC, you have encouraged
a systemic dictatorial attitude
conveyed from top down, that we
in Finance should not question
financial decisions from the
Board, buy simply do what we
are told even if those decisions
contravene GOL financial rules,
stated the former NEC official.
He accused Chairman Korkoya of
threatening financial officers for
questioning wasteful spending.
Challenges to wasteful spending
are often met with denigrating
personal criticism and threats.
A case in point is letter to your
Chief Financial Officer, Mr.
Thomas M. Duoe regarding John
Langley issues. Probably, you are
not aware that in any corporate
governance environment, the
CFO is primarily responsible for
managing all financial risks. As
such, Mr. Duoe was well suited to
advice you that Mr. Langley was
not entitled to receive benefits set
aside for employees. Furthermore,

Rule 25 of the GOL Financial

Rules states that all expenditure
relating to professional services of
intellectual, technical or advisory
nature including consultancy
services shall adhere to the Public
Procurement and Concession Act
of 2005. Was Mr. Langleys
hiring consistent with provisions
of the PPC Act? If Mr. Langleys
services were so invaluable to
NEC, why would the President
remove him as Executive
Director?,
former
Finance
and Budget officer Duwana
questioned Chairman Korkoya.
The Former Director of Finance
and Budget indicated in the
letter under the administration
Chairman
Korkoya,
NEC
continues the same trend of
financial irregularities by making
payments in excess of unverified
contractual
agreements
and
unsupported activities.
The letter further stated under
your
administration,
NEC
continues the same trend of
financial irregularities, making
payments in excess of unverified
contractual
agreements
and
unsupported activities grossly
violating the PFM Law and GOL
financial rules. NEC continues
to expend appropriated fund for
NECs operation for personal
expenses of you and members of
your board.
Accountability
headache;
Senatorial Elections at Risk
In further revelation, the former
NEC financial official disclosed
that due to the spending of NEC
funding for the personal benefits
of Chairman Korkoya and board
members accounting for funds
intended for the conduct of special
senatorial election is proving
difficult.
The choice to resign is due
to your continued exercise of
gross financial indiscretion in
total disregard for the document
produced at the retreat with no
objections from other members
of your board, allocation of funds
provided for the smooth running of
the Commission to your personal
benefits. Such habit has made it
impossible for me as Director of
Finance and Budget to properly
account for funds provided for the
conduct of the Special Senatorial
Elections, Duwana conceded.
He admitted that accounting
for unverified and unsupported
transactions remain a problem at

NEC to date.
To date, those unverified
and unsupported transactions
remained unaccounted for as
proper documentation required
to complete the transactions
are unavailable. You and your
colleagues on the Board were
informed during the retreat that
the Commission is not audit
ready because of the wasteful
spending of government financial
resources, Duwana noted.
Nearly 1 million Overstatement
of Election materials
In what seems a huge credibility
problem hanging over the
electoral body as the country
prepares for the conduct of special
senatorial election, the former
Finance officer, divulged that the
commission has been overstating
nearly all materials intended
for the conduct of the electoral
process, amounting to nearly US$
1 million in excess.
As I submit to you my resignation,
the cost of ballots remained
double in excess of US$275,000,
the cost of elections material is
stated in excess of $300,000, the
cost of vehicles is over stated in
excess of $200,000. These actions
by you are possible because of
the grant of PPCC waiver which
allows you to negotiate prices in
excess of stated amount. Also,
support from our partners is never
clearly reported to the Ministry
of Finance thus allowing you to
charge GOL account for the same
activities, Duwana disclosed.
When
contacted,
Chairman
Korkoya
informed
FrontPageAfrica that he had
completed a hard days work
and it was unfair to him to call
him at 8:22 pm to ask questions
regarding such issue.
He told FPA to seek official
audience with him to discuss
official matter rather them doing
so during his private hours when
he needed to rest after working a
long day.
The NEC has over the years
come under questioning for
financial
improprieties
with
former Chairman Fromayan
administration getting a messy
audit report from the GAC.
In audit of NEC covering the
period 2006/07 to 2011/2012
which covers the administration
of Fromayan, the audit noted
that the NEC spent over US$2.6

million on contracts without

evidence of a competitive bidding
process in violation of schedule
on thresholds #3c and 4c of the
PPC Act of 2005 which requires
that national competitive bidding
shall be held when the estimated
value of the procurement is below
US$200,000.00 in the case of
contracts for the procurement
of works and international
competitive bidding shall be
held when the estimated value
of the procurement exceeds
US$200,000.00 in the case of
contracts for the procurement of
works respectively.
Stated the audit report NEC for
the period under review, entered
into contracts for constructional
works, motor vehicles and
printing of electoral materials
and ballot papers, with contracts
sums
of
US$960,219.23,
US$1,552,633.18
and
US$
118,091.40 respectively."
"We noted no evidence of
competitive biddings undertaken,
leading to selection of lowest
evaluated responsive bidders or a
request in all these procurement.
Ministries of Finance and Justice
did not participate and sign
and attest to these contracts as
required by the PPC Act, 2005
and 2010 amendment.
Payments for personal benefits
aged-old
The past audit noted that senior
management of NEC including
the Chairman, six commissioners
and an Executive Director paid
US$ 573,000 as transportation
allowance despite having an
assigned vehicle and also
receiving gas slips, the audit
noted.
We
observed
that
the
Commissioners and Executive
Director of the NEC paid to
themselves
transportation
allowance of US$1,500.00 each
on a monthly basis without
evidence of any policy regarding
such transportation allowance,
there was also no evidence of
authorization from the President
of the Republic of Liberia, the
appointing authority of the Board,
regarding such allowances. The
total transportation allowance
paid to the Commissioners and
the Executive Director amounted
to US$573,000.00 for fiscal
year2007/8, 2008/9, 2009/10,
2010/11, 2011/12.
The audit questioned that
with the provision of vehicles
which are fuelled and serviced
by the Commission to the
Commissioners and the Executive
Director, the payment of additional
transportation allowance to the
Commissioners ad Executive
Director constitutes a violation
of NEC enablingenactment,
noting that the payment is without
substantive justification and
could indicate lack of prudence in
expending funds much needed to
enhance the commissions work.
The audit recommended The
Executive Director, Mr. John
Langley, the then Chairman,
Cllr. James Fromayan and the
then Board of Commissioners,
who benefited from the transport
allowance payment be made to
provide substantive justification
backed by evidence why such
amounts were paid to officials
who were already assigned
government vehicles which were
fully fuelled and serviced by
NEC or be made to reimburse
the amount of US$573,000.00 in
NECs account.

Page 6 | Frontpage

PAGE
RONT

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

LAW & ORDER

COURTForSUMMONS
POLICE
BOSS
Holding Two Suspects In Prolonged Detention
F

MonroviarontPageAfrica
had
reliably learned that the
Criminal Court A at
the Temple of Justice
has summoned police boss Chris
Massaquoi to appear before the
court on Tuesday November 4,
2014 at 2pm following a writ of
habeas corpus filed by defense
counsel to produce the living
bodies of two suspects held in
police custody since October 21,
2014.
The two suspects, Jefferson
Sanoe and Alfred Cruwu were
accused of stealing a diamond
from a gold creek in Gbarpolu
County but since their arrest on
October 21, 2014, the police is
yet to charge and bring them to
court for prosecution. Family
members of the two men were
seen in court last Friday, talking
to the judge Johannes Zogbay
during a habeas corpus hearing.
Last week, lawyers representing
the two defendants filed a writ
of habeas corpus to the court
to have the police produce the
living bodies of the two suspects,
who are currently facing theft

Kennedy Yangian kennedylyangian@frontpageafricaonline.com 0777296781

charges, but the police is yet to

come to court and produce the
living bodies of the two men,
defense lawyers told the court
Friday.
Attys. Abraham Sillah and Mark
Marvey told the court to take

judicial notice of the absence of

the police boss along with the
prisoners, which in effect clearly
demonstrates the deliberate
attempt by the respondents not
to adhere to or comply with the
order of the court.

DON-KAN IS DISTINCT F

PAGE
RONT

FROM ITS OWNERS

Rep. Sekou Kanneh Reacts To

LACC Allegation Of Forgery
Henry Karmo (0886522495) henrykarmo@frontpageAfricaonline.com

Monroviaepresentative Sekou Kanneh( District #2, Montserrado

County) has clarified that at no time did he use his
political office or position as board member of Don-Kan
gas station to call anyone from the Ministries of finance
and Defense, to solicit payment on behalf of the entity.
In response to an indictment accusing him of forgery from the
Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) through its chair
Mr. James Verdier, the Montserrado County lawmaker said it is
unbelievable that the LACC under the chairmanship of Cllr. Verdier
would recommend him for prosecution to the Ministry of Justice.
In a press release issued Monday, Rep. Kanneh claimed that the
LACCs decision has political undertone, which is meant to destroy
him (Kanneh) politically in his district and damage the business
reputation of Don-Kan a Petroleum distributor.
Rep. Kanneh said: The fact of the matter is, I am a shareholder
of Don-Kan and I also serve as President/CEO from its formation
up to my election in October 2011 as representative of district#2
Montserrado County; at which time I resigned my position as
President/CEO.
He said since his election he has only held the position of a
shareholder and member of the board of directors. He said at no
time as a member of the board has he involved himself with the

day-day running of the corporation as required by corporate rules.
The Montserrado District #2 lawmaker noted that Don-Kan as a
corporate entity is distinct from its owners. He said the company can
sue and be sued and that the day-to-day running of the corporation
is the sole responsibility of the management team appointed by the
board of directors.
Under corporate governance, members of the board of directors
set policies, oversee management, set strategic directions and
establish ethical standards for the corporation. Board members are
not involved in the day-to-day operations of the corporation, he
stated.
Rep. Kanneh said, as member of the 53rd National Legislature and
in his capacity as shareholder and member of the board of directors
of Don-Kan, he is fully aware of the consequence of conflict of
interest to have participated in the daily operation of Don-Kan.
The chairman of the LACC recently revealed that he had
recommended a list of names to the Ministry of Justice for
prosecution for alleged acts of corruption. He indicated that Rep.
Kanneh, Don-Kan CEO and shareholder should be prosecuted
for forgery on account of alleged fraudulent petroleum contract
executed between the Ministry of National defense and Don-Kan
for fiscal year 2013/14.
The LACC boss also disclosed that Rep. Kanneh forged the
signature of the Ministries of Finance because payment was
delayed, but failed to display evidence that the money was ever
received.

Counsel says that the writ of

habeas corpus as a constitutional
provision is not suspended
under the state of emergency
therefore, there can be no excuse
under such circumstances for
the deliberate failure of the

respondent/defendant to produce
the living bodies of the prisoners
who have been kept in detention
for more than 10 day, said the
defense lawyers.
In counter arguments to the writ,
state prosecutor David Woah
told the court that upon receipt
of the writ, the suspects were
transported back to Gbarpolu
County, where the incident for
which they were undergoing
investigation was committed.
Counsel says that as a matter of
law, this court lacks jurisdiction
to issue a compulsory writ of
habeas corpus today for the
Plaintiffs who are without its
jurisdiction, said Woah.
Presiding Judge Zogbay in his
ruling stated that the submission
by state prosecutor Woah that the
court had no jurisdiction over the
case, does not hold any water
in the instant case, because the
law provides that every court
of record, except the Supreme
Court shall have power to issue
a writ of habeas Corpus. He said

the issuance of the writ of habeas

corpus against the respondent/
defendants was proper and legal.
He said there is no evidence to
show the court that the prisoners
are in the custody of the Police
particularly at the headquarters
of the LNP.
The clerk of this court is hereby
ordered to issue the writ of arrest
for the Inspector General of the
Liberia National Police, the
Director General of the National
Security Agency (NSA) and the
Attorney General the Minister
of Justice and bring them to this
court at 1pm today, October 31,
2014 to show cause why they
must not be held in contempt of
this court for deliberate failure
and refusal to respond to the writ
of habeas corpus, stated Judge
Zogbay.
According to the source the court
attaches serious concern to today
appearance of the police based
on his alleged refusal to respond
to the court two other invitations
to him to appear before the court.

CORRUPTION WATCH

PAPER
TIGER
ENTITY
LACC MPW Keita Responds
Al-Varney Rogers avarney.rogers@frontpageafricaonline.com 0886304498

Monroviahe
Director
of
Communication and
Documentation at the
Ministry of Public
Works Jesefu Keita says,
the Liberia Anti-Corruption
Commission is a paper tiger
entity pretending to be fighting
corruption.
The commission will remain
a paper tiger entity that has
become a mere talking shop
and fulcrum for the conduct
of time; wasted workshops
that have produced very little
impact on the fight against
corruption in Liberia; despite
the fact that on a daily basis,
we are told through the media
of millions of dollars being
dubiously stolen without any
serious action from it [LACC]
Keita said.
Recently at a Ministry of

Information regular press

briefing, the head of the
LACC Cllr. James Verdier
recommended the prosecution
of
several
government
officials for alleged corruption
including Keita.
But in a sharp response on
Monday, Keita said the LACC
should move away from
the usual press conferences,
which are often riddled with
allegations that do not stand
public and legal scrutiny.
Keita said the recent action
by the LACC is a clever
attempt to try to demonstrates
the government avowed
commitment in the fight
against corruption.
The latest disclosure is coming
on the heels of continuous
allegations from Liberians
at home and abroad as well
as partners that the current

government has not only lost

the fight against corruption, but
is responsible for the wholesale
failure of the health system
despite huge sum of donor
money being pumped, Keita
said.
Keita stated that the LACC has
reduce itself as tool that falsely
targets ordinary Liberians and
juniors officers in government,
while millions are siphoned out
of Liberia by the high-ups.
He said the latest indictment
by the current leadership at
the LACC is to showcase
to the Liberian people and
international community that it
is working.
Keita termed as an error,
allegations made by the LACC
boss that he aided Mr. David
Kortie to receive money from
the Ministry of Public Works
without any corresponding task
being performed.
The LACC has not only erred
in its attempt to make out of
me a criminal and a bad civil
servant, it has shown a high
degree of lazy incompetence in
its work, Keita added.
Keita continued: I am neither
a criminal nor an accomplice
to any act of criminality and
no frivolous attempt by the
LACC or any other group will
transform me into one.
According to Keita on August
29, 2009 Mr. David Kortie,
Chief Executive Office of the
flash point Media Consultancy
Firm communicated with the
Ministry of Public Works
requesting sponsorship for his
program on ELBC and ELTV.

Keita said in the letter, Kortie

indicated that the amount to
sponsor his show on ELBC
was US$ 12,600.
Keita
noted
that
the
communication
written
by Mr. Kortie predates his
employment at the Ministry of
public works.
The impression by the
LACC that I initiated media
consultancy contract between
the MPW and Flash Point is
dead wrong and further show
of its lazy incompetence,
Keita said.
He
said
his
role
as
communications
Director
does not include carrying
out fiduciary or financial
responsibilities on behalf of the
Ministry of Public Works.
At the MPW there is a
Procurement Division, an
office for Contract Specialist,
Financial Management and
Control Division and all of
the departments are headed
by a Deputy Minister for
Administration, Keita added.
Keita challenged the LACC
to show proof of the contract
he signed regarding Kortie
receiving money from Public
Works.
Therefore, on what basis is the
LACC holding me personally
responsible for Mr. Kortie
receiving money from MPW
and allegedly not executing
what he was supposed to
do for the Ministry, as the
Commission is insinuating,
Keita asked.
Keita said he remains ready to
proceed to court and defend
his good name, adding that
the LACC should prosecute as
soon as possible.

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

PAGE
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M
Monrovia

r. Jonathan P.
Hicks,
whose
association with
the University of
Liberia led to the launching of a
scholarship program benefiting
scores of Liberian journalism
students, has died. He was 58.
Mr. Hicks who has been battling
pancreatic cancer for quite some
time now, died Monday.
Mr. Hicks launched the J.P.
Hicks Family Journalism, Mass
Communications Scholarship,
in April 2010. The program
has assisted dozens of aspiring
journalists at the University of
Liberia.
The scholarships are geared
toward to students in mass
communication who have shown
a combination of academic
excellence as well as a strong
commitment to the field of
journalism. The scholarship
includes payment of tuition
and fees, as well as mentoring
from professional journalists in
Liberia and in the United States.
Also, the students writing will be
published on various websites.
Its a great blessing to work with
such wonderful students who are
committed to the next generation
of excellence in journalism
in Liberia, Mr. Hicks said
during one of his many visits to
Monrovia.
In his last position as a national
correspondent for the Black
Entertainment Television, Mr.
Hicks was in Liberia earlier this
year and penned a number of
articles on a wide range of topics
for BET.
Mr. Hicks interest in Liberia
began in childhood, when his
family lived in Monrovia while
his father, John Henry Hicks,
a former journalist and former
United States diplomat, served
at the American embassy in
Liberia. John Hicks, who was the
first African-American reporter
at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch,
supervised the operation of
the United States Information
Services library in downtown
Monrovia and hosted a weekly
public affairs program on ELBC
Radio in Monrovia. It was
during that time that Jonathan
Hicks formed a connection with
Liberia and its people that would
last throughout his life.
In the fall of 2009, Jonathan
Hicks traveled to Liberia
on a grant from the Ford
Foundation to write articles and
produce broadcasts about the
redevelopment of the country
following the 14-year civil

OBITUARY

Frontpage

Page 7

JONATHAN
HICKS,
R.I.P.
Contributor to UL Journalism Program, is Dead

war that ended in 2003. He

was also charged with laying
the groundwork for a training
program for professional and
aspiring journalists there.
While in Liberia, he was a
guest lecturer in the Mass
Communications Department at
the University of Liberia. After
meeting so many talented and
committed students who had few
resources, he determined that
there was a need to support those
students, who would become
the countrys next generation of
journalists, through scholarships
and mentoring opportunities.
Jonathan P. Hicks is an award
winning writer and journalist

with 30 years of experience

covering politics, business,
industry and the role of people
of color in the world of business.
Prior to joining BET.com, Mr.
Hicks was s a senior fellow at
the DuBois Bunche Center for
Public Policy at Medgar Evers
College in Brooklyn.
For 24 years, he worked for
The New York Times, where
he covered the politics of New
York State and New York City.
During that time, he developed a
reputation as one of the foremost
authorities on the inner workings
of the political culture in New
York City and New York State.
He has been a frequent guest on

PAGE
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local radio and television news

programs where he regularly
offered political analysis and
commentary. He was also the
author of the Politics 5-B column
for The Times website.
He is also the host of Urban
Focus, a weekly radio program
that brings together politicians,
policy
makers,
industry
practitioners,
scholars
and
expert analysts. Urban Focus
explores a range of issues that
affect underserved communities
and communities of color from
Crown Heights, Brooklyn, to
Cape Town, South Africa.
Mr. Hicks has been a recipient
of The New York Times

NEWS EXTRA

HELPING THE NEEDY

Bridge Liberia Provides School Materials To Love A Child Orphanage Home
Kennedy L. Yangian kennedylyangian@frontpageafricaonline.com 077296781

s Liberians looked
forward to the
reopening
of
schools
which
have been closed since the
outbreak of the deadly Ebola
in the country, a non-profit
organization Bridge Liberia
had provided several school
materials to the Love A Child
Orphange Home on the
Robertsfield Highway.
Bridge Liberia a non-profit
organization was established
on December 6, 2013 by a
group of young Liberians both
at home and in the United
States with the aimed to

Publishers Award and has also

received the public service
writing award from the New
York Association of Black
Journalists. In addition, he has
received awards for excellence
in journalism from the New York
Chapter of the National Black
MBA Association and from the
Arizona Press Association. He
has been involved in a number of
philanthropic issues. He served
for four years as chairman of
the Kappa Alpha Psi New York
Foundation, a role in which
he helped raise $250,000 for
scholarships for college-bound
students in New York City.
In addition to journalism, Mr.
Hicks got minor roles in films as
The Great White Hype (1996)
where he played a sportscaster
and as Eartha Kitts butler in
Eddie
Murphys Boomerang

(1992).
Friends,
families
and
beneficiaries of the Hicks
Foundation
scholarship
showered memories of Mr. Hicks
on his Facebook wall Monday.
I just lost my sponsor at the
University of Liberia. Mr.
Jonathan P. Hicks, may your soul
rest in peace. You lived your life
for others; I am a beneficiary and
living testimony of your good
will. May God counsel your
family who always supported
you in your works, wrote
Gbatemah Success K. Senah.
Today, a giant in journalism
and a friend to many has passed

away. Jonathan P. Hicks was a

philanthropist and a great family
man who shared his love with
anyone he came into contact,
wrote Davide Dunkley Gyimah.
He took joy in seeing others
smile. I feel so honored and
humbled to have known him.
He and Christy put me up in
their home when I visited NY.
He took me out to sample grits
and then on Sunday morning
took me to Church where he
sang - and as many will testify
he sang. In London he visited us
and made me feel very special
over my Ghanaian ground nut
soup. It was a topic we always
came back to after journalism.
My deepest condolences to his
daughter Lindsay Hicks and wife
Christy Hicks and the rest of his
family. He was an incredible
human being and will be truly
deeply missed.
One day, perhaps after I've been
truly able to process this loss, I'll
be able to articulate my thoughts
and feelings - I just can't
right now, as my heart aches
unbearably. I will always love
you, and will miss you terribly
my good Brother, wrote Malix
Cobb.
Mr. Hicks is survived by his
wife, Christy DeBoe Hicks, his
parents; a daughter, Lindsay;
a sister, Louise Hicks Wilson;
and two brothers, Geoffrey and
Michael.

help children achieved their

educational goal.
On Monday as part of its
initiative in the wake of the
Ebola outbreak in the country
that devastated every sector
of life in the country provide
2 barrel that contained
several school materials to
include book bags and books
the orphanage with the aim
restoring hope to the over 30
children.
The
items
were
made
available to the children by
the organizations partner
in the United States headed
by its founder Madam Rose
Greene through its country
office in Liberia represented by
Donawea Towah and J Folley
Korama.
Presenting the materials to
the Director of the orphanage

home madam Rebecca Wreh,

Donawea Towah and Folley
Korama who spoke separately
that the organization had come
to provide these items because
their goal is to see the chidren
achieve education which is the
bed rock of any nation
Bridge Liberia is trying to
help communities to create
generational
change
by
becoming a part of the solution
that aims at minimizing
poverty and illeracy in Liberia
said Towah
Responding Madam Wreh
thank the organization for
the donation adding that it
is through education that the
children can build their future
while the children that received
the donations sing and extend
thanks to Bridge Liberia.

Page 8 | Frontpage

PAGE
RONT

EBOLA

EXPOSED

After an accidental needle stab, a doctor's Ebola watch begins

few days after he

accidentally
stuck
himself with a needle
in an Ebola ward in
Sierra Leone, Lewis Rubinsons
temperature topped 103 degrees.
The fever swept in with a
headache, muscle pain and
nausea. And, soon after he arrived
for care at the National Institutes
of Health in Bethesda, it brought
on the bone-shaking shivers
doctors call rigors.
His fever was unlikely to be
caused by Ebola, Rubinson told
himself and for much of the
time in the isolation unit he had
only himself to tell these things
to. He didnt have the rash he had
seen pocking the torsos of Ebola
patients. Nor did he have another
ominous sign: blood in the whites
of his eyes. Still, whenever he felt
well enough to climb out of bed
and go to the bathroom, he would
peer in the mirror to check.
An accidental needlestick left Dr.
Lewis Rubinson in fear of Ebola.
(Gabe Silverman/The Washington
Post)
There was no way he had Ebola,
a doctor friend insisted over the
phone. The timing was wrong;
the temperature had come on
too soon; his feverish shaking
was probably his response to an
experimental drug he had taken.
But Rubinson, who is director of
the critical care resuscitation unit
at the University of Marylands
Shock Trauma Center, had just
spent three weeks working for
the World Health Organization
at the Kenema Government
Hospital, and he knew that a fever
was usually the first signal that a
person harboring the deadly virus
has become infectious. Now, he
thought, the moonsuited doctors
and nurses looking after him
seemed surprised by how sick he
was. The needle had provided the
virus with an ideal route to invade
his body. And if that needle hadnt
infected him, Rubinson found
himself wondering, could he have
had an earlier exposure that he
hadnt even known about?
Because when your temperature is
that high, your brain starts to play
games with you. And the truth is,
nobody knew for sure: Was he a
doc with a feverish reaction to
a new drug, or was he an Ebola
patient?
In Kenema, 90 minutes to two
hours was about all the time the
clinicians could tolerate in the
Ebola ward in the full heat of their
protective gear. Rubinson was
working quickly, squeezing clear
plastic IV bottles to force fluids
faster into ailing bodies, when
he spotted the needle. It was in
a bottle hanging above a young
womans bed. He pulled it out,
disconcerted that somebody still
hadnt learned how dangerous it
was to leave a needle like that.

He then walked maybe 50 paces

across the ward to throw it out.
The sharps container was full. As
he repositioned the needle in his
hand, the tip jabbed into his flesh,
and he felt blood oozing under
the two layers of white surgical
gloves.
Sheer stupidity and a little
embarrassing to make that mistake
one day before he hoped to wrap
up his teams mission in Sierra
Leones third-most-populous city.
And he couldnt ignore a pang of
anxiety.
Rubinson rinsed his gloved hands
quickly under a chlorine spigot
and asked his fellow doctor to
take over. He left the ward to
peel back his layers of protective
clothing under a targeted spray of
bleach solution according to the
highly choreographed, 15-minute
routine he had followed so many
times before: outer gloves, apron,
folding it soiled side inward, then
hood. Spatter, spatter, spatter.
Coveralls, mask, goggles. More
bleach spatter. And finally his
undergloves.
Once his hands were free,
Rubinson could see blood
covering his left thumb and some
of his palm. He was sure his
gloves were contaminated; and he
could now tell that the needle had
gone in deep. Not good.
He walked 350 yards across the
hospital grounds to a makeshift
office to call the WHO risk
strategists in Geneva. He talked
for 25 seconds, and the call
dropped. Tried again. Maybe 15
seconds this time. He could pick
out every third word. He circled,
listening for the cellular sweet
spot. It must have taken an hour
and a half to explain what had
happened.
Finally, a decision became clear:
He should evacuate.
It was the only thing to do. It
would be hard to get him out if
he got sick. That was the irony:
Africans who were sick couldnt
get out, but an American doctor
who had pricked himself with a
needle could get out after a series
of half-heard phone calls.
It was Friday, Sept. 26. The
incubation period for Ebola is two
to 21 days. Symptoms typically
occur eight to 10 days after
infection.
In Sierra Leone, WHO reported
2,021 confirmed, suspected and
probable Ebola cases and 605
deaths in the current outbreak.
In Texas, the first person who
would be diagnosed with Ebola
in America, Thomas Eric
Duncan, was staying at his
fiancees apartment, having been
discharged from the ER with
antibiotics.
Dr. Rubinson: Journey into fear
Rubinson knew before he left
for West Africa that the Kenema
Government
Hospital
had

become ground zero for healthcare workers infections. Nearly

30 had been infected, many
had died, and few people were
willing to take their place in the
ward. The team working there
had done a phenomenal job,
Rubinson thought, but the doctor
he replaced, another expat, had
developed the disease and been
evacuated.
So when Rubinson arrived on Sept.
10 to lead a team of not quite 10
WHO clinicians in coordination
with local staffers, he found a
hospital famous for its research on
another viral hemorrhagic fever
Lassa straining under the burden
of Ebola.
The dilemmas they faced were
stupefying.
If he and his fellow doctor focused
immediately on saving the 20 or
30 people who were most sick,
what about the other 80 or 90,
including some, he believed, who
werent infected
with Ebola but

were stuck there among the sick
and the dying?
The team had little information
about who was in the ward among
the confirmed cases, suspects
and confirmed convalescing. If
you asked just basic questions
(Whats your name? How
long have you been here? How
long have you had symptoms?),
giving each patient two minutes,
you would soon exhaust a twohour stint without having provided
any care.
And how to even record the
information? You couldnt bring
electronics into the dilapidated
one-story building, with its
unreliable electricity and no WiFi.
And you couldnt take pieces of
paper out of the ward for fear they
would carry the virus.
The team came up with a system:
Write the data on paper; then,
when you leave, just before
the sprayer begins disinfecting
(Show me your hands; Spread
your fingers; Turn over your
hands; Put your arms out),
somebody meets you with a
camera phone and takes a picture
of the paper with all its crucial
data.
So many problems to be figured
out, and when you are doing that,
youre not treating patients.
Then what about the stream of
sick people outside the hospital
who needed help? If the team let
in more patients than the ward
could accommodate, the whole
treatment process would break
down. You had to say no to
people when you knew there was
nowhere else for them to go.
And when so many people are
dying, how far do you put yourself
into harms way to care for
them? Were health-care workers
lives more important? From an
operational point that made sense.
But it felt weird and weirder still
as his costly lapse of attention
propelled him toward some of the
most sophisticated health care in
the world.
Following call after dropped call,
an evacuation plan emerged:
Rubinson would travel that
afternoon with a WHO driver to
Freetown, Sierre Leones capital,
where Rubinson would stay until
colleagues at the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention
in Atlanta could arrange for an
experimental drug to be flown
out to him. He would fly back to
Washington on the same plane.
The drug had never been used on
a human being during an Ebola
outbreak. It belonged to a small
group of new therapies aimed at
preventing someone who has been
exposed to the virus from falling
sick. None is known to work.
None had passed the rigorous
process of randomized clinical
trials required for Food and Drug
Administration approval.

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

VISUALIZING
THE AWARENESS

PAGE
RONT

NEWS EXTRA

Frontpage

GOVERNMENT

RESIZING IS GOOD BUT

LIPA Boss Wants Uniqueness In Government Resizing Plan
Henry Karmo (0886522495) henrykarmo@frontpageafricaonline.com

ADRA takes Ebola Sensitization to another level

Henry Karmo (0886522495)

henrykarmo@frontpageafricaonline.com

Monroviahe Adventist Relief Assistance Program (ADRA) in Liberia

has embarked on a nationwide visual Ebola awareness
campaign in support of governments effort to eradicate the
deadly virus that has killed over two thousand Liberians.
On Sunday Novembe 2, 2014, ADRA conducted a day long awareness
program for communities in the Old Road area to teach residents
about the danger of Ebola and how to prevent it by breaking the chain
of transmission among Liberians using video messages.
We try to change the ball game by putting the Ebola message in a
video format, every day people are hearing these message through
various media, but seeing, is believing, said Michel Dew, ADRA
awareness team Leader. They want to see, so this is why ADRA has
changed the format of awareness on the Ebola Virus.
The event launched in the Smythe Road Community in Sinkor is
one of the many awareness campaigns also being carried out by the
organization in counties like Margibi, Gbapolu, Lofa and Bomi.
Dew said ADRA in collaboration with ZOA are implementing the
European Union Cassava Processing Project. He said as part of this
support, the organization has donated some cassava product to the
National Ebola Task Force for patients at various isolation centers.
He said ADRA has donated several hand-washing stations and
chlorine to community members for placement at strategic locations
in the Old Road Community.
For his part the chairman of the Smythe Road community Fightnah
Davis called for seriousness on the part of government in the fight
against the deadly Ebola Virus. He said government must ensure
contingency in every community for emergency in case of unforeseen
circumstances.
He said though residents of the area have voluntarily organized
themselves into a taskforce to tell people of the dangers of Ebola and
how it can be prevented, the government has given nothing to the
community in terms of awareness on Ebola.
Davis said: We have about 40 volunteers in this community, who
have agreed to teach others about how to prevent Ebola, but we are
doing it singlehandedly. We residents are mobilizing our meager
resources and because of that, each volunteer is given ten United
States dollars during each cycle of the awareness.
We wrote the Ministry of Health but there is no response and so my
brother, the government needs to take this fight to the community.
That is the only way we can succeed because government is weak and
bad in its approach.

M
Monrovia

alian
President
Ibrahim Boubaca
Keita says he is
upbeat about the
level of leadership demonstrated
by President Ellen Johnson
Sirleaf in the fight against the
Ebola virus disease terming it as
exemplary.
According to an Executive
Mansion release, during his
one day visit last Saturday,
November 1, President Keita
said he saw it compelling to pay
a solidarity visit to Liberia in
return to what President Sirleaf
did for his country when she
worked for the United Nations
Development
Programme
(UNDP) African region.
During her tenure as UNDP
Africa region Director General,
President Keita said, the
Liberian leader approved a lot of
aid funds for his country thereby
leading to the development of
his country. Though we have
been talking on the phone since
the Ebola outbreak, I would
have never felt relieved if I had
not personally come to Liberia

Page 9

M
Monrovia-

r.
Oblayon
Blayon Nyemah
Director
General of the
Liberia Institute for Public
Administration has called
for caution in plans to resize
government or Liberia risks
doing it at the detriment of the
population.
He said people cannot be
thrown into the street without
jobs and expect to be happy,
while only a few have jobs. He
said such actions lead societies
to crumble.
Director Nyemah said: We
dont have anything called
downsizing; what we have is
rightsizing, an approach that

PAGE
RONT

takes the right person from the

right job at the right time. We
want to optimize the workforce
but not to the detriment of the
society.
The approach has to be
unique in a way that all parties
are satisfied with what we are
doing; so we are together in
this. We have had series of
meetings and we are revisiting
whatever our shortfalls are.
Asked if after the Ebola crisis
could be the right time to
implement any such plan he
said, one could never find the
right time to implement such
a plan, the right time to do it,
is when the society becomes
effective and functional.
It is difficult to say when

society becomes effective and

functional, but holding all
factors constant, the approach
should be unique in a way that
addresses the concerns of every
party that will be affected, he
added.
Speaking at the start of a
weeklong training workshop
for senior directors of the
Ministry of Finance and
development planning (MFDP)
he said, the Liberia Institute for
Public Administration (LIPA)
has over the year faced serious
budgetary constraints. He said
the deadly Ebola outbreak has
relatively slowed down the
countrys economy activities
making the situation has worse.
He also stressed the need

for government to address

appropriate human capacity
gaps and not just provide
scholarships and trainings
for people without looking at
the impact of some of these
trainings and scholarship.
LIPA on Monday began an
intensive
orientation
for
24-newly recruited directors
at the Ministry of Finance
and Development planning
in strategic leadership and
management in the public
sector.
The
weeklong
orientation training according
to LIPA is part of the new
recruits 90-day probation set
by the Ministry as well as a
way to formally school them in
the Public sector reform of the
country.
Participants at the training
are being taught several
topics which include: Code of
Conduct, Public procurement
law and management, effective
organization communication
and time management as
well as introduction to public
sector reform, civil servant
standing order and public
administration.
The newly recruited directors
are all employees of the former
ministry of finance who are
being recruited through what
the new Finance Ministry
terms as a competitive vetting
process to beef up the newly
established MFDP.

GOVERNMENT NEWS

WOULD HAVE NEVER FELT RELIEVED

Malian President Ibrahim Keita Meets With President Sirleaf;
Expresses Solidarity with the Liberian Government and People

to see her, the Malian President

Keita said.
President Keita said he has seen

the progress with his own eyes

and will not hesitate to tell the
people of Mali that Liberia had

made huge gains in the fight

against Ebola and soon the virus
will be history in Liberia.

On behalf of the Malian people,

President
Keita
extended
thanks and appreciation to the
Government and people of
Liberia as well as international
partners for working together
in fighting to contain the Ebola
outbreak.
During a joint media stakeout
in the foyer of the Foreign
Ministry, the Malian President
used the platform to thank
President Sirleaf and the people
of Liberia for their political and
military intervention that has
now brought peace and stability
to his country.
Liberia currently has a small
Armed Forces of Liberia
(AFL) infantry platoon as
part of the United Nations
Multidimensional
Integrated
Stabilization Mission in Mali.
Speaking earlier, President
Sirleaf thanked her Malian
counterpart
for
remaining
engaged with Liberia during

its health crisis. Though you

have been on the phone all
the time with me on the crisis,
you thought it wise to come
on the ground to demonstrate
your solidarity to us as a
country and the Liberian people
greatly appreciate you for your
solidarity, the Liberia leader
told President Keita.
She attributed the gains made in
the Ebola fight to the resilience
of the Liberian people and
international
partners
for
what she described as good
collaborative efforts.
President Keita is the second
Africa leader to pay a solidarity
visit to Liberia since the
outbreak of the Ebola virus, the
first being Ghanaian President
John
Dramani
Mahama
who is also chairman of the
sub-regional
organization,
Economic Community of West
Africa States (ECOWAS), in
September 2014.

Page 10 | Frontpage

IN BRIEF

OUAGADOUGOU (Reuters) urkina Faso's interim

President Isaac Zida
said on Monday
that
the
army
would quickly cede power
to a transitional government
headed by a consensual leader,
in a bid to calm accusations
that it had seized power in a
military coup.
The
country's
longtime
president Blaise Compaore
stepped down on Friday after
two days of mass protests
over his bid to extend his
rule through a constitutional
amendment.
On Saturday, the military
appointed Lieutenant Colonel
Zida as interim head of state in
a move criticized by opposition
politicians, the African Union
and Western powers seeking a
return to civilian rule.
"Our understanding is that the
executive powers will be led by
a transitional body but within a
constitutional framework that
we will watch over carefully,"
Zida told a gathering of
diplomats and journalists in the
capital Ouagadougou, without
giving a timeframe for the
changeover.
"We are not here to usurp
power and to sit in place and
run the country but to help
the country come out of this
situation," he added.
The announcement followed
crisis meetings late on Sunday
between Zida and opposition
leaders
after
thousands
gathered to denounce his

U.S. NURSE WHO

TREATED EBOLA
PATIENTS, MAINE REACH
DEAL ON MONITORING

BRUNSWICK Maine(Reuters) he state of Maine

and a nurse who had
treated victims of the
Ebola virus in West
Africa reached a settlement
deal on Monday, allowing her
to travel freely in public but
requiring her to monitor her
health closely and report any
symptoms.
The settlement, filed in the
northern Maine town of Fort
Kent, to which nurse Kaci
Hickox traveled after being
briefly quarantined in New
Jersey, keeps in effect through
Nov. 10 the terms of an order
first issued by a Maine judge on
Friday.
As a result of the settlement, a
hearing that had been scheduled
for Tuesday on Hickox's lawsuit
versus the state, has been
canceled, according to court
papers.

MALAWI DIPLOMAT WHO

CALLED MUGABE 'IDIOT'
REFUSES ZIMBABWE POST

PAGE
RONT

WORLD NEWS

WE ARE NOT HERE

TO USURP POWER
Burkina Faso leader says to hand power to transitional body

appointment in the central

Place de la Nation -- the scene
of violent protests last week in
which the parliament was set
alight.
Under the West African
country's
constitution,

the head of the National

Assembly should take office
if the president resigns, with a
mandate to organize elections
within 90 days. However, the
head of the National Assembly
has reportedly to have fled

Blantyre (Malawi) (AFP)

Malawian
diplomat who once
reportedly described
Zimbabwean
President Robert Mugabe as
an "idiot" said Monday he had
turned down a posting as his
country's top envoy to Harare.
"I am sure there are other
Malawians more amenable to
serving at that particular post
at this particular time," Thoko
Banda said in a statement seen
by AFP.
Banda's scathing insult to
neighbouring
Zimbabwe's
long-serving head of state
was recalled by social media
last week, shortly after he
was named as Malawi's high
commissioner (ambassador) to
Zimbabwe.

SUICIDE BLAST KILLS 23 IN

NIGERIA, PRISON ATTACK FREES 144

SECURITY GUARD WHO RODE ELEVATOR

WITH OBAMA WHILE CARRYING A GUN
SAYS FIRING 'UNJUST'

he security guard fired

after
accompanying
President
Barack
Obama in an elevator at
the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention in Atlanta while
carrying a gun says his dismissal
was "unjust" and media
coverage of the event has been "a
nightmare."
From the reports, I was some
stranger that entered the elevator,
Kenneth Tate told the New York
Times. I mean, I was appointed.
Tate, who had worked for 10
years as a CDC contractor, was
carrying a CDC-issued firearm
during Obama's Sept. 16 visit
a violation of Secret Service
protocols, which state that
only agents and officers for the
agency should be armed while in
proximity to the president.

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

YOBE Nigeria (Reuters) suicide bomber killed at least 23

people in a procession of Shi'ite
Muslims marking the ritual of Ashoura
in northeast Nigeria's Yobe state on
Monday, witnesses said.
In a separate incident overnight in central Kogi
state, gunmen using explosives blew their way into
a prison in the city of Lokoja, killing one person
and freeing 144 inmates, Adams Omale, prisons
coordinator for the state, told Reuters.
In the suicide bombing in Potiskum in Yobe state,
a territory at the heart of an insurgency by Sunni
Muslim Boko Haram rebels, the attacker joined the
line of Shi'ites before setting off his device as they
marched through a market in the town, resident
Yusuf Abdullahi said.
"I heard a very heavy explosion as if it happened
in my room. It took place just 200 meters from
my house," he said. Another person carrying an
explosive that did not go off was arrested, he said.
Mohammed Gana, whose brother was killed in the
attack, said he counted 23 bodies at the scene.
Another Potiskum resident, Abubakar Saliu, said
soldiers started shooting immediately after the
explosion, but it was not clear who they fired at or
if anyone was hit by the gunfire.
Ashoura marks the death in battle more than 1,300
years ago of the Prophet Mohammad's grandson
Imam Hussein.
Boko Haram's five-year-old campaign for an
Islamic state, which has killed thousands, is seen as
the main security threat to Nigeria, Africa's biggest
economy and leading oil producer.
Omale said 26 of the Lokoja prison inmates freed

in the Kogi raid had been recaptured. He did not

comment on whether any of the escaped prisoners
were Boko Haram members.
QUESTIONS OVER "CEASEFIRE"
Nigeria's government announced last month that a
ceasefire had been agreed with Boko Haram and
that talks were underway in neighboring Chad for
the release of more than 200 Nigerian schoolgirls
abducted in April by the Islamist rebels.
But although mediator Chad has said the
negotiations are still on, a spate of recent attacks
across Nigeria's northeast by suspected Boko
Haram fighters has raised serious doubts about
whether a lasting peace pact can be achieved.
Prospects for this took another hit at the end
of last week when a man claiming to be Boko
Haram leader Abubakar Shekau said in a video
recording the kidnapped girls were "married off"
to his fighters, contradicting Nigerian government
statements that they would soon be freed.
Nigeria's military says it killed Shekau a year ago,
and authorities said in September they had killed an
impostor posing as him in videos.
President Goodluck Jonathan, who is seeking a
second term in elections in February, has faced
rising criticism at home and abroad for failing to
halt the Boko Haram insurgency and obtain the
release of the schoolgirls.
In a statement on Monday, Nigeria's opposition All
Progressives Congress (APC) accused Jonathan's
government of misleading the public over the
reported peace deal.
"The president has failed in his most scared duty,
protecting the safety and well being of Nigeria's
citizens," the APC party said.

the country, along with other

senior members of Compaore's
regime.
Compaore himself arrived in
neighboring Ivory Coast on
Saturday, the government there
said in a statement.

Later on Sunday, the army

opened fire after crowds
flocked to the state TV
headquarters in anticipation
of the announcement of a
new leader. One protestor was
killed.
Calm had returned on Monday
with banks reopening and
traffic began filling up the
dusty streets of the capital. An
overnight curfew remained in
place.
Zida's appointment marks the
seventh time that a military
officer had taken over as head
of state in Burkina Faso since it
won independence from France
in 1960. It was previously
known as Upper Volta.
Benewende Stanislas Sankara,
a member of the opposition
party UNIR/MS, expressed
concern at the army's role in
overseeing governance.
"Nobody can place their
confidence in the army. But the
military authorities in power
now appear to be acting in
good faith," he told Reuters.

S.AFRICA
FOOTBALLER'S
DEATH WAS
ROBBERY 'GONE
WRONG'

Johannesburg (AFP) he murder of a South

African
football
captain last week
was a "robbery gone
horribly wrong", investigators
said Monday, adding they were
searching for other suspects
involved in the crime.
Thirteen people have been
questioned and one person has
been arrested for the killing
of Senzo Meyiwa, a 27-yearold goalkeeper who played for
Bafana Bafana and top flight
team Orlando Pirates.
Lieutenant-General
Vineshkumar Moonoo told
journalists they were confident
that "the person we have
charged was involved in the
incident."
Twenty-five
year
old
Zenokuhle
Mbatha
was

arrested in Vosloorus, south

of Johannesburg, the same
township where Meyiwa was
gunned down by intruders
while visiting his pop-star
girlfriend.
Mbatha will make a second
court appearance on Tuesday
November 11.
Moonoo added that there were
"two people who were directly
involved in the accident."
The suspects made off with a
cell phone.
Police have offered a reward
of 250,000 rand ($23,000) for
any information leading to his
killer's arrest and conviction of
the two suspects.
Local media reported that
Meyiwa's family have hired
private investigators to conduct
a parallel probe of the death.

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Frontpage

Sports

RONALDO MARVELS ON MERSEYSIDE TO WIN

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GOAL OF THE WEEK

Page 11

SPORTS

VAN PERSIE LINKED WITH

SHOCK OLD TRAFFORD EXIT

obin van Persie

could be set for an
Old Trafford exit
with the Manchester
United star linked to a shock
club
Manchester United striker Robin
van Persie has been linked
with a shock move to Turkey
following a woeful start to the
new campaign, reports Turkish
publication Fanatik.
Fenerbahce
are
allegedly
looking to bring the former
Arsenal man to Turkey in the
near future, with the presence of
former international teammate
Dirk Kuyt thought to be an
appealing factor.
Having enjoyed an outstanding
first season with United, van
Persie has since struggled for
form and been plagued by
niggling injuries.

BUSQUETS: DON'T COMPARE

BARCA WITH REAL MADRID

eal Madrid star Cristiano

Ronaldos superb strike against
Liverpool has been named
the UEFA Champions League
Goal of the Week, presented by Nissan,
for Matchday Three.

The Portuguese forward ran on to James

Rodriguezs deftly chipped pass and lifted
a brilliant first-time shot over Simon
Mignolet to put the competition holders
ahead at Anfield.
Ronaldo is in sensational form and has

now scored 70 UEFA Champions League

goals, trailing all-time top goalscorer Raul
by just one.
Carlo Ancelottis team went on to record
an impressive 3-0 victory over Liverpool,
with Karim Benzema scoring twice to put

Madrid in pole position in Group B.

Brendan Rodgers Reds are level on three
points with Basel and Ludogorets ahead
of their trip to the Spanish capital for the
reverse fixture on Tuesday of Matchday
Four.

ergio
Busquets
concedes Barcelona
have had a bad week
but refused to be
drawn on comparisons with allconquering Real Madrid.
Barca have dropped from first
to fourth in La Liga following
back-to-back defeats to Madrid
and, more surprisingly, Celta
Vigo.
In contrast, new leaders Madrid
have won 11 consecutive
games in all competitions and
appear in great shape ahead of
the return of the Champions
League this week.
Midfielder Busquets said: This
has been a bad week with bad
results and we need to change it
as soon as possible. We need to
think about it and were going
to work hard for the results.
One week ago we were the
leaders of the competition and
now were not but the season
is long and hopefully we can
change that.

OSCAR: FABREGAS HAS TAKEN CHELSEA TO ANOTHER LEVEL

scar insists summer

signing
Cesc
Fabregas has taken
Chelsea to another
level this season with his
"beautiful passes".
The Blues finished third in the
Premier League last term but
have made an undefeated start to
the current campaign and sit four
point clear at the top of the table
after 10 games.
Oscar played an integral role in
Chelsea's latest victory, netting
the opener in Saturday's 2-1
defeat of QPR courtesy of a
sublime finish with the outside
of his right foot.
However, the Brazil international
was reluctant to take too much
credit for his sublime goal,
preferring instead to heap praise
on Fabregas, who had provided
the assist.
"Cesc gave a beautiful pass to
me," Oscar told Chelsea TV.
"It was perfect for shooting and
when the ball came I decided
now, I need to shoot.
"I dont know if it is my best goal
- I need to see it again - but it was
a nice goal.
"But Cesc helps the team so much
and not just with the assists. In a
game, he helps everyone, with
beautiful passes like the one for
me in this game.
"He has come in this year and
played so well and I like playing
together with him.
"Last year the team was strong

JAGIELKA BACKS BARKLEY TO COPE

WITH INCREASED ATTENTION

but this year the team plays so

well and plays every game to
win, and this is important for us."
Eden Hazard ultimately decided
the game in Chelsea's favour by
winning and then converting a
penalty with 15 minutes to go,
but the Belgium international
conceded that it was Oscar who

had provided the afternoon's

most memorable moment.
"Sometimes this guy can score
a beautiful goal the free-kick
against Crystal Palace, this
one against QPR," the Belgian
enthused. "He is a very good
player and his shooting is very
good.

"The game was really difficult,

QPR
played
very
well
defensively and they had a
chance and scored a goal, but
after we could come back into
the game and win.
"The most important thing was
to take three points. Sometimes
you cannot play well but we stay

top of the league."

Chelsea face Maribor in the
Champions League in midweek
before resuming their Premier
League title push with a trip
to Liverpool next Saturday
afternoon.

verton captain Phil

Jagielka has backed
Ross Barkley to learn
to deal with the extra
attention he is receiving from
opposition defenders.
Barkley rose to prominence after
an impressive season at Goodison
Park and his form earned him a
place in England's World Cup
squad, leading to interest from
Chelsea and Manchester City.

FrontPage
www.frontpageafricaonline.com

Sports

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2014

VOL 8 NO.713

AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS

'WILL NOT BE
POSTPONED'

Rabat (AFP) he Africa Cup of Nations, due to be

held from January 17 to February 8,
will not be postponed because of the
Ebola epidemic, an African football
official said Monday.
Hosts Morocco have called for the tournament
to be pushed back because of fears that an influx
of several hundred thousand supporters could
spread the virus which has killed more than
4,950 people in west Africa.
But Confederation of African Football (CAF)
media director Junior Binyam said there would
be no postponement after meeting with Moroccan

officials.
"CAF confirms the dates of the tournament,"
Binyam said, adding that a second meeting was
slated for November 11 at the confederation's
Cairo headquarters to "take the necessary
decisions".
Morocco now have until November 8 to officially
respond to CAF, Moroccan football federation
spokesman Mohamed Makrouf said.
The options are either Morocco hosting the
tournament as planned, holding the tournament
in another country, or cancelling it, he said.
"Any change of dates would be to the detriment
of the CAF calendar, which must follow FIFA's

international calendar," Binyam insisted.

The Ebola epidemic first impacted the Cup of
Nations last August when Seychelles forfeited
a qualifying tie rather than host a return match
against Sierra Leone.
As the death toll mounted dramatically in Sierra
Leone and Guinea, CAF barred both countries
from hosting group games.
Morocco agreed to accommodate Guinea, but
Sierra Leone could not secure a neutral venue
and have had to play home fixtures away at
opponents Democratic Republic of Congo and
Cameroon.
Not being able to perform before their supporters

PRICE L$40
had an inevitable negative effect on
results and Guinea and Sierra Leone
are bottom of their four-team groups
with two rounds left.
Should Sierra Leone lose in Ivory
Coast on November 14 and Guinea
in Togo a day later, both will be
eliminated from the qualifying race.
- Growing popularity The first Cup of Nations took place 57
years ago in Sudan and only featured
the hosts, Ethiopia and winners
Egypt, but its popularity grew rapidly
with qualifying introduced ahead of
the 1968 tournament.
When Cameroon 800-metre athlete
Issa Hayatou was elected CAF
president in 1988, he inherited an
eight-team tournament, but he set
about expanding it.
There were 12 teams by 1992 and the
number was supposed to rise to 16 in
South Africa four years later.
But strained political relations
between the host nation and Nigeria
over the execution of activist Ken
Saro-Wiwa meant the defending
champions did not compete.
The other Cup of Nations that went
ahead one team short was that
hosted by Angola in 2010 with Togo
withdrawing after an official and
a footballer were gunned down by
separatists in an ambush in Angola's
Cabinda province.
Togo were crossing the border
into northern Angola by road after
training in Congo Brazzaville when
tragedy struck, creating the darkest
day in Cup of Nations history.
As the African football showcase
expanded into a tournament attracting
a global TV audience, so did its
appeal to marketing companies.
A $5.5 million (4.4 million euros)
TV and marketing rights deal per
tournament before 2010 more than
doubled to the current $11.7 million
(9.4 million euros) price tag.

VISIT UNCLE ZEH'S LAUNDRY & DRY CLEANING SERVICE ON CROWN

HILL, BROAD STREET WHERE THE CUSTOMER COMES FIRST

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