Following recent ultimatum and protest by traditional leaders of Lofa over the certification of their Senator-elect, the head of Traditional Council of Liberia has urged the Government through the Judiciary to pardon Brownie Samukai and proceed with his certification.
December 8, 2021 will make it one year since Samukai won the Lofa County Senatorial election but his certification has been on hold due to a court order due to his conviction for misappropriation of pension money for personnel of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL).
The Liberia Traditional Chief says he believes that President Dr. George Manneh Weah in his capacity has legal authority to order the certification of the Senator-elect.
Chief Karwor made the disclosure over the weekend when he addressed scores of journalists at the National Traditional Council Headquarters in Monrovia.
Chief Karwor’s assertion comes following threatening action from supporters of Samukai including traditional leaders of Lofa, through the display of different Country Devils, thereby blocking the movement of major pathways in Lofa.
However, Chief Karwor stated that he will assemble all traditional leaders to address issues relating to the Lofa County Senator-elect matter, as well as reaching out to President Weah as a single body to resolve the matter.
In furtherance, the Traditional head said plans are being worked on for an urgent meeting to be held in Gbarnga, Bong County, among traditional leaders in seeking proper redress to the dispute.
In maintaining peace and avoiding contradictions in duties, Chief Karwor stressed the need for sustainable peace and called on his fellow traditional leaders to work toward their various traditional duties and avoid contradicting their workings.
At the same time, the Traditional Chief called in the National Election Commission (NEC) to consider ‘Police Clearance’ as requirement for individuals wanting to occupy electoral positions through the commission.
“I advise the NEC and Supreme Court, anybody who wants to register, they must check the person’s records; the person much go to the police to bring clearance…” Chief Karwor said.
The Traditional Chief added that Police Clearance should be a primary and mandatory requirement for individuals with interest in contesting as Representative or Senator.
“The Election Commission, we don’t want problem we want togetherness here; when anybody registers for election to take part in representative or to take part in senator, please tell the person to go for Police Clearance,” he emphasized.
He believes the inclusion of police clearance as requirement will enable the election commission understand the legal standpoint of said candidate, and also enable them to have a clear understanding of individuals’ legal records.
He vowed to make an appeal to government for allocation of funds that will enable him reach out to his indigenous people, in having them educated on focusing on their traditional and cultural responsibilities and abstain from politics.
Chief Karwor also admonished traditional leaders and officials to remain calm and deviate from the display of devils as a means of raising concerns and making demands.
Relatedly, Traditional leaders in Lofa have also warned of unspecified actions if the Senator Elect is not certificated. Courtesy: Women TV
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