The Bureau of Public Affairs

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Monrovia, Liberia

DAILY NEWS SUMMARY FOR WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2017

News concerning President Sirleaf’s farewell address at the opening of the October Term of the Supreme Court is the lone story dominating today’s edition of our summary of the local dailies.

The summary also includes the presentation of credentials by H.E. Ibrahim Mbaba Kamara of the African Union and Mrs. Helene Cave, Head of Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Liberia.

DOMINANT STORY

‘I Took Political Bullets for You’ – Prez. Sirleaf

According to the Daily Observer, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf on Monday delivered her farewell address during the opening of the October 2017 Term of the Supreme Court, saying that she allowed herself to take what she considered as “political bullets.” Although she did not give further explanation about what she described as “political bullets” she informed her audience “I took the bullets for many of you in this room; and I did so, in the interest of peace.” Besides, the President cautioned the justices of the Supreme Court to do everything possible to make the country take pride in their judgments whenever they are confronted with electoral related matters. She told the Supreme Court judges that it is only by delivering a transparent and fair justice that the country can sustain its democracy.

Related Captions: “I Took The Political Bullets”…Ellen Asserts (The INQUIRER), Ellen: I Took The Political Bullets In The Interest Of Peace (Heritage), In Cases That May Arise From Tuesday Elections: EJS Urges Supreme Court To Fairly Dispense Justice (INSIGHT). The INQUIRER newspaper reports under the caption “Chief Justice Reminds Legislature” that the Chief Justice of the Republic of Liberia, Francis S. Korkpor Sr. has warned the House of Legislature that, Article 73 of the constitution of Liberia in support of Article 66 is clear on its face that no judicial official shall be summoned, arrested, detained, prosecuted or tried civilly or criminally by any person or authority because of judicial opinions rendered or expressed among other things. The daily says the Chief Justice gave the warning when he delivered his speech on Monday, October 9the at the Temple of Justice where President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf paid her last visit as President of Liberia. Justice Korkpor said despite the clear, cogent and mandatory language of the constitutional provision quotes above, which prohibits judicial officials from being summoned on account of judicial opinion rendered some member of the House of Representatives made an attempt to impeach three members of the Supreme Court. He pointed out that the action was in clear violation of Article 3, 66 and 73 which guarantee and protect the independence of the judiciary.

OTHER STORIES

President Sirleaf Receives Letters of Credence from EU, AU Ambassadors…Receives ECOWAS Election Monitoring Group Led by Former President John Mahama

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has received the Letters of Credence of the Ambassadors of African Union and European Union to the Republic of Liberia, H.E. Ibrahim Mbaba Kamara of the African Union and Mrs. Helene Cave, Head of Delegation of the European Union respectively. Quoting an Executive Mansion release, the INSIGHT newspaper said the Liberian leader spoke during separate ceremonies in the Cabinet Room of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday, October 06, 2017. She recalled the long and friendly ties between the two institutions that have strengthened Liberia in many ways and promoted closer cooperation in the areas of trade investment, agriculture, security, education, roads, capacity development among others; reflecting on her position as Chairperson of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government and AU and ECOWAS significant role played in strengthening Liberia’s democracy among others. She among others things expressed thanks and appreciation to the African Union and ECOWAS for their outstanding and positive role played in the fight against the deadly Ebola virus, which she described as “Great sacrifice” for Liberia. Both Ambassadors Kamara and Cave said they were aware of Liberia’s situation including the deadly Ebola virus disease and other challenges that slowed the gains Liberia made; highlighting the consideration of big investment for Africa that will boast development among others. 

SRSG, Chambas, Mahama, Others Visit WSR-Liberia…As Women Engage In Real Time Resolution Of Incidents

According to the INQUIRER newspaper, several high profile national and international personalities Tuesday visited the women’s Situation Room situated at the newly constructed TM Mail in Mamba Point in Monrovia to support the mechanism put in place by women of Liberia to mitigate incidents that have the propensity to create chaos during the elections.  The daily named some of the high profile visitors to the WSR as Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chamba, Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa UNOWA based in Dakar, Senegal, H.E. Farid Zarif, Special Representation of Secretary General of the United Nations and the former President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, Madam Ingrin Boli of the Norwegian Embassy and representatives of the Mano River Women Peace Network across the region.

Unity Party Boakai, CDC Weah Cast Vote in Same District

Both Vice President Joseph Boakai of the Unity Party and soccer legend George Weah of the Coalition for Democratic Change voted in the same district but at separate polling centers in Rehab Community, outside Monrovia. Vice President Boakai voted at Kathleen McGuire Catholic School while Senator Weah voted at the Kendaja Elementary School. Vice President Boakai’s expressed satisfaction over the turnout and said it was a good sign that Liberians are ready to decide their next leader. After casting his ballots, Ambassador Boakai said he is willing to accept any result that comes out of the election and respect the decision of Liberians. He called a continuous peaceful process. Senator Weah told reporters of the Keneja Elementary School that he looks forward to a successful Liberia where the voices of the people would be heard and where ordinary Liberians would be given the opportunity to decide their own future.

Related Caption: Weah & Boakai Vow Victory…Call Tuesday Polls Peaceful And Encouraging (INSIGHT)

Presidential Candidate Cooper To Quit Politics, If She Loses Election

According to the FrontPage Africa newspaper, the Standard Bearer of the Liberia Restoration Party Macdella Cooper says being the lone female in this year’s election says she would be done with politics if she does not win the presidency in this election. “I don’t plan to make a political career out of running, running, running,” she said after casting a ballot at the Mason School on the Old Road. According to Madam Cooper, she would rather support credible women and other viable candidates for various elected position in government.