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New Kru Town Borough Discusses Issues with President Johnson Sirleaf

Executive Mansion Press Release - Saturday, 18th October 2008


Monrovia, Liberia - President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, presiding over a citizens’ meeting Saturday in New Kru Town, has called for an audit of the administration of the borough. The decision by the President follows allegations of corruption by some residents of the borough, represented by the area’s 8th Nominating District.

In a statement read by the Secretary-General of the group, Mr. Henry Nagbe, the district, among other complaints, accused New Kru Town Governor Richard Tobii of mismanaging local taxes collected for the development of the borough.  The 8th Nominating District representative also accused Governor Tobii of unilaterally selling public land and converting proceeds for his personal use. Mr. Nagbe, who exhibited several documents to back his claim, also accused the Governor of lack of transparency in the budget preparation process.

The 8th Nominating District, which provides oversight responsibility in the running of the affairs of the borough, said it had no confidence in the leadership of Governor Tobii and was withdrawing the nomination it made to the President recommending his appointment.

In response, Governor Tobii denied the allegations and said he was prepared to face an audit to exonerate his administration of the allegations. He defended his actions as governor of the borough, saying they were in line with his authority.  The New Kru Town governor accused the 8th Nominating District representatives of lack of cooperation in the administration of the affairs of the borough despite attempts to have them involved.  Governor Tobii said his administration was working in the interest of the residents of New Kru Town, displaying a bank book, bearing an account for the borough, the first ever opened on behalf of the borough.

Meanwhile, President Johnson Sirleaf has assured the residents of New Kru Town that there will be a careful review of the matter to determine whether there have been irregularities in the administration of the affairs of the borough. Anyone who misuses public funds, the Liberian leader warned, must be held accountable. “We want to have an opportunity to look at the charges; if they are substantive, action will be taken in accordance with the law,” continued the President.

The Liberian leader spoke of the need for residents of New Kru Town to work together to promote national development. The President regretted that despite the willingness by Government, backed by some international partners to construct a school, land is yet to be provided for the project.  The Preesident said she was interested in working with the people of the area. The President emphasized that she wanted part of her legacy to be leaving “New Kru Town better than I met it.” The Liberian leader then urged residents of New Kru Town to reach out to other ethnic groups residing in the borough, reminding them that there is value in ethnic tolerance.

A representative of the borough, Representative Edward Forh, who was also present at Saturday’s meeting, dismissed speculations of a rift between his office and that of Governor Tobii. He said his concern has been to ensure that resources allocated for the borough are used to benefit the people of the area.

Internal Affairs Minister, Mr. Ambulai Johnson, who moderated the meeting, thanked the President and residents for the frank exchange of views on progress of the borough. Minister Johnson said he was hopeful that a solution would be found for the bourough’s problems.