The stipendiary Magisterial of Bong Mines, Magisterial Eddie B. Whyne has been inducted into office by Chief Justice Johnnie N. Lewis on behalf of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. The ceremony took place at the Bong Mines Magisterial Court in Bong Mines, Bong County on Monday, September 29.
Magisterial Whyne was appointed recently as Magistrate of the Bong Mines Magisterial Court by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, in accordance with section 7.5 of the Judiciary Law of Liberia.
According to Chief Justice Johnnie Lewis, “a magistrate must take an oath of office before starting to function” as such.
In his induction speech Magistrate Whyne thanked the Chief Justice for inducting him into office and assured President Sirleaf through the Chief Justice, that the confidence reposed in him “will be exercises to the best of her expectation”.
He also appealed to citizens of Bong Mines, who turned out to witness the occasion, to channel their grievances through the court and not result to violence as a way of seeking justice, adding that when cases are brought before him, they will be handled in a timely manner, and without fear or favor.
Making remarks during the ceremony, Chief Justice Johnnie Lewis addressed several concerns of the citizens of Bong Mines regarding the administration of the judiciary.
In a rather friendly and interactive manner, Chief Justice Lewis noted that it is true that people did get justice when they came to courts in the past and that there is still much needed to be done in improving the judicial system, however he averred that it would require the citizens’ participation in order to make the judiciary work in the manner it should.
The Chief Justice also indicated that his problem with citizens is that instead of writing him when they notice problems with the system or the conduct of a magistrate or judge, they choose to in the streets to discuss, adding that if people don’t write him to complain he would not know what is going on in the lower courts.
He also used the occasion to caution judges and magistrates against taking bribes, and compromising criminal cases. Placing much emphasis on rape cases, Chief Justice Lewis said that any family who attempts to compromise a criminal case should be indicted and prosecuted.
Blamoh Nelson Urges Liberian Journalists
By Sallu Swaray
Members of the Press Union of Liberia yesterday observed the 44th anniversary of the union with a call for them (journalists) to be good and honest journalists.
Senator Blamo Nelson of Grand Kru County told Liberian journalists that it is rewarding to be good and honest professional in the discharge of their duty, in order to win the admiration and support of the public.
Speaking at the Auditorium of the University of Liberia during the special edition of the Wilmot Blyden Forum, he said journalists’ pens must be controlled by the highest order of dignity and professionalism, as the profession they have chosen is good and noble.
Focusing on the theme “The Media and the TRC: Healing the Divide,” the Grand Kru Senator said the profession is an honorable calling which journalists must not abuse, because it is a privilege God has bestowed upon them.
He said considering the nobility and the highest order of the journalism profession, it is not good for their writings to be driven by selfishness.
“Journalists must be moderate in their desire for money because its influence can be extremely corrosive on their character. In editorial room, journalist will choose headlines carefully but otherwise their media will be a tabloid without much respect in the society,” Senator Nelson told journalists
The Grand Kru County Junior senator told language is a significant spice for journalism as a communication, as such journalists need to use befitting language for decent people.
According to him, the level of language a journalists gives him the opportunity of getting good reputation and places him amongst the kings, queens and presidents.
The renowned Liberian politician advised journalist against using or writing obstanity or profanity. Senator Nelson said “you must have nothing to do with those who seek to destroy others in your media. But if you allow them to pollute and corrupt your work, God will punish you.”
Lawmakers Don’t Deserve Mittal’s Cars
By J. Nathaniel Daygbor
An official of the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf-led government has discredited the donation of 100 vehicles to members of the National Legislature by ArcelorMittal, a giant steel company.
Dr. Marcus Dahn, Deputy Minister of Post and Telecommunications said lawmakers do not deserve the donation as they will not serve the purpose for which they were given.
The company provided the vehicles sometimes as a result of an appeal by President Ellen Johnson.
Dr. Dahn said that it was regrettable for the first Branch of Government to give 94 brand new pickups to the Legislature, when they should have been given to local government authorities such as county attorneys, judges, magistrates, the police and immigration officers, commissioners amongst others.
Speaking to The Analyst recently in Monrovia, Dr. Dahn said government officials assigned in the leeward counties are experiencing difficulties in discharging their respective duties due to the lack vehicles.
According to him, police officers and other officials walk long miles to effectively execute their functions, noting that that makes their jobs very hard to under take.
Dr. Dahn, a former vice presidential candidate of the Alliance for Peace and Democracy (APD) giving the vehicles to the lawmakers was a wrong decision because they already have cars and that their salaries and allowances can afford them as many cars they need.
“Why give cars to those who already have and can get it any time. I think the government should have given the cars to officials whose salaries can’t afford them vehicles,” he said.
Dr. Dahn, who is lecturing at the Ibrahim Banbagida School of International Studies at the University of Liberia, termed the donation of the cars to lawmakers as a waste, because they (lawmakers) are not even willing to engage in agricultural activities.
According to him, giving the cars to those who do not have would have been more useful and even boost the image of government, as compared to giving them to those who have surplus.
At the same time, Dr. Dahn has appealed to authorities of the Ministry of National Defense to find an amicable solution to the problem with the disrobed soldiers of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL).
He indicated that disrobing of 16 trained soldiers is likely to cause security problem for the state. Apart from appealing to defense authorities, he hoped that the Commander-In-Chief, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf would speedily intervene into the matter so that it does not escalate.
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