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NEWS EXTRA News Extra
VOL 8 NO.608
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2014
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S
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CENTRAL BANK OF LIBERIA
MARKET BUYING AND SELLING RATES
LIBERIAN DOLLARS PER US DOLLAR
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.
Source: Research, Policy and Planning Department, Central Bank Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia
TUESDAY, MAY27, 2014 L$84.00/US$1 L$85.00/US$1
BUYING SELLING
L$86.00/US$1 L$87.00/US$1
L$88.00/US$1 L$87.00/US$1
MONDAY, JUNE 2, 2014
TUESDAY, JUNE 3, 2014
News Extra pg. 6
CHINESE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY UNDER DARK CLOUD
OF NONPAYMENT OF TARIFFS, IMPORT DUTIES IN LIBERIA

CHICO IN TAX
EVASION?
As per d agreement signed with d World Bank for its sponsored projects, contractors r exempt from
duty on certain imports including fuel. This is Govt of Liberia contribution to these projects.
Deputy Finance Minister for Revenue, James Kollie via text message confrmed that the Government of
Liberia granted CHICO waiver on fuel and other imports without stating the other imports.
WE INHERITED
NIGHTMARE
DIASPORA News Extra
Lawmaker or Vai Town Residents
Who built Public Latrine Directly
over Du-River
L$5 TO
PUPU
GOOD LIFE
FOR CITY
The Albany Community in America
welcomes the President of Liberia
Public works minister slams
employees
NO EVIDENCE OF
CRIMINAL ACTIONS
AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL OF LIBERIA
ADDRESSES SEX ABUSE
INCIDENT ALLEGATION

Page 2 |
Frontpage
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Monrovia -
F
ootball legend George Manneh Weah is speaking
out publicly for the frst time since the Sunday
Times of London unleashed a string of E-Mail
Correspondence between Weah, his long-time
friend, Lenn Eugene Nagbe and Mohammed Bin Hammams
assistant, which revealed that the Ballon d'Or winner
requested $US50 000 in exchange for their support toward
Qatars bid to host the 2022 World Cup.
Bin Hammam was banned by FIFA in 2012 for life for
violating its ethics code with alleged conficts of interest
during his time as Asian Football Confederation president
and as a member of the FIFA executive committee. Weah, 47,
who played for teams including AC Milan and Paris Saint-
Germain, now sits on FIFAs Football Committee.
Bloomberg News reported Tuesday that Weah, in a telephone
interview acknowledged that he was questioned by a FIFA
Panel regarding the scandal.
The 1995 world soccer player of the year, told Bloomberg
that he was questioned as many as fve times by a team
investigating allegations of corruption in bidding to hold the
World Cup.
The Sunday Times reported Sunday that bin Hammam, a
Qatari, helped infuence the votes by distributing millions of
dollars to some soccer offcials. Qatar won a vote to hold the
2022 World Cup, with Russia hosting 2018.
Weah disclosed that the team of Michael Garcia, a former
U.S. federal prosecutor who is spearheading the FIFA probe
into the voting on the 2018 and 2022 host countries, team
asked him about the 2010 e-mail published by the Sunday
Times. In the email, Weah sent his Bank of America account
number in Pembroke Pines, Florida, to the assistant of Bin
Hammam, who was then on FIFAs executive committee.
Weah, who has homes in Florida and his native Liberia, told
Bloomberg News that he frst met Bin Hammam in Paris in
1998. Bin Hammam was a father fgure to him, and any
interaction with him had been personal and not related to
Qatars bid, Weah said by phone.
Added Weah: I have a constitutional right to talk about
anything outside football with him, Weah said. He has been
a special friend. He declined to discuss why he might have
sent Bin Hammam his bank details.
30,000 for Weahs School
The Mail reported Tuesday that bin Hamman dished out
30,000 for school. Weah graduated from DeVry University
in Florida with a degree in Business Management in 2011. In
2013 he followed up with a Masters degree in Management
from the Keller Graduate School of Management, Devry
University.
Weah said the FIFA investigators taped an interview with him
in New York last year and spoke to him two, three, four,
fve times in total. The investigators said yesterday they will
submit a report in about seven weeks.
In one of the published emails, Nagbe writes: "George has
repeatedly spoken of his support for our future plans in world
football and we all look forward to your power." "However,
it will require a total of 50 000 to secure the election results,"
explained Nagbe.
The Italian Sports Daily, the Express reported Tuesday that
the payment to Weah was to ensure that Weah, would press
for the re-election of Izetta Wesley as president of Liberia
Football Association. Wesley also had she accepted money
from Bin Hammam - and the bribe to Weah ensured that the
voice of Liberia was retained within Fifa.
The Sunday Times which frst broke the story reports that
Qatar bribed their way into winning the bid to host the World
Cup in 2022 by paying millions of dollars to various countries'
representatives - in exchange for a vote for Qatar with Weah
reportedly being one of the recipients. The following month
had the same amount has been transferred to Weah's private
bank account, according to the report.
The revelation has prompted calls for FIFA to open a new
round of bidding and disqualify Qatar.
Jim Boyce, FIFA vice president has told the BBC that he
would not have a problem with a new poll for the World Cup
2022. Qatar won the vote in the battle with the U.S., South
Korea, Japan and Australia.
Weahs acknowledgement comes on the same day another
football great, Michel Platini slammed a London Telegraph
report linking him to the scandal as "unfounded rumors
which aim at tarnishing my image." "I fnd it astonishing that
conversations with a fellow member of the FIFA Executive
Committee could suddenly be transformed into a matter of
state," Platini said in the letter released by UEFA.
Platini said he "obviously" met Bin Hammam, a longtime
FIFA colleague and fellow soccer confederation leader,
"on many occasions in 2010." "During those conversations
with Mr. Bin Hammam, the topic of the discussions was my
potential candidature for the FIFA presidency," Platini wrote.
"Mr. Bin Hammam was indeed trying to convince me to
become a candidate for the 2011 FIFA presidential elections."
Platini voted for both winners, Russia and Qatar, though
reportedly under pressure from France's then state president,
Nicloas Sarkozy, to back the gas-rich emirate, according to
various media reports.
48,000 for Kalusha Bwalya
"I wish to reiterate that I am the only member of the FIFA
Executive Committee who publicly stated for which bid I
have voted - proof of my full transparency," Platini wrote on
Tuesday, "and that no one ever dictates terms or conditions
to me."
After Qatar was chosen by FIFA's board as World Cup host,
Bin Hammam tried to unseat Sepp Blatter as head of soccer's
governing body. Bin Hammam's stated aim to seek a deal
with Platini for European votes was widely reported in March
2011.
Days before polling in June 2011, Bin Hammam withdrew as
FIFA prepared to suspend him for allegedly bribing Caribbean
voters. Blatter was re-elected unopposed.
Bin Hammam survived that scandal at the Court of Arbitration
for Sport, then resigned from soccer as FIFA investigated a
forensic audit of Asian Football Confederation accounts.
Kalusha Bwalya, the former Africa football great currently
the Zambian FA president also received 48,000 for the
association and his personal expenditure.
SEE page 3
~ FIFA SCANDAL UNRAVELS ~
Frontpage
Wednesday, June 4, 2014 Page 3
A
ccording to the "Sunday Times", Qatari Mohamed
Bin Hammam, a former member of the Executive
Committee of FIFA, has made signifcant pots of
wine to the leaders of African football to ensure
their support for the organization the 2022 World Cup. "Jeune
Afrique" noted for you the main African personalities involved
in this vast corruption case.
The investigation of the Sunday Times on the award of the
2022 Qatar World is a bomb for African football. According
to the British newspaper, the gas rich emirate has paid bribes,
kickbacks in virtually all of the leaders of African federations
to win their support for the organization of the biggest sporting
event on the planet.
For over two years, from June 2008 to December 2010, the
senior Qatari Mohamed Bin Hammam have distributed
hundreds of thousands of dollars to the rulers of continental
football. Objective: to rally his country's bid to host the
2022 World Cup The. Sunday Times says be in possession
of thousands of emails and other documents alleged money
payments. A frst series, published on the newspaper's website,
includes African names known to football fans property: Issa
Hayatou , Jacques Anouma, and George Weah.
According to the London newspaper, Bin Hammam, who was
a member of the Executive Committee of FIFA and President
of the Asian Confederation, was using slush funds to fnance
its circuit corruption. These large sums of money were directly
discounts, cash or bank transfer, the leaders of the African
federations. They could also be used to travel all expenses paid
in Malaysia or fnancing caricatives evenings on the continent.
Jeune Afrique read the investigation of his British colleagues
carefully. Here is a summary of the main personalities of
African football mentioned in this vast corruption scandal
Qatar.
Anjorin Moucharafou

The former president of Benin Football Federation and member
of the executive committee of CAF would part with 24 other
African leaders, a frst trip all expenses paid, organized by
Bin Hammam in June 2008 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia .
According to the Sunday Times , about 200,000 dollars in cash
were distributed to the guests. At the end of the trip, the Qatari
lobbyist allegedly ordered his team to make a direct transfer to
Moucharafou and three other African delegates.
Lydia Nsekera
~ FIFA SCANDAL UNRAVELS ~
KEY AFRICANS INVOLVED IN FIFA SCANDAL
The former President of Burundi Federation and member of
the executive committee frst Fifa woman would in turn is part
of a second trip paid by Bin Hammam in Kuala Lumpur in
October 2008. Forty guests, all from the continent , have each
received fve thousand dollars upon arrival. They also found a
Nike bag flled with gifts in their fve-star hotel rooms.
General Seyi Memene
According to the Sunday Times , the Togolese General Seyi
Memene, Vice President of CAF, received a transfer of 22,400
dollars from Bin Hammam to fnance a pilgrimage to Mecca
with his wife in November 2008.
Seedy Kinteh

In June 2009, Seedy Kinteh, president of the Gambia Football
Association, participates in the annual conference of FIFA in
Nassau, Bahamas. Mohamed Bin Hammam is also present to
continue its business around the World Qatari seduction. The
Sunday Times says the Kinteh sent an email to Bin Hammam
after the Congress. "As we mentioned in the Bahamas, I really
need your new fraternal aid. Therefore I enclose you the
complete bank details that you can use for any bank." Ten days
later, the Gambia have sent a new email to his "friend" Qatar
to thank a transfer of 10,000 dollars. The British newspaper
also reports another transfer of $ 50,000, this time made from
the account of the daughter of Bin Hammam.
Said Belkhayat

Said Belkhayat, former Vice President of the Royal Moroccan
Football Federation have also benefted favors Bin Hammam.
The Sunday Times published an email exchange in which they
provide their personal bank details to Chirakal Najeeb, right
arm Bin Hamman. Neither the amount nor the purpose of the
expenditure is not specifed, however.
Issa Hayatou, Jacques Anouma and Amos Adamu

Issa Hayatou of Cameroon almighty CAF President , Jacques
Anouma, president of the Ivorian federation, and Amos Adamu,
the Nigerian federation were also the center of attention of
Mohamed Bin Hammam. And for good reason: these three
men were then members of the executive committee of FIFA
and must vote in December 2010, the organizer of the 2022
World Cup.
According to the Sunday Times , one of the frst contacts
between the three leaders and prominent Qatari lobbyist was
in December 2009 at a new all expenses paid trip involving 35
presidents of African federations in Doha, Qatar.
A few days before the arrival of Hayatou, Anouma and
Adamu in gas emirate three transfers of $ 400 000 from the
fund "Fifa goal program" controlled by Bin Hammam, were
paid to Cameroonian associations, Ivory Coast and Nigeria.
Another transfer of 400,000 dollars have also been granted to
the Ivorian federation in 2010. After this experience of African
leaders in Doha, the Qatar bid committee announced early
January 2010 an exclusive agreement with a million dollars
sponsor the annual meeting of the CAF at the end of the month
in Angola.
In June 2010, Hayatou, Anouma and Adamu travel to South
Africa for the World Cup. This Johannesburg, Mohamed Bin
Hammam allegedly ordered his staff to pay the notes of his
guests. Thus qu'Hayatou have received sixty tickets for a total
of 3,800 dollars and nearly 10 thousand dollars were paid for
"dinner and the rooms of members of executive committee." In
the weeks that follow, Bin Hammam was then put the jet of the
Emir of Qatar available Hayatou, Anouma and Adamu to meet
privately in Doha and Cairo.
George Weah

"Mister George" is not the president of federation but is an
infuential fgure in African football. According to the British
newspaper, he also benefted from Qatari largesse. At the
annual convention of the CAF, in late January 2010, Angola,
the former Liberian striker would have sent an email to
Chirakal Najeeb, right arm Bin Hammam. "I write because
after our discussion, the Chair (Bin Hammam, Ed) told me
to send you my emergency contact information and my bank
account number." In early February, in another email exchange,
Chirakal assert that an amount of $ 50 000 was paid into the
personal account of Weah.







Page 4 |
Frontpage
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
N
ew Castle-Grand Bassa County senatorial hopeful,
Jucontee Thomas Woewiyu desire of returning to the
Liberian Senate for now remains a shattered dream.At
the moment, no one knows whether Mr. Woewiyu will
participate in the October 2014 midterm senatorial election, or not.
The former NPFL czar, who once represented Grand Bassa in the
Liberian Senate during the Charles Taylor administration, in March
of this year declared his intention to contest the election. Then,
he declared I want to be a Senator to perfect and complete the
decentralization of Grand Bassa County by ensuring that all political
sub-divisions of the County are covered by law and justice.
But recent legal matters unfolding in his life seem to suggest that
his plan for making a come-back in government as a legislator is
doomed. The likelihood of Mr. Woewiyu seeing day light again for
nowseems very slime. He risks lengthy, or life time imprisonment in a
US penitentiary if convicted of charges levied against him by federal
authority; 110 years, a $ 4 million fne, not more than three years
supervised release and a $ 1, 600 special assessment fee.
Since May 12, 2014, when special agents of the US Homeland
Security Investigations arrested him at the Newark Liberty
International Airport, Mr. Woewiyu remains incarcerated in the City
of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on immigration and felony charges.He
is serving an indefnite jail term and he is being held on 16 counts;
fraudulently attempting to obtain US citizenship-2 counts, fraud
in immigration documents-4 counts, false statements in relation to
naturalization-3 counts, and perjury-7 counts.
According to the indictment, Mr. Woewiyu is accused of lying about
his past with former President Charles G. Taylor, especially his role in
the disbanded National Patriotic Front of Liberia(NPFL).
On May 16, 2014, he appeared in court for a detention hearing and
arraignment. At the hearing, a US magistrate ordered the former NPFL
Defense Spokesman, 68, canned without bond while he awaits trial.
Then, US prosecutors contended, Mr. Woewiyu, the Liberian
politician and one time ally of the disgraced former President Charles
Taylor does not deserve a bill because he was a fight risk. Jucontee
Thomas Woewiyu has every reason to fee this country, they insisted.
US Citizenship Application
In 2006, he applied for US citizenship. According to federal authority,
the former NPFL guru in his application and subsequent interviews
conducted with immigration offcers under oath, tried to distance
himself from the notorious NPFL that he helped procreate.
Hes alleged to have denied his involvement with the Front. In the
application, Mr. Woewiyu, the man, who many in Grand Bassa County
consider an opinion leader, is reported to have also, disowned the
Association of Constitutional Democracy inLiberia (ACDL), a group
which he and several other Liberians, who resided in the US during
the 1980s and 90s reportedly formed for the violent overthrow of the
late President Samuel K. Doe government.
The indictment maintained defendant Woewiyu formed the ACDL;
he and other prominent Liberians including the former NPFL leader
and President Charles G. Ghankay Taylor funded the NPFL and the
Liberian civil uprising. Because of the reported inconsistencies noted
in the citizenship application about his role in the NPFL, Liberian
civil war, and his reported failure to disclose the 1970 New York State
conviction for falsifcation of business records, the US immigration
authority denied his application in 2009.At the time, the US
immigration authority noted defendant Woewiyu could not be granted
US citizenship because he was reportedly not a person of Good
moral character.However, his lawyer, Ray Basso, says Mr. Woewiyu
did not take part in any atrocities, according to media reports.
NPFL Link
Before 1994, the man, Jucontee Thomas Woewiyu was a towering
fgure in the disbanded NPFL. Mr. Woewiyu also, known as Jucontee
Thomas Smith was a powerful man; he was the NPFL ragtag rebel
army Defense Spokesman.
In the tiny West African country, Liberia and the world over, the
name Jucontee Thomas Woewiyu was iconic; it resonated with
many including the international media for terror and atrocities. It
was synonymous to the initials, NPFL, the rebel group that became
notorious for forcing girls into sex slavery and the conscription of
boys to become child soldiers.
They reportedly persecuted the Krahns, Mandingoes, and others in
Liberia on fimsy accounts during their so-called peoples revolution
which commenced on December 24, 1989.Unconfrmed media
reports maintain that the civil war claimed more than 250 thousand
human lives and millions of dollars worth of properties.
As Defense Spokesman, Mr. Woewiyu, was a prominent character in
the execution of the NPFLs uprising against the late President Samuel
Does government. He was a confdante of the former President
Taylor. He was one of Mr. Taylors trusted aides. He and many of Mr.
Taylors former foot soldiers, who shuttled the world championing
the cause of the NPFL; the maiming and slaughtering of Liberians.
They were Mr. Taylors war heroes.
Tom, as he is known by many of his peers, was brash and ferocious
in advancing the former NPFLs war agenda at international peace
conferences held on Liberia. During the heydays of the Fronts
revolution, Mr. Woewiyu and his war cronies lived large while
majority of Liberians perished in villages, towns, cities, and refugee
camps. They lived inup-scale homes, accumulated material wealth
overnight, had regular meals, drove fashy cars, and sent their wives
and children abroad for education, medical treatment, and annual
vacations while scores of Liberians at home went scavenging through
debris and looted warehouses at the Free Port of Monrovia for rice
grains, Liberias staple just to survive the NPFLs onslaught on the
country.
NPFL-CRC
In 1994, Mr. Woewiyu severed tie with the NPFL and along with two
other NPFL dissident leaders reportedly gave birth to the splinter
NPFL Central Revolutionary Council (NPFL-CRC). The NPFL-CRC
reported recruited several NPFL fghters to go against Mr. Taylor
and his faction. In 1997, when Mr. Taylor was elected President,
Mr. Woewiyu mended fences with his former boss and became Mr.
Taylors Minister of Labor from 1997 to 1999.
Lying About Past
In March of this year, when Mr. Woewiyu offcially threw his hat
into the Mid-term Senatorial race for Grand Bassa County, he openly
boasted about his past with the NPFL and the heroic role he played
in the Liberian civil war. Then, he reportedly declared I owe no
apology to anyone for my involvement in the war, which was initially
an uprising against a brutal dictator.
But according to federal authority, in the year 2006, when the former
NPFL Defense Spokesman submitted a naturalization application
tothe US Citizenship and Information Service (USCIS) for American
citizenship, he reportedly shied away from the group and Mr. Taylor.
He declined to take ownership of his activities in the NPFL.
Second Big Fish
Jucontee is the second most powerful NPFL generals, or big fsh
to have fallen in the dragnet of the international community. The frst
was the disgraced former Liberian President Charles Taylor, who is
now serving a 50 year jail time in Britain for crimes against humanity.
In 2012, judges at the International Court in The Hague convicted
Mr. Taylor for aiding and abetting rebels of the Revolutionary
United Front (RUF) of Sierra Leone in the commission of human
rights violations. The former NPFL warlord was accused of giving
monetary and material support to the RUF in the destabilization of
Sierra Leone, a neighboring country of Liberia.
Life in US
Since January 13, 1972, defendant Woewiyu has had legal Permanent
Resident status in the U S, while intermittently serving in the NPFL
and the former President Taylor government. Prior to his arrest and
subsequent detention, he resided in Collingdale, Pennsylvania, and
invested in real estate. According to his immigration lawyer, Raymond
Basso, he has a son serving in the US military.
In 1981, he reportedly earned a bachelors degree in labor studies
from Rutgers University. He was pursuing a masters degree from
Pennsylvania State University before his arrest and imprisonment.
Lesson to Learn
Tom and his former NPFL boss Charles Taylor arrest and
incarcerations on different charges in the West, convey a common
message to all Liberians; EVIL DOES NOT LAST. The humiliation
suffered by Mr. Woewiyu and former President shows that the days
of former war lords in Liberia are numbered; their activities in and
outside Liberia are being monitored by the International Community
with an eagle eye.The western countries including the US are saying
to Liberians and peoples of the world that they have no room for the
accommodation of individuals, who looted Liberias coffers and sent
hundreds of Liberians to their early graves with impunity.
About the Author: Moses D. Sandy is a US based Liberian journalist
and a writer. In recent years, Mr. Sandy has penned several thought
provoking articles on corruption, bad governance, and social issues
obtaining in contemporary Liberia. He holds a Masters in Social
Work (MSW) from the prestigious Temple University located in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Hes currently, a social work manager.
TOM WOEWIYU: ANOTHER
NPFL PILLAR CRUMBLES
FrontPage
v
Commentary
EDITORIAL
GEORGE WEAH, A strange bedfellow in Liberian politics who
made a name on the political stage for the frst time in 2005 and
has since become a household name in Liberian politics along
with and his supporters are by now yarning for state power
hoping that a 2017 election without incumbent President Ellen
Johnson Sirleaf will lead to a smooth Weahs victory.
WEAHS SUPPORTERS CONTEND that he is the best choice
for the presidency because he is clean of corruption as even
many ordinary Liberians believe that only those who work in
government are corrupt and since Weah has never held a full
time government job, he is free of corruption and should be
trusted with the presidency.
THE CONGRESS FOR Democratic Change Vice Chairman
for Operations Mulbah Morlu recently inferred that the CDC
welcomes into the party individuals who do not have stains of
corruption.
WELCOMING DR. FODAY Kromah into the CDC, Morlu
described Kromah as a man who worked in a corrupt regime,
but was not involved in corrupt activities. This is a man that
spent his professional years serving in corrupt government, but
did not commit corruption.
OPPOSITION POLITICAL PARTIES including the CDC have
all used corruption as a tool against the current regime, promising
that when elected to state power, they will fght corruption.
FOR WEAH HIS supporters say he has no corruption in his
DNA and so can make the difference in Liberia when elected
president.
REVELATIONS ABOUT WEAHS alleged involvement in the
leaked report regarding the Qatar 2022 world cup bid have no
doubt tainted his image and could do so during the rest of his
political career.
THE FIFA SCANDAL is worldwide and an individual aspiring
for the highest offce of the country, the presidency in a country
noted for systematic corruption should be above the fray before
brining changes in the fght against corporation on the national
level.
EVEN PRESIDENT ELLEN Johnson Sirleaf who until
becoming President spoke against the same menace, has fallen
prey to it, failing to fght corruption head-on, therefore Weahs
purported involvement in the FIFA scandal strongly suggests
that he will make no difference in the fght against corruption on
home soil when elected President.
I WRITE BECAUSE after meeting with the President [bin
Hammam], he told me to pass on my contact and bank details
information to you urgently. An email communication from
George Weah to bin Hammam's assistant, Najeeb Chirakal
stated.
THE CIRCUMSTANCES SURROUNDING the Qatar scandal
present a different picture of the soccer legend as a scandal of
such international nature means, Weah is not free of corruption
and moving unto the Presidency provides another risky chance
for Liberia in fghting corruption.
FOR HIM, HIS entire career has been in football until 2005 when
he turned to politics so his alleged involvement in corruption in
football means Liberia can not be guaranteed a corruption free
country under the reign Weah as President.
WEAH AND HIS supporters are now compelled to fnd another
campaign tool other than clean record from corruption given
that using that fght corruption during campaign periods has paid
off as Madam Sirleaf used the fght against corruption as a major
component of her platform in 2005.
WEAH IS NO free man from the stain of corruption and must
now face the consequences of his alleged involvement in the
FIFA Qatar scandal.
COMMENTARY
FIFA QATAR
SCANDAL DENTS
SOCCER ICONS
IMAGE
CORRUPTION STAINS ON WEAH
Moses D. Sandy, mds66.sandy@aol.com/cell: 3024944688, Contributing Writer
Frontpage
Wednesday, June 4, 2014 Page 5
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DITORIAL TEAM
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING
ABOUT OUR STORIES ON THE
WORLDWIDE WEB
STOP PANDERING
AFL WIDOWS
The Reader's Page
SELTUE R KARWEAYE SR. TOP COMMENTER METRO
STATE 181 SUBSCRIBERS
Eugene's letter is very unethical and for such he need to be fred and so is
George Weah own letter and if these issues are exposed and proven than
both of them should lost their jobs in Liberia. These investigations will
exposed how these guys are bunch of crooks but until than I will adopt
wait and see as these issues are unfolded.
THOMAS KAYDOR ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR AFRO
ASIAN AFFAIRS AT GOL
I think there is even more yet to come out. We will see the true color of
this man and his associates.
PAUL NEWON TOP COMMENTER GOOGLE UNIVERSITY
1,345 SUBSCRIBERS
Maybe that is why we can't even qualify for Tomato Cup tournament...
maybe oh! the Gods of football are not happy with us... Those that even
believe that Weah sold Lone Star tickets to the World Cup will start to
wonder again... nothing happened yet...
PATRICK TARR TOP COMMENTER BEKWAI S.D.A.
SECONDARY SCHOOL
Corruption in Liberia only matters when the Sirleafs' are attached.
Issues like this one does not count.
BENEDICT YEKE HARLEYSON UNIVERSITY OF LIBERIA
This is saddened for a poor and under-developed country like Liberia.
There are too many fake so-called state offcials masquerading national
corridors like heroes and heroines. Their positive credentials and
competences are yet to be proven, but all they relish is rent-seeking at
every levels of national engagement - surprisingly they even rent-seek
at community levels as well as their very homes. Yet, we still see them
in national offces, representing Liberia at various summits - where their
contributions are very limited, not signifcant, and in most instances their
attendances are predicated upon huge DSAs. They are now building
extractive political institutions that will enable them become economic
elites...for Eugene, we see Youth & Sport craving for survival, while for
the soccer star (Weah), reconciliation is only about bringing soccer stars
together for footballing. Anyway, more to come while we await 2017 to
chat the next discourse of national frontline...
JOHN WILLIAMS TOP COMMENTER EASTERN
UNIVERSITY, ST. DAVIDS, PA
I think Weah has some explaining to do. I hope this investigation does not
tie him to any criminal activity. There are many Liberians who believe
that he "sold" Lone Star's decisive game to an inferior Ghana team,
after the Lone Star had beaten Ghana's frst team in Accra. That game
eventually paved the way for Nigeria to represent Africa at that year's
World Cup, a position that was within Liberia's reach until that fateful
defeat. I have always defended him against this accusation, always
arguing that he had sacrifced too much for Liberian football to have
done such a despicable thing. That's why I hope he can come out clean in
this investigation because anything otherwise may open a Pandora Box
on his entire lofty career, with consequences for his political journey.
EDWARD ROYE TOP COMMENTER LIBERIA COLLEGE
The question that remains is, did Eugene Nagbe need to comment on
any issue of international concern as a senior offcial of government?
Why can't these guys learn to ask question before responding to
international matter?. He could only answer any questions, should there
be a court order requesting him to appear and give his side of the story.
this is childish on his part. unfortunately, these are the people who want
to lead Liberia. i hope should there be changing of the cabinet, this guy
should be prime on the list to leave. let the big guys play their games out
there. Anyway, CDC would start to attack FPA and others, and begin to
politicize the issue the political music of this guy would stop in the US,
when he cannot justify his earnings and savings.
SIMEON SIMEON TRINITY UNITED METHODIST HIGH
SCHOOL
Amb. Weah has no explanation in this matter, Him only used his
contacts for an fnancial assistance from his friend to help his Sister for
the election that terms, So what's wrongs with that? Please understand
that Amb. Weah have no right to vote concerning any bid Qatar own, We
had many people in Liberia whom killed our Sister's and Brothers rape
our mother's as well they are your friends and with a great happiness
from you to them all,The is no negative issue about Amb Weah, Where
the negative issue is you found greatness there for now and are very
Happy with it's, I will only want you to know this again the is always
might powder in the blood of Jesus Christ,
E HERODOTUS PAYNE JR. CUTTINGTON UNIVERSITY,
LIBERIA
I always hope that in Liberia we stop being POLITICAL FANS and deal
consciously with issues affecting our political parties and individuals.
This is a very grave issue. I think the two individuals could do well if
they pursue a legal redress to the allegations against them. Otherwise,
no amount of mere political reactions would convince critical minds
that this story is absolutely untrue.
The Editor,
They can show their fat tires (sagging breasts) and
snow white pubic hair to the public, all they want, but
I have no pity for these AFL Widows! Why?
Because back in 2009/10, this was the same grievance
group (AFL Widows) that was given a series of "beneft
payments" by the Ministry of National Defense,
but now some of them are broke and claiming the
President promised to "address their plight if she is
elected for the second term".. (Re BUTT NAKED:
AFL WIDOWS STRIP AT CAPITOL TO DEMAND
BENEFITS")
Ok, fne...But instead of stripping at the capitol, why
can't they go to the person (President) who promised
to "address their plight" and protest in their birthday
suits??....
Or better yet, go to a bachelor's eve party at Rep. Edwin
Snowe house?? (hint: Rep. Snowe paid US$1,000 to
a lady for stripping butt naked at Patrick Honnah's
bachelor's eve party!)
But this is the kind of thing that happen when a
candidate(President), running for political offce, goes
out and pander to certain unhinged elements (grievance
group) of our society for their votes. If this grievance
group deserve "benefts payments", how about those
who lost their loved ones, personal belongings, etc
at the hands of the cut-and run government thugs
(AFL)??
Look. We all know that the civil war, one way or
another, had an adverse effect all Liberians. My
mother's house was ransacked by government thugs;
my sister and her family lost everything running from
rebels; and my youngest brother, Finnbarr Scott,
was brutally murdered by some of these goons in
government (senators and representatives)!
But overcoming adversity is something my mother
taught us and is one of the greatest source of pride in
our family. In 1967, while my dad was busy chasing
Kpelle girls in Gbalatuah (Bong County), the sea took
our house in West Point!
My mom moved us (three brothers and one sister) to a
ONE bed room, in my uncle's house on Randall Street,
until she got on her feet! Of course, those times were
tough, but tough time don't last, only tough people do.
My mom has always been the source of strength and
pride for our family!
Now back to these worthless women a.k.a AFL
Widows, who want to be fed and taken care of like
human livestock:
As the former American Ambassador (Dr. Linda
Greenfled) once said: "During the (war), every
Liberian suffered either directly or indirectly, and
so it is unfair and selfsh for any group of Liberians,
including the AFL widows, to think that they are the
only ones affected."
But as long as our politicians keep pandering to these
AFL Widows and other grievance groups (for their
votes), with promises of arbitrary dispensations (tax
dollars) from our national coffers, they will continue
to strip butt naked for their "benefts"!!
The best way to stop these people (AFL Widows) from
being butt naked in the public is arrest them for public
indecency!
Martin Scott
Atlanta, Georgia
martyretire@yahoo.com
"WEAH, NAGBE ENTANGLED
IN FIFA QATAR 2022
WORLD CUP SCANDAL"
Page 6 |
Frontpage
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
F
RONT
PAGE
NEWS EXTRA
Monrovia-
O
ne of the Chinese
construction
companies that has
been awarded major
road construction contracts in
Liberia CHICO is said to be
involved in evasion of taxes and
nonpayment of tariffs, imports
duties on road construction
equipment and fuel procured for
used by the company over the
years.
At a time when the Liberian
government is complaining
about lack of funds to contribute
to development amid continuous
budget shortfalls, the company
is said to be importing massive
equipment into the country
without paying taxes.
CHICO has signed several
construction contracts with the
Government of Liberia including
the Samuel K. Doe Boulevard
in Paynesville for emergency
repairs and rehabilitation of
approximately 3.1 miles road at a
cost of Four million fve hundred
sixty two thousand forty two
United States dollars and ffty
cents (US$4,562,242.50).
The Chinese company was
also awarded another contract
for the emergency repairs and
rehabilitation of the Clara
Town Road on Bushrod Island
consisting of approximately
1.56 kilometers at a cost of two
hundred thirty two thousand fve
hundred United States dollars
(US$2,232,500).
Other contracts awarded to
CHICO included the pavement
marking RIA and Tubman
Boulevard in Montserrado and
Margibi Counties at a cost of
Nine hundred twenty thousand,
four hundred twenty United
States dollars (US$ 920,420.00).
Chinese companies have
reportedly been awarded close
to a billion dollars in road
construction since the Ellen
Sirleaf government assumed
offce.
CHICO on the line for Tax
evasion
With such high dollar value
contracts awarded to CHICO over
the years, authoritative sources
have hinted to FrontPageAfrica
that the Chinese construction
company has over the period
evaded the payment of taxes on
fuel, construction equipment and
other materials imported into the
country.
CHICO according to
investigation used World Bank
equipment for some of the
projects and therefore did not
pay taxes on. These equipment
along with huge quantity of fuel
and other lubricants the company
has been purchasing and using
for construction works.
When contacted the company
Public Relations Manager,
Jacob Smith displayed portion
of a contract granting CHICO
waivers on taxes, import duties
and other tariffs but said it could
not make available copy of that
portion of the contract to reporter
until mandated by the overall
head of the company.
Following days of follow-up,
Jacob on Tuesday said CHICO
has additional documents in its
possession including a letter
from the Ministry of Finance
granting the company waivers
on taxes to be paid on fuel.
Who granted CHICO
Waivers?
Deputy Finance Minister for
Revenue, James Kollie via text
message confrmed that the
Government of Liberia granted
CHICO waiver on fuel and other
imports but failed to state the
other imports.
Stated Deputy Minister Kollie
As per d agreement signed with
d World Bank for its sponsored
projects, contractors are exempt
from duty on certain imports
including fuel. This is Govt of
Liberia contribution to these
projects.
On April 15, 2008, President
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf issued
Executive Order Number
13 granting waiver on road
construction equipment,
forestry equipment, agricultural
equipment and agricultural
seeds.
Stated the Executive Order
whereas, to accelerate the
pace of road construction and
rehabilitation, the development
of the forestry sector and
agricultural production in
Liberia, the Government of the
Republic of Liberia has reviewed
the tariff imposed on essential
equipment and agricultural
seeds.
The duration of Executive
Order Number 13 expired on
31 December 2008, while many
of the CHICO contracts were
entered into beginning 2012 to
current.
Executive Order Number
13 stated Now Therefore,
the Government of Liberia
hereby places a moratorium
on import tariff on the type of
road construction equipment,
forestry equipment, agricultural
equipment and agricultural
seeds classifed under the
Tariff Numbers of the Liberian
Revenue Code attached to this
Executive Order, with immediate
effect. This moratorium shall
expire on 31 December 2008,
at which time the import tariff
rates provided for in the revised
Liberian Revenue Code shall be
in effect.
Granting of tax waivers to
foreign companies has been
described as one of the major
leakages in revenue highly
needed for development of most
African countries.
Wasteful Liberia
African review Panel in a recent
report indicated that some
African countries in their quest
to attract investors err in granting
huge tax waivers to foreign
companies. The tax waivers, the
Panel observed dates far back
as the 1990s, when demand for
resources was more limited and
Africas economic environment
less favourable featured
extensive exemptions from
corporation taxes, withholding
taxes and import duties. The
Panel notes that in many cases
royalty charges were reduced
or waived as many of these
arrangements were continued
even when the projects in
question were highly proftable.
Liberia was specifcally
mentioned as one of the countries
involved in huge tax waivers.
Liberia continues to provide
extensive tax concessions to
foreign investors involved in
ore projects that go far beyond
the arrangements set out in the
Liberia Revenue Code (LRC). In
a review of the natural resource
sector, one IMF assessment made
the following recommendation:
If these concessions come up
for renegotiation, the authorities
should aim to harmonize the
terms with the LRC and avoid
tax breaks, the Panel stated.
CHICO has implemented
projects worth millions in Liberia
and the waivers could boost the
company proft margin at the
expense of a Government facing
budget shortfall and leakages in
revenue collection.
CHINESE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY UNDER DARK CLOUD
OF NONPAYMENT OF TARIFFS, IMPORT DUTIES IN LIBERIA

CHICO IN TAX
EVASION?
As per d agreement signed with d World Bank for its sponsored projects, contractors r exempt from
duty on certain imports including fuel. This is Govt of Liberia contribution to these projects.
Deputy Finance Minister for Revenue, James Kollie via text message confrmed that the Government of
Liberia granted CHICO waiver on fuel and other imports without stating the other imports.
Frontpage
Wednesday, June 4, 2014 Page 7

F
RONT
PAGE
NEWS EXTRA
Monrovia-
A
uthorities at the American International School located in the
Old Road, Sinkor suburb of Monrovia remain tightlipped on
the alleged raping of a schoolboy by a teacher at the school.
The facts surrounding the alleged raping of the boy accordingly
in one of the classrooms occurred over three weeks ago according to
eyewitnesses, but the situation remains a mystery unsolved.
Mr. Richard Nottingham, an American Citizen is alleged to have raped
the teenage boy who is said to have always visited the school along with
another older boy.
When the US Embassy in Monrovia was contacted via mobile to ascertain
the Embassys stance on the matter, Mr. Robert Clarke, of the Press and
Public Affairs Section said the Embassy was unaware of such information,
but promised he was going to discuss it with his boss and get back to
FrontPageAfrica but has not been able to do so for two days.
During a visit on the campus of the school, a tag was provided for entry but
security offcers and some employees of the school told a FrontPageAfrica
reporter that the administration was in a meeting.
Parents Yearning for Answers
Cars moved in and out of the school compound while parents rushed to
AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF LIBERIA ADDRESSES SEX ABUSE INCIDENT ALLEGATION
NO EVIDENCE OF CRIMINAL ACTIONS
We became aware of these allegations several weeks ago. We consider this to be a very serious
matter, and we immediately launched an investigation with assistance from the Liberian National
Police stationed at the school campus. We found no evidence of any wrongdoing or criminal
actions, and therefore, we have no further comment on this issue.
Mr. Jeff Trudeau, Principal, American International School
get their kids after school, but it was noticed that some parents gathered to
discuss the silence of the schools administration on the matter.
It has been three weeks since the incident and administration has not
notifed the parents on anything, said an angry parent who preferred
anonymity.
Jeff Trudeau, the schools headmaster, told me today on the issue,
that within 24 hours, the US State Department would issue an offcial
statement; when my rights as a parent to know the status of this teacher,
has been violated, while the teacher involved is being protected because
Jeff said the man is an American Citizen, said another parent.
The angry parent, who has a child attending the school, said she asked
why the administration said it does not know the kid in question, when
every visitor entering the school compound has to register and be given a
tag as was done to her.
If everybody registered at the gate before entering according to
procedure, why did this kid not register before entering your property?
And when I asked where was the security camera postage of who entered
and left the school property on that Wednesday? He said the security
camera information was classifed.
During a visit to the community in which the boy said to have been abused
lives a close family friend said the kid, whose name was withheld, does
not attend the school, but usually accompanies a family friend to the
school compound to visit Mr. Nottingham.
School interrogates victim
But when the alleged rape incident occurred, the administration allegedly
called the boy, a minor and his mother to question them, according to
sources with the presence of a lawyer.
The family friend said the child, was asked several questions by the
administration without his mother present in the room of interrogation.
According to the family friend, the mother was also questioned later and
thereafter, the school administration instructed the mother never to allow
her son to enter the school compound again, without telling her the reason
for the decision.
Gender Ministry following up incident
Liberias Minister of Gender and Development, Julia Duncan Cassel says
the Ministry was aware of the incident and dispatched a team to the school
but said the team was denied access.
We heard about the incident, we sent a task force yesterday, comprising
of the Ministry of Gender and Development and the Justice Ministry,
but the task force was denied entry on grounds that the children were in
class and that the head master was coming up with a statement within 24
hours, said Minister Cassel.
When contacted, an Administrative Assistant to the school headmaster,
Ms. Viola Johnson requested an offcial appointment with her boss.
Administrative assistant Johnson last sent an email stating that Mr.
Trudeau was unable to meet with this reporter as he was releasing an
offcial statement within 24 hours.
FrontPageAfrica had sent an email communication to Principal Trudeau
on Sunday, June 1, 2014 accompanied by a text message but did not
receive a response until Tuesday via email.
Below is the schools offcial response based on a FrontPageAfrica
inquiry:
Here is the schools response to your allegations regarding our staff
and students. All communication on this issue will be done by writing,
given the sensitive nature of these allegations. We became aware of these
allegations several weeks ago. We consider this to be a very serious
matter, and we immediately launched an investigation with assistance
from the Liberian National Police stationed at the school campus. We
found no evidence of any wrongdoing or criminal actions, and therefore,
we have no further comment on this issue.
According to Mr. Trudeaus communication, the administration launched
an investigation with assistance with the LNP offcers assigned to the
Compounds of the school instead of the rightful authority at the LNP
Headquarters in Monrovia.
When contacted via mobile phone, a spokesperson for the LNP told
FrontPageAfrica that they had not received any report from the school or
the offcer assigned on the campus.
FrontPageAfrica had earlier gathered from a senior government offcial
that the accused teacher, had tried to fee the country but was stopped,
while his whereabouts remain unknown.
On the schools website, Nottingham writes that he began international
teaching at the American International School of Rotterdam, the
Netherlands, but West Africa became like a second home for him. He
arrived in Ghana in 2001 and have been in and out of West Africa ever
since as a teacher and volunteer in Ghana, Togo, and now in Liberia.
Nottingham who has an MS in Education, says he has been certifed in
New York and Florida to teach all subjects in the primary grades and
English in high school.
Says Nottingham: My interest in growing things is not limited to
plants. Your children will fnd that I am interested in all areas of their
development, but especially the academic. Second graders are an exciting,
lively group of learners. I look forward to working as a team with my
childrens parents and with my colleagues as we continue the growth and
change of AISM.
Accused 2nd Grader Teacher, Mr. Richard Nottingham
Monrovia-
A
lex Varney Trades in DVDs in Monrovias busy shopping
district of Vai town on the Bushrod Island. Varney has to
support himself through college and since graduation from
high school last year he has embarked on an initiative to help
himself.
Like many traders in the area, Varney relies on a makeshift toilet situated
on the Mesurado River with open exit into the water. Some people in the
area asserts that the toilet is an initiative of the communitys lawmaker in
the House of Representatives Vamuyan Conneh and it is the only available
public toilet facility made from aluminum zinc and an open-ended bucket
that empties into the river.
I went to toilet. Every one around here, this is the only place they can
come to toilet because they dont have public toilets around here that
people can go to when theyre jam, Varney told FrontPageAfrica as he
exited the makeshift public latrine.
Varney said though it is not a regular toilet facility, it brings relief to
people who come to use it at a minimum fee. He said the government has
not been able to invest in public latrine projects in communities and the
makeshift latrine in the area is the only option they have to a good facility.
They dont have commode but they built it in a way that when you toilet,
it will go straight in the water. You dont have to fush, he said.
They give you paper and when you dont want to use the paper, you
can use water; we pay L$5. I want the government to build public toilet
around.
Ma Hawa Sannoh picks up a cup of water and enters the makeshift toilet,
L$5 to Pupu: Lawmaker, Vai Town
Residents Squabble Over Du-River
she said she ran from her market stall to use the toilet because she has a
bad stomach.
My daughter, I cant talk plenty, my stomach paining me; I dont want
pupu on myself, let me go frst and come talk to you, said the restless
trader as she made her way to the womens section of the toilet.
After she got through, she told FPA that the makeshift latrine is the best
thing that happened to those who sell in the area, but said she hopes they
can be able to get a better one because it is not the best in terms of hygiene.
For me I can say the people who build this toilet; they do well for us,
even though it not real toilet but we can use it for now so it good, she
said.
I hear say that one lawmaker build it but I think he was supposed to build
a good one because we toilet and it go straight in the water. People catch
fsh here and we buy the same fsh. Sometime you see pupu in the fsh
stomach; but my daughter we cant do nothing, that Liberia here.
Be thankful
But Mohamed S. Kamara, who is a nephew of the lawmaker who also
owns Conneh Yard, claims ownership of the makeshift toilet and said his
family has done the community a big favor and people should be grateful
for that.
My initiative is to provide good toilet for people to go there and ease
themselves when they jammed, he said.
We didnt only build it for the marketers but for other people that
are surrounding us. You fnd out these days, there is no toilet facility;
something the government is paying deaf ear to.
Conneh said the idea of building a makeshift toilet over the river came as
he and others including his uncle (the lawmaker) saw the need to help the
community that seemed at the time to be in dire need of such a facility
and since then it has become very useful to the marketers and other people
who stop by in the area.
If the person leaves their house and come on the street, going to work
to come sell, should in case the person has a bad stomach and there is no
public toilet around, that person will be disgraced. That is the main reason
I decided to build the toilet, he said.
This is the seventh month because as you can see, it is a new toilet that
we just built; we broke down the frst one because of the dirt that was
flling up this place. This toilet is about six to seven month old.
Conneh said the makeshift toilet also serves as a source of employment
for people of the area as he currently has two persons who help to clean
the toilet and at the end of the day when the cash collected is counted, they
are able to take something home to feed their families.
We have people who devote their time to maintain it and keep it in a good
condition, he said.
They are also here to look for their daily bread, you know as a man you
dont just wake up in the morning, sit to your house and wait for food to
come from heaven to sit on your table; it is impossible. We dont make
much money but we are thankful to God that the little one that we get, we
appreciate it; sometimes we make L$1,200 or L$1,300 a day. I have two
persons working with me.
Conneh said he operates the center in the best sanitary way possible and
makes sure that people who come there practice good hygiene before they
leave to go back to their businesses.
I have water, paper and I also have soap; when you come from the
bathroom; you can wash your hands and take your exit, he said.
But the Environmental Protection agency sees such initiatives as a
violation of laws governing water resources.
The EPAs Acting Executive Director Stephen Y. Neufville told
FrontPageAfrica on Tuesday via mobile phone that such activities lead
to pollution of the Messurado River and the entity is sourcing funding to
clean the river banks and also stop the pollution of the river. He said the
EPA would bring to book people who continue to engage in such venture
to pollute the river.

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

Page 8 |
Frontpage
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Henry Karmo (0886522495) henrykarmo47@gmail.com
Liberias Works Minister Shifts Blame for Poor Performance
ALBANY, GA (WALB) -
S
outh Georgians got to
meet a world leader
and Nobel Peace Prize
winner. President Ellen
Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia was
the guest of honor at the Albany
Museum of Art.
Hundreds of people welcomed
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
to Albany. She came to visit her
son and his family who live here,
but she also decided to share her
message of helping others with
the Albany community.
It's not everyday a world leader
visits the "Good Life City."
For Jakie Willis, it was an
opportunity she wasn't going to
miss.
"First of all she's an Alpha
Kappa Alpha woman and I am
too," said Jakie Willis. "The fact
that I knew her son, he had been
my doctor that would be the
main reason and I couldn't let her
go back without saying hello to
her."
Anne Marquis was born
in Liberia and has been in
America since 1964. She was
overwhelmed with excitement to
see her country's president.
"They love her, she's a very
hard working lady and we just
love her that's all," said Anne
Marquis.
Phoebe Putney's Medical
Director of Emergency Services
knows all of President Sirleaf's
accomplishments. He is her son.
"Sometimes I under estimate
her popularity," said Dr. James
Sirleaf.
President Sirleaf is the 24th
President of Liberia. She's
an author, Nobel Peace Prize
Winner and was named the 81st
most powerful woman in the
world by Forbes Magazine.
"She exemplifed that if women
work hard and get educated they
can do a lot of great things," said
Dr. Sirleaf.
President Sirleaf shared a
message of giving back to
those who are less fortunate.
It's one of the many messages
that led her son to start a non-
proft organization, known as
HEARTT. It's a foundation
that provides medical services
and helps to raise the number
of visiting doctors to under
developed communities in
Liberia.
"The president raised me in a
life of service and that's why
she's president," said Dr. Sirleaf.
"Being president means you're
serving."
President Sirleaf became the
frst woman elected president
of any African country in 2006.
She will fy out to return home
to Liberia in the morning. You
can help support the HEARTT
Foundation.
GOOD LIFE FOR CITY
The Albany Community in America welcomes the President of Liberia



F
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PAGE
NEWS EXTRA Monrovia-
P
ublic Works Minister
Antoinette Weeks has
attributed the under
performance of the
ministry under her administration
to what she described as the
nightmare she inherited as
minister.
Minister Weeks said she inherited
a ministry with $US83 million
debts for contractors; something
she said has negatively impacted
the relationship of her ministry
with contractors. The minister
said out of the $34 Million
United States dollars submitted
to the Finance Ministry for
payment, only $14 million has
been paid.
The Public Works Ministers
comments was in response to
concerns raised by Senators
Peter Coleman ( Congress for
Democratic Change, Sinoe
County) and Joseph Nagbe
(Grand Kru, Alliance for Peace
and Democracy) who expressed
fear that this years July 26
independence might not be
celebrated in Sinoe County due
to the bad road conditions in the
south-east.
Senators Coleman and Nagbe
expressed fear that projects
earmarked for the Independence
day celebration are yet to
be started because the road
condition is not allowing
trucks and vehicles to transport
materials to those places and
recommended a summit between
offcials of the two counties and
the President to decide whether
or not to cancel the hosting of
the independence celebration in
the County.
INHERITED NIGHTMARE
No money for roads
Minister Weeks admitted to
concerns raised by the senators
during her appearance at the
senate that the government
has a serious issue to deal
with as it relates to hosting the
Independence Day celebration in
the south east because according
to her only money for decoration
and other projects has been
approved and nothing has been
done for roads.
Said Weeks: The issues senator
Coleman raised is a nightmare
that we have inherited and
we need to fnd a way to deal
with it. One of the nightmares
Senator Coleman alluded to is
how we address the issue of the
contractors.
Added Weeks: These are some
of things that we have to change
and if we are to change them,
the change will not come easy
because the part of the change
is we will have to bring changes
to capacity. We cannot leave the
contractors with consultancy on
their own to work because if you
sign a contract with someone,
human nature is such, and dont
give them the kind of supervision
needed they will give you what
you didnt want.
Said Minister Weeks: This is the
nightmare we need to address. If
we are going to have resident
engineers in the feld, they have
to have the level of competence.
Senators, the reality is that the
capacity for feld engineers is
sub-standard and some of the
change we will be making will
be people change and that is the
support we will want from you
senators.
The Public Works Minister said
some of the contractors including
Solid Rock operating in the
southeast need to double their
efforts along the road because
according to her the contract
awarded the company was
not managed properly by her
predecessor.
Failed project under Weeks
watch
For his part, Maryland County
Senator H. Dan Morias dispelled
claimed by the minister that she
inherited all of the problems that
she is currently experiencing at
the Ministry stating that some
of the very problems being
experienced by the minister are
projects that were signed under
her watch.
Senator Morias named Stanley
Consultant as one of the
companies that the minister
has signed contract with and
has defaulted by failure of
the company to prepare a bid
which is part of the supervisory
contract awarded them by the
Public works ministry.
Said Morias: No bid document
yet the ministry has attempted
to recruit another consultant and
that consultant will be charged
with the responsibility to prepare
bid document. The reliance
that the Ministry has now is the
Monrovia Buchanan high-way.
What this speaks to is that the
delay in getting this project up
falls in the lap of the Minister of
Public works, her inability to do
work as speedily as possible is
what that is giving public works
the problem.
Senators request resignation
Like Senator Morias, Senator
Geraldine Doe-Sheriff asked
the Minister of Public Works
to resign if the problems at the
ministry are too many to handle
and stop making excuses of
inheriting problems.
The Montserrado Senator also
cautioned the Minister to exhibit
cordiality in her work as minister
something she said is lacking
in the operation of the minister
since she took over the ministry.
The appearance of the minister
is a result of a report submitted
to plenary by the Committee on
Public Works headed by Senator
Oscar Cooper of Margibi
County. The committee told
plenary that it has observed
that many projects around the
country are at a standstill with
contractors refusing to continue
work because of failure of the
Ministry to pay them debt owed.
After several hours of
questioning, Minister Weeks
retired and is expected to return
Thursday for more explanations
through a motion fled by Senator
Henry Yallah of Bong County.

Frontpage
Wednesday, June 4, 2014 Page 9
IFBNO./NEC/SSE/NCB/001/2013/2014
INVITATION FOR BIDS (PRINTING, BINDING & PUBLICATIONS)
The Government of Liberia through the National Elections Commission
(NEC), intends to apportion funds toward the cost of procuring printing,
binding & Publications Services for the Special Senatorial Election IFB
No./NEC/SSE/NCB/001/2013/2014.
1. The Commission now invites qualifed and eligible bidders to submit
sealed bids for the provision of Printing, Binding & Publication Services
under the 2014 Special Senatorial Election Project which will be conducted
through National Competitive Bidding (NCB) procedures as specifed in
the Amended and Restated Public Procurement and Concessions Act and is
opened to all eligible and qualifed bidders.
2. The supply of Printing Services as per NEC requirements are listed
below per lot:

Lot Item Quantity Delivery Date

1. PRINTING OF POSTERS & FLYERS
Printing of A2 Posters 15,000 Pcs As per contract
Printing of A3 Posters 15,000 Pcs As per contract
Printing of A4 Flyers 5,000 Pcs As per contract
2. PRINTING OF STICKERS & BANNERS
Printing of 2x4 Stickers 3,500 Pcs As per contract
Printing of 3x6 Stickers 3,500 Pcs As per contract
Printing of 4x8 Stickers 5,000 Pcs As per contract
Printing of Banners 60 Pcs As per contract
3. PRINTING OF T-SHIRTS & CAPS
Printing of T-Shirt and Caps 367 Pcs As per contract
4. PRINTING OF ASSORTED FORMS
Replacement Card Handover Forms 500 Pcs As per contract
VR Card Replacement Forms 10,000 Pcs As per contract
VR Replacement Handover Forms 100 Pcs As per contract
Nominations Assorted Forms 6500 Pcs As per contract
5. PRINTING OF BOOKLETS & MANUALS
Replacement Training Forms R-01 1,000 Booklets As per contract
Replacement Manuals 500 Booklets As per contract
VR Card Replacement Booklets 3,000 Booklets As per contract
Nominations Procedure Manuals 200 Booklets As per contract



3. Interested bidders should have the capacity to retain supply of
Printing Services valid for the period of the Project. Must also be able to
respond to NECS schedule of supply. All bids prices should be quoted in
United States Dollars (USD).
4. Qualifcations requirements include the follow:
CURRENT BUSINESS REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE
CURRENT TAX CLEARANCE
PAST PERFORMANCE HISTORY WITH AT LEAST THREE (3)
REFERENCES
AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR ATLEAST ONE (1)
OF THE LAST TWO YEARS.
AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY AT ALL TIMES.
CAPACITY TO DO AT LEAST (30) THIRTY DAYS PRE-FINANCE
OF SUPPLY.
5. Complete set of bidding documents in English and other pertinent
information may be obtained from the offce of the Director of Procurement,
National Elections Commission Ground Floor Room 73 for a non-refundable
fee of Fifty United States Dollars (U.S. $50.00).
6. Submissions must be clearly marked, signed and sealed in an
envelope, including other requested information as follows:
CONFIDENTIAL BID, PROVISION FOR THE SUPPLY OF PRINTING
SERVICES and addressed to:
THE DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT
GROUND FLOOR, ROOM 73
National Elections Commission
9th / 10th Streets Sinkor
1000 MONROVIA 10, LIBERIA
MOBILE NUMBER: +231-886-603-336
7. Bids must be submitted at the NEC Procurement Unit located at
the Ground Floor of the main NEC building on Thursday, June 26, 2014,
on or before 2:00 PM. Late bids will be rejected and returned unopened.
Electronic Bidding will not be permitted. Opening will be done promptly
after closing at 2: 00 PM, June 26, 2014, in the Conference Room of the
National Elections Commission.
8. Bids will be opened in the presence of bidders representatives who
choose to attend on Thursday, June 26, 2014.
9. The National Elections Commission reserves the right to reject
or accept any bid submitted and to annul the process at any time without
incurring any liability and without assigning any reason therefore; invitation
to Bid and Award of Contract will be issued to qualifed bidders in accordance
with Public Procurement Procedures.
Signed: ____________________________________
National Elections Commission
Page 10 |
Frontpage
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Frontpage
Wednesday, June 4, 2014 Page 11
By MATT LAWTON and
CHARLES SALE
T
he man heading
investigations
into alleged
corruption
surrounding the bid
process for the 2018 and
2022 World Cups will
meet Qatari offcials in
Oman on Monday.
The independent inquiry by
FIFAs chief investigator
Michael Garcia has taken
on extra signifcance
after further claims over
the weekend about the
scale of secret payments
that helped Qatar win the
World Cup. Prior to the
latest revelations, FIFA
were hoping the New York
lawyers report would have
been completed before the
start of the World Cup in
Brazil.
FIFA secretary general
Jerome Valcke wanted a
swift conclusion so there
was no shadow hanging
over the 2014 tournament
which kicks off next week.
But there now seems no
hope of that happening as
documents obtained by the
Sunday Times have thrown
the world governing body
into chaos.
The newspaper claims
that Qatari Mohamed bin
Hammam, the former
FIFA vice-president, used
slush funds from 10 private
company accounts to
make dozens of payments
in return for votes. The
allegations include:
Payments of up
to $200,000 into accounts
controlled by presidents
of 30 African football
associations.
Bin Hamman
channelled more than
$1.6million into accounts
controlled by Trinidad and
Tobago Exco member Jack
Warner.
He entertained
the president of the
Confederation of African
Football in Doha.
Lavish junkets
were organised across
Africa, where Bin
Hamman handed out
almost $400,000 in cash
with the promise of more
pay-outs.
He funnelled
$800,000 to the Ivory
Coast FA with funds from
Among the alleged payments made by Mohammed
bin Hammam were
30,000 for school fees for Liberian-born former
Man City striker George Weah FIFAs world
player of the year in 1995.
48,000 to Zambian FA president Kalusha Bwalya
for FA and personal expenditure.
31,500 to Fadoul Houssein, of the Djibouti FA,
for an expensive course of medical treatment for
his general secretary and an all-expenses luxury
trip to Saudi Arabia.
36,000 for a car to travel to football projects for
ex-Gambian FA boss Seedy Kinteh.
480,000 to the Ivory Coast FA as part of a Fifa
development scheme.120,000 in cash to 25
delegates fown to Kuala Lumpur to discuss the
bid in 2008.
30,000 to Sao Tome FA president Manuel Dende,
who asked for 138,000 for football pitches to
be paid into his personal account.
MILLIONS ON WEAH
SCHOOL FEES
QATAR OFFICIALS TO MEET FIFA INVESTIGATOR AS CORRUPTION
CLAIMS OVER 2018 AND 2022 WORLD CUPS INTENSIFY
FIFA chief investigator Michael Garcia carrying out independent inquiry
No swift conclusion expected, not before 2014 World Cup
FIFAs goal programme.
On Sunday, calls for a re-
vote came from within
FIFAs own organisation,
with vice-president Jim
Boyce saying he would
support such a move should
corruption allegations be
proven.
In an interview with the
BBC, Boyce said: I would
have no problem if the
recommendation was for a
re-vote.
If Garcia reports that
wrongdoing happened
for the 2022 vote then it
has to be looked at very
seriously.
FA chairman Greg Dyke
said: Some of this
evidence, on the face of it,
is quite compelling. If the
evidence is there that the
process is corrupt, then
obviously the process has
to be looked at again.'
Dyke reiterated this stance
in a Monday morning
interview on BBC Radio
Five Live: 'I think my
instinct is that it's very
serious, the evidence is
pretty comprehensive and
there will need to be a full
investigation and decisions
taken.
'It is pretty clear there was
a serious attempt made to
interfere with the process
of awarding the 2022
World Cup.
'FIFA has to sort this out,
to do their investigation.
If there was corruption
involved, the process [of
awarding the World Cup]
has to be re-run.'
FIFAs communications
department directed
all media enquiries to
Garcia and the offce
of the chairman of the
Independent Ethics
Committee.
Qatars World Cup
bid committee issued
a statement. It said:
Following todays
newspaper articles, we
vehemently deny all
allegations of wrong-
doing.
'We will take whatever
steps are necessary to
defend the bids integrity.
The right to host the
tournament was won
because it was the best bid
and because it is time for
the Middle East to host its
frst FIFA World Cup.
But the Sunday Times
report claims 65-year-
old Bin Hammam was
lobbying on Qatars behalf
at least a year before the
decision to award the
country hosting rights.
In the past Qatar, and
indeed FIFA, have insisted
any such activity by Bin
Hammam has centred
around his attempt to
secure votes for the 2011
FIFA presidential election,
when he intended to stand
against Sepp Blatter.
He withdrew before the
election.
Back in July 2011 Bin
Hammam was banned
from football for life
after being found guilty
of bribery. The ban was
annulled a year later by
the Court of Arbitration
for Sport, which said there
was insuffcient evidence
to support the punishment.
But FIFA then issued
a second life ban in
December 2012 for
conficts of interest while
acting as president of
Asian football.
The latest allegations still
fall short of exposing any
FIFA executive committee
members requesting cash
or favours in exchange for
votes.
But John Whittingdale,
chairman of the Commons
Culture, Media and Sport
select committee, said:
There have already been
serious doubts raised about
the capability of Qatar to
host the 2022 World Cup
on football grounds. If
the choice of Qatar was
as a result of improper
payments being made, then
that strengthens an already
strong case for re-running
the whole 2022 contest.
~ FIFA SCANDAL UNRAVELS ~
Page 12 |
Frontpage
Wednesday, June 4, 2014

1/2


WAPP SECRETARIAT GENERAL


REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (REOI)

RESIDENT
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL SAFEGUARDS
EXPERT


Sector: Energy
Financing Agreement references: 2100155026067 (EEEOA: 0.721)
2100155026070 (EEEOA: 0.703)
2100155026073 (EEEOA: 0.781)

Project ID No.: P-Z1-F00-053
P-Z1-F00-054
P-Z1-F00-055


The Governments of Cte dIvoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea have received financing from
the African Development Fund (ADF) toward part funding of the cost of the Cte dIvoire
Liberia - Sierra Leone Guinea (CLSG) Interconnection Project, and intends to apply part of
the agreed Grant amount to finance the contract for the consulting services of a Resident
Environmental and Social Safeguards Expert to be based at the General Secretariat of the West
African Power Pool (WAPP/EEEOA).

The WAPP Secretariat is a Specialized Institution of the Economic Community of West African
States (ECOWAS) headquartered in Cotonou.

The WAPP Secretariat in a bid to reinforce its capacity in environmental and social safeguards has
secured funding from the African Development Fund (ADF) for the recruitment of one (01)
Resident Environmental and Social Safeguards Expert under a Technical Assistance Agreement
for a period of One (1) year renewable up to Three (3) years, if the performance of the selected
candidate is satisfactory.

The principal assignment of the Resident Environmental and Social Safeguards Expert shall be to
support the WAPP Secretariat and its member utilities in the preparation of Environmental and
Social Impact Assessment Studies for WAPP priority projects with a view to ensuring the
effective implementation of such projects without any detrimental environmental and social
impacts.


REOI/ Environmental and Social Safeguard Expert
2/2

The profile and detailed description of the services required from the Resident Environmental and
Social Safeguards Expert are specified in the Terms of Reference (ToR) available on WAPPs
website at http://www.ecowapp.org.

The WAPP Secretariat now invites eligible consultants to indicate their interest in providing the
services described in the TOR. Interested consultants must provide information indicating that they
are experienced and qualified to perform the services (a cover letter and a detailed curriculum vitae
in accordance with the downloadable CV format available on WAPPs website at
http://www.ecowapp.org ).

Eligibility criteria, establishment of the short-list and the selection procedure shall be in accordance
with the African Development Banks Rules and Procedures for the use of Consultants (May
2008, revised in July 2012), which is available on the Banks website at http://www.afdb.org.

Interested consultants may obtain further information from Mr. M.A. Sylla
(massylla@ecowapp.org) at the address below during office hours (0900 to 1800 hours, GMT+1).

Expressions of interest must be delivered by email to consultants@ecowapp.org or by post to the
address below by 30 June 2014 at 12H00 (GMT+1) and mention WAPP Resident
Environmental and Social Safeguard Expert.

Attn: The Secretary General
West African Power Pool (WAPP)
Zone des Ambassades, PK6, Akpakpa
06 BP 2907 Cotonou
Republic of Benin
Tel. +229 21374195
Fax. +229 21374197.



1/2


WAPP GENERAL SECRETARIAT


REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (REOI)

RESIDENT PROCUREMENT SPECIALIST


Sector: Energy
Financing Agreement reference: 2100155026067 (EEEOA: 0.721)
2100155026070 (EEEOA: 0.703)
2100155026073 (EEEOA: 0.781)

Project ID No.: P-Z1-F00-053
P-Z1-F00-054
P-Z1-F00-055


The Governments of Cte dIvoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea have received financing from
the African Development Fund (ADF) toward part funding of the cost of the Cte dIvoire
Liberia - Sierra Leone Guinea Interconnection Project, and intend to apply part of the agreed
Grant amount to finance the contract for the consulting services of a Procurement Specialist to be
based at the General Secretariat of the West African Power Pool (WAPP/EEEOA).

The WAPP Secretariat is a Specialized Institution of the Economic Community of West African
States (ECOWAS) headquartered in Cotonou.

The WAPP Secretariat in a bid to reinforce its capacity in procurement management has secured
funding from the African Development Fund (ADF) for the recruitment of one (01) Resident
Procurement Specialist under a Technical Assistance Agreement for a period of one (01) year,
renewable up to three (03) years based on the performance of the selected candidate.

As a resident expert, the Procurement Specialists main mission shall be to enforce effective
implementation of the WAPP Tender Code and ensure strict compliance with procurement
procedures and best practices. The Procurement Specialist shall ensure that WAPP procurement
processes are executed in a timely and professional manner.

Specifically, the Procurement Specialist shall support WAPP Secretariat in the review, update
and appropriate implementation of its key procurement-related strategic documents and policies.
The Procurement Specialist shall also ensure periodic formulation, update and implementation of
procurement plans, notably for WAPP priority projects. S/he shall equally review and/or establish
relevant procurement instruments (procurement and contract management procedures, standard
bidding documents or vendors consultation documents acceptable to donor agencies providing
financial backing for WAPP priority programmes/projects, etc.); put in place mechanisms for
2/2

follow-up implementation of contract awards and relevant procurement procedures/practices
required for the institutionalization of a proper procurement system (including an appropriate
classification/filing system); train staff members of the WAPP Secretariat and its Member
Utilities to be conversant with the procedures and directives of donor agencies (relating to
procurement management, selection & employment of consultants and ant-corruption practices),
and the preparation of relevant procurement documents and associated correspondence and
reports.

The profile and detailed description of the services required from the Procurement Specialist are
specified in the Terms of Reference (ToR) available on WAPPs website at
http://www.ecowapp.org.

The WAPP Secretariat now invites eligible consultants to indicate their interest in providing the
services described above. Interested consultants must provide information indicating that they are
experienced and qualified to perform the services (a cover letter and a detailed curriculum vitae in
accordance with the downloadable CV format available on WAPPs website at
http://www.ecowapp.org ).

Eligibility criteria, establishment of the short-list and the selection procedure shall be in accordance
with the African Development Banks Rules and Procedures for the use of Consultants (May
2008, revised in July 2012), which is available on the Banks website at http://www.afdb.org.

Interested consultants may obtain further information from Mr. M.A. Sylla
(massylla@ecowapp.org) at the address below during office hours (0900 to 1700 hours, GMT+1).

Expressions of interest must be delivered by email to consultants@ecowapp.org or by post to the
address below no later than 30
th
June 2014 at 12H00 (GMT+1) and the outer envelope marked
WAPP Resident Procurement Specialist.

Attn: The Secretary General
West African Power Pool (WAPP)
Zone des Ambassades, PK6, Akpakpa
06 BP 2907 Cotonou
Republic of Benin
Tel. +229 21374195
Fax. +229 21374197.


Frontpage
Wednesday, June 4, 2014 Page 13
REGULATOR STILL IN LACC DRAGNET
Commission on Higher Education Director General long Corruption tale



















Terms of Reference

Recruitment of Procurement Expert


Economi c Communi t y Economi c Communi t y
Of West Af ri can St at es Of West Af ri can St at es
Communaut Economi que Communaut Economi que
Des Et at s Des Et at s d de e l l A Af ri que f ri que d de e l l O Ouest uest
General Secretariat / Secrtariat Gnral

2

Terms of Reference

Procurement Expert for the
West African Power Pool Secretariat


1. Background

The West African Power Pool (WAPP) Organization was established by the highest decision
making body of ECOWAS, the Authority of Heads of State and Government of Member
States, as a mechanism and institutional framework for integrating the national power
systems of ECOWAS member countries and help meet the energy needs of the ECOWAS
citizenry by providing least cost reliable and sustainable electricity supply for economic
development. The Implementation Strategy of WAPP is based on realizing complementary
and mutually reinforcing infrastructure sub-programs that encompass various regional
generation and transmission projects, which when implemented, would result in a fully
integrated grid in West Africa. The WAPP Infrastructure Program is based on the outcome
of an electricity Master Plan study that was developed in 1999, revised in 2005, and its
updated version approved for implementation by the Authority of the ECOWAS Heads of
State and Government in February 2012.

The outcomes of the approved Master Plan dictate an investment requirement of US$26.416
billion involving the development of among others about 16,000 km of transmission lines,
7,092 MW of Hydropower, and 800 MW of Renewable Energy projects for the period 2012
to 2025. The implementation of these projects shall not only result in a complete integration
of all the national power systems of ECOWAS Member States thereby promoting trade, but
shall also significantly augment the quantity, quality and access to low cost clean energy
resources, which in turn shall support poverty reduction and improve the economic well-
being of the ECOWAS citizenry.

It is therefore evident that the successful attainment of a fully functional power pool in West
Africa that would permit the trading of electricity and the efficient delivery of power from
energy-rich countries to energy-deficient countries is contingent on the timely preparation
and realization of the key projects that would interconnect the national utilities of the
Member States of ECOWAS. As such, the WAPP Secretariat has placed great emphasis on
proficient project development, management and delivery with particular prominence on the
timely preparation and implementation of projects.

An ultimate requirement for the achievement of WAPP vision is timely delivery of its
projects and programs which fundamentally dependent on the respect of the procurement
deadlines and processes.

The WAPP Secretariat therefore intends to reinforce its human capacity and has secured
funding from the African Development Bank (AfDB) to recruit a Procurement Expert as
Technical Assistant for a period of three (3) years.





3
2. Objective

The Objective of these Terms of Reference is to recruit a Procurement Expert to reinforce the
capacity of the WAPP Secretariat under African Development Bank funding.


3. Scope of Work

As an Expert, the Procurement Experts main mission is to support further deploy the WAPP
Tender Code and institutionalize procurement best practices. The Procurement Expert shall
ensure that WAPP procurement processes are executed a timely and professional manner.

Specifically, the Procurement Expert shall support WAPP Secretariat in the review and
updating of its essential strategic documents and policies related to the procurement, as well
as he shall ensure their appropriate implementation. The Procurement Expert shall elaborate
periodically and update procurement plans and ensure its implementation, notably for
WAPPs priority projects identified in the ECOWAS Power Generation and Transmission
Master Plan.

The Procurement Expert shall be responsible for planning, managing and implementing
procedures in the acquisition of goods, works and services of overall WAPP needs. He shall
manage the related activities in collaboration with WAPP Procurement Committee and in
conformity with the procurement provisions and guidelines of WAPP and/or Funding
agencies.

The detailed scope of services of the Procurement Expert shall include but not be limited to:
Support WAPP Secretariat in the acquisition of goods, services and works
o Plan, develop and manage all procurement and contractual aspects of diverse products
and services for the WAPP Secretariat;
o Prepare a procurement plan of each WAPP priority project and program in line with
the requirements of WAPP Secretariat or funding agencies;
o Provide advice to requisitioning units and recipient entities on the full range of
procurement issues, providing support and guidance at all stage of the procurement
cycle;
o Prepare or review bidding and request for proposal documents;
o Prepare/oversee preparation and distribution of invitations to tender and
manage/conduct all aspects of bid/proposal evaluations;
o Formulate strategies and design innovative solutions to resolve issues/conflicts for
complex procurement projects;
o Establish and maintain work program and schedule for ongoing contracts and newly
planned ones;
o Participate in contract negotiations in conjunction with WAPP Procurement
Committee and prepare minutes of negotiation;
o Prepare and sign procurement orders up to the authorized limit and, in cases where the
amount exceeds authorized signature authority, seek approval of authorized officials
and, if applicable, prepare submissions to the Procurement Committee for review and
subsequent approval by the authorized official,
4
o Conduct market research to keep abreast of market developments, research and
analyze statistical data and market reports on the world commodity situation,
production patterns and availability of goods and services,
o Prepare, maintain and regularly update a Database of WAPP suppliers and service
providers;
o Identify new technologies, and products/services, evaluate and recommend potential
supply sources and participate in the incorporation of research results into the
procurement program;
o Oversee adherence to contractual agreements, recommends amendments and
extensions of contracts, and advise concerned parties on contractual rights and
obligations;
o Maintain a complete and systematic set of records of day-to-day business
transactions;
o Prepare a variety of procurement-related documents, contracts, communications,
guidelines, instructions, etc.;
o Provide guidance to, and may supervise, new/junior staff;
o Keep track of orders and determine causes of any delays;
o Answer any questions or clarifications from suppliers, and resolve any problems;
o Reconcile purchase orders with the shipments, ensuring that they match;
o Notify vendors when invoices are not received, and verify that the bills concur with
purchase orders;
o Oversee inventory control system, maintaining inventory spreadsheet and placing
orders when materials on hand are insufficient;
o Handle procurement issues as procurement focal point of the WAPP with donors;
o Participate to procurement supervision and audits/review missions;
o Prepare procurement reports;
o Review Terms of Reference submitted by enquiry entities and make
recommendations;
o Prepare statements, meeting reports, Aide Memoires, Project Profiles and Briefs as
well as the delivery of presentations as and when required;
o Interface with the stakeholders (Member utilities, funding agencies, etc.) such as a
focal point on procurement issues and provide any required information;
o Assess any significant issues, and if required, draw on policy and best practices to
provide advice on a corrective action plan;
o Train WAPP Secretariat staff to ensure an efficient follow-up after completion of the
work.

The Procurement Expert shall implement the assignment in accordance with internationally
recognized practices for Consultancy Services and in full conformity with the requirements of
the WAPP and African Development Bank.

4. Deliverables

The Services by the Procurement Expert shall include the preparation and submission in a
timely manner of quality reports and documents in English and French.

The implementation of the above-indicated activities under the Scope of Work shall be
considered as part of the Deliverables of the Procurement Expert under this Assignment.

Page 14 |
Frontpage
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
5
The Procurement Expert shall ensure that all acquisition processes are performed in full
conformity with WAPP Secretariat, Member utilities and Funding Agencies requirements.

In addition to any submissions that WAPP Stakeholders (Member utilities, funding agencies,
etc.) may require, the Procurement Expert shall also make submissions to the WAPP
Secretariat as follows:

a. Inception Report

The Procurement Expert shall present within 4 weeks from Commencement of
Services in Cotonou, an Inception Report that shall contain, inter alia, the work plan,
methodology and schedule for conducting the assignment.

b. Quarterly Reports

The Procurement Expert shall submit Quarterly Reports over the period of the
assignment that describe the major tasks which have been undertaken in the
performance of the Assignment, milestones towards the completion of the
Assignment, and percentage completion of the Assignment. Financial data will
include photocopies of invoices from the Procurement Expert as well as financial
reports detailing expenditures of all funds and the daily rates of the Procurement
Expert, their hours worked and other direct costs. The reports shall be issued in
English and French by the 10
th
calendar day after the end of the Quarter under review.

c. Close-out Report

At the conclusion of the Assignment, the Procurement Expert shall submit a
comprehensive report covering among others, the activities undertaken during the
period of the assignment, outcomes, deliverables, and any other inputs required by the
WAPP Secretariat and Funding Agency. Submission and approval of this report shall
be a requirement for his last payment under the Assignment.

5. Reporting Requirements

The Procurement Expert shall report to the WAPP Secretary General but shall work closely
with the WAPP Procurement Committee and all WAPP Departments. In the execution of the
assignment, the Procurement Expert shall be required to interface with WAPP Member
Utilities, Ministries in charge of Energy and Funding Agencies. The Assignment shall be
funded by the African Development Bank and as such, the relevant requirements of the
African Development Bank shall also apply.


6. Requirements

Education:

An power engineer and/or an advanced university degree (Master's) in Business
Administration, Management, Economics, Supply Chain Management, Supply,
Logistics, Procurement, Purchasing, Contract/commercial Law or a directly related
field(s) is required. A valid professional certification (CSCP; CSCM; CPSM; SCMP;
6
etc.) from an accredited supply management institution, in conjunction with a relevant
first-level university degree (Bachelor's), may be taken in lieu of an advanced
university degree.

A first level university degree (Bachelor's) in a relevant technical field (as identified
above), in conjunction with ten years of relevant work experience in supply, logistics,
purchasing, contracting, administration and/or other related technical fields, may be
taken in lieu of an advanced university degree (Master's).

Experiences

A minimum of eight (8) years in formulating and implementing policies relating to
procurement at the national and international level. Having been involved in the
supply, logistics, procurement, purchasing, contracting, administration of goods,
services and works. Prior experience in management of power projects, monitoring
and evaluation is considered an asset.

o Demonstrated understanding of contracts and purchasing preferred.
o Familiar with International Financial Institutions procurement guidelines and
procedures (AfDB, World bank, EIB, IsDB, KfW, AFD, UN, etc.)
o Experience in an energy sector organization is considered an asset
o Must be able to work effectively in a multinational team environment with a
capacity to work with minimal supervision;
o Strong skills in the MS Office suite of applications including Excel, Word,
PowerPoint, Project, e-mail and internet programs
o Oral and written communication skills in French and English
o Critical analysis and listening skills
o Excellent ability to prepare reports and documents and comfortably defend
them
o Communications skills with a proven ability to convey information clearly and
concisely
o Ability to coordinate cross-departmental efforts to achieve common goals on
time
o Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize work load, handle
multiple tasks simultaneously and attend to detail
o Demonstrated integrity, objectivity, and confidentiality
Language:

Fluent in English or French and good working knowledge in the other language.

The Procurement Expert shall be based in Cotonou (Benin) but can be called upon to travel
within the sub-region. Work may require occasional weekend and/or evening work.























Terms of Reference

Recruitment of an
Expert in Environmental and Social Safeguards

(Funded by African Development Bank
Economi c Communi t y Economi c Communi t y
Of West Af ri can St at es Of West Af ri can St at es
Communaut Economi que Communaut Economi que
Des Et at s Des Et at s d de e l l A Af ri que f ri que d de e l l O Ouest uest
General Secretariat / Secrtariat Gnral

2


Terms of Reference

Expert in Environmental and Social Safeguards


1. Background

The West African Power Pool (WAPP) Organisation was established by the highest decision
making body of ECOWAS, the Authority of Heads of State and Government of Member
States, as a mechanism and institutional framework for integrating the national power
systems of ECOWAS member countries and help meet the energy needs of the ECOWAS
citizenry by providing least cost reliable and sustainable electricity supply for economic
development.

The Implementation Strategy of WAPP is based on realizing complementary and mutually
reinforcing infrastructure sub-programs that encompass various regional generation and
transmission projects, which when implemented, would result in a fully integrated grid in
West Africa. The WAPP Infrastructure Programme is based on the outcome of an electricity
Master Plan study that was developed in 1999, revised in 2005, and its updated version
approved for implementation by the Authority of the ECOWAS Heads of State and
Government in February 2012.

The outcomes of the approved Master Plan dictate an investment requirement of US$26.416
billion involving the development of among others about 16,000 km of transmission lines,
7,092 MW of Hydropower, and 800 MW of Renewable Energy projects for the period 2012
to 2025. The implementation of these projects shall not only result in a complete integration
of all the national power systems of ECOWAS Member States thereby promoting trade, but
shall also significantly augment the quantity, quality and access to low cost clean energy
resources, which in turn shall support poverty reduction and improve the economic well-
being of the ECOWAS citizenry.

It is therefore evident that the successful attainment of a fully functional power pool in West
Africa that would permit the trading of electricity and the efficient delivery of power from
energy-rich countries to energy-deficient countries is contingent on the timely preparation
and realization of the key projects that would interconnect the national utilities of the
Member States of ECOWAS. As such, the WAPP Secretariat has placed great emphasis on
proficient project development, management and delivery with particular prominence on the
timely preparation and implementation of projects. A fundamental requirement for evaluating
the viability of projects is the conduct of detailed assessments to ensure that the projects do
not detrimentally influence the environment and social well-being of populations.

The WAPP Secretariat therefore intends to reinforce its capacity in environmental and social
safeguards and has secured funding from the African Development Bank to recruit a resident
expert as Technical Assistance for a period of three (3) years.




Frontpage
Wednesday, June 4, 2014 Page 15

3

2. Objective


The Objective of the Terms of Reference is to recruit a Consultant as Resident Expert in
Environmental and Social Safeguards to reinforce the capacity of the WAPP Secretariat in
project preparation and delivery with the support of the African Development Bank.


3. Scope of Work


The Consultant shall implement the assignment in accordance with internationally recognized
practices for Consultancy Services and in full conformity with the requirements of the WAPP
and African Development Bank.

The Consultant shall support the WAPP Secretariat in the preparation of Environmental and
Social Impact Assessments as well as the execution of Environmental and Social
Management Plans and Resettlement Action Plans for WAPP Priority Projects as defined in
the updated ECOWAS Revised Master Plan for the Generation and Transmission of
Electrical Energy or any other project as required by WAPP Secretariat. The list of Priority
Projects is indicated as Annex 1 but the Consultant shall be required to pay particular
attention to the following:

- 225 kV Guinea Mali Interconnection Project,
- 330 kV Cote dIvoire Ghana Interconnexion Re-inforcement Project,
- 330 kV Nigeria Niger Burkina Togo/Benin Interconnection Project,
- 330 kV Nigeria Benin Interconnection Reinforcement Project,
- 225 kV Ghana Burkina Mali Interconnection Project,
- 515 MW Souapiti Hydropower Project (Guinea),
- 220 MW Tiboto Hydropower Project (Cote dIvoire, Liberia),
- 30 MW WAPP Solar Power Plant in Mali,
- 450 MW WAPP Maria Gleta (Benin) Regional Generation Facility,
- 450 MW WAPP Domunli (Ghana) Regional Generation Facility,
- 150 - 450 MW WAPP Regional Generation Facility within the OMVS Zone (Senegal,
Mali)
- and if necessary, the 225 kV Cote dIvoire Liberia Sierra Leone Guinea
Interconnection Project.

The sequence of projects to be developed shall be determined by WAPP Secretariat. It
should be noted though that some of the priority projects in the Master Plan are in various
stages of development, with the majority requiring pre-investment studies to be prepared to
establish their viability.

The detailed scope of services of the Resident Expert shall be primarily aimed at reinforcing
the capacity of the WAPP and its Member Utilities to conduct ESIAs on the priority projects
to ensure that their delivery do not have adverse environmental and social impacts. In
particular, the Resident Expert shall among others:


4

Support WAPP Secretariat in the preparation of Environmental and Social Impact
Assessments (including routing for transmission lines, ESMPs and RAPs) for WAPP
Priority Projects that shall include but not be limited to:
i. Prepare Terms of Reference (ToR) for Transmission Line Routing, Environmental
and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs), elaboration of Environmental and Social
Management Plans (ESMPs) and Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs) for thermal,
hydropower, and transmission line projects that are in line with the requirements
of Funding Agencies and concerned countries;
ii. Validate ToRs with concerned authorities in charge of environmental protection in
Project Beneficiary Countries
iii. Recruit appropriate Consultants to prepare the ESIA studies;
iv. Ensure that adequate project scoping is done by recruited Consultants in line with
the requirements of the Beneficiary countries;
v. Coordinate the public consultations on the priority projects to ensure that the
views of Stakeholders are adequately integrated in the development and designs of
the priority projects;
vi. Interface with national authorities in charge of environmental protection to ensure
that ESIA of WAPP Priority Projects including the preparation of ESMPs and
RAPs are in conformity with national requirements
vii. Conduct in-depth review of reports submitted by the recruited Consultants,
preparation of comments and participation in report-review meetings. The
comments prepared by the Resident Expert shall be regarded as part of the
Deliverables under this assignment;
viii. Monitor the implementation of ESMPs and RAPs on WAPP Priority Projects to
ensure conformity with national requirements and guidelines of involved Funding
Agencies
ix. Prepare Statements, Meeting Reports, Aide Memoires, Project Profiles and Briefs
as and when required;
x. Prepare and deliver presentations to stakeholders including Funding Agencies to
mobilize funding for the projects.
xi. Monitor the effectiveness and efficiency of the implementing entities;
xii. Assess any significant issues, and if required, draw on policy and best practices to
provide advice on a corrective action plan;
Train WAPP Secretariat staff to ensure an efficient follow-up after completion of the
work.
Prepare Quarterly Work Programs and Activity Reports in acceptable format for
submission to WAPP Secretariat for onward transmission to the Funding Agency.

5

4. Deliverables


The Services by the Resident Expert include the preparation and submission in a timely
manner of quality reports and documents in English and French.

The Resident Expert shall also submit:

a. Inception Report

The Resident Expert shall present within 4 weeks from Commencement of Services in
Cotonou, an Inception Report that shall contain, inter alia, the work plan,
methodology and schedule for conducting the assignment.

b. Quarterly Reports

The Resident Expert shall submit Quarterly Reports over the period of the assignment
that describe the major tasks which have been undertaken in the performance of the
Assignment, milestones towards the completion of the Assignment, and percentage
completion of the Assignment. Financial data will include photocopies of invoices
from the Resident Expert as well as financial reports detailing expenditures of all
funds and the daily rates of the Resident Expert, their hours worked and other direct
costs. The Quarterly Reports shall also contain in Annex, all documents prepared by
the Resident Expert within the framework of the Assignment including but not limited
to presentations and annotated comments to reports. The reports shall be issued in
English and French by the 10th calendar day after the end of the Quarter under
review.

c. Close-out Report

At the conclusion of the Assignment, the Resident Expert shall submit a
comprehensive report covering among others, the activities undertaken during the
period of the assignment, outcomes, Deliverables, and any other inputs required by
the WAPP Secretariat and Funding Agency. Submission and approval of this report
shall be a requirement for the last payment to the Resident Expert under the
Assignment.

In addition, the implementation of the above-indicated activities under the Scope of Work
shall be considered as part of the Deliverables of the Resident Expert under this Assignment.


5. Reporting Requirements


The Resident Expert shall report to the Secretary General of WAPP but shall work closely
with the Department of Planning, Investment Programming and Environmental Safeguards of
the WAPP Secretariat. In the execution of the assignment, the Resident Expert shall be
required to interface with among others WAPP Member Utilities, Ministries in charge of
energy, Ministries/Agencies in charge of environmental protection, and Funding Agencies.
6
The Assignment shall be funded by the African Development Bank and as such, the relevant
requirements of the African Development Bank shall also apply.


6. Requirements


Education: Masters Degree or graduate degree in Environmental Science or equivalent or
an electrical engineering.

Year Experience: 8-10 years of experience in formulating policies relating to environmental
and social safeguards, including Africa. Having been involved in the preparation of studies
relating to environmental and social impact assessments (including Environmental and Social
Management Plans, Resettlement Action Plans) for power projects in addition to the
implementation of Environmental and Social Management Plans and Resettlement Action
Plans in the West Africa region shall be an advantage. The Consultant shall have:

In-depth knowledge of the Guidelines, requirements and procedures of Funding
Agencies as related to environmental and social safeguards, with particular reference
to World Bank, African Development Bank, European Investment Bank, Islamic
Development Bank, KfW, Agence Francaise de Developpement, and United Nations
Basic Principles and Guidelines on Development-Based Evictions and Displacements;
Understanding of national legislation in West Africa relating to environmental and
social safeguards for power projects (thermal, hydropower, transmission);
Demonstrated experience in the preparation of Environmental and Social Impact
Assessments, Environmental and Social Management Plans, and Resettlement Action
Plans;
Must be able to work effectively in a multinational team environment with a capacity
to work with minimal supervision;
Strong skills in the MS Office suite of applications including Excel, Word,
PowerPoint, Project, e-mail and internet programs
Excellent oral and written communication skills in French and English
Critical analysis and listening skills
Excellent ability to prepare reports and documents and comfortably defend them

The Consultant shall be based in Cotonou (Benin) but shall be expected to travel extensively
within the sub-region. Work may require occasional weekend and/or evening work.

Language

Fluent in English or French and good working knowledge in the other language.
7
ANNEX I

PRIORITY GENERATION PROJECTS
1 60 MW Felou Hydropower Facility 350 GWh OMVS
2 400 MW Aboadze/Domunli Power Generation Facility WAPP EPSSP WAPP
3 450 MW Maria Gleta Power Generation Facility WAPP EPSSP WAPP
4 240 MW Kaleta Hydropower Faclility - 946 GWh Guine
5 64 MW Mount Coffee Hydropower Facility 435 GWh WAPP
6 875 MW Sendou Coal-fired Plant Sngal
7 140 MW Gouina Hydropower Facility - 565 GWh OMVS
8 128 MW Sambangalou Hydropower Facility OMVG Energy Project - 402 GWh OMVG
9 147 MW Adjarala Hydropower Facility - 366 GWh WAPP
10 181 MW Balassa Hydropower Facility - 401 GWh OMVS
11 70 MW Badoumb Hydropower Facility - 410 GWh OMVS
12 515 MW Souapiti Hydropower Facility - 2,518 GWh WAPP
13 400 MW Bumbuna Hydropower Facility - 1, 560 GWh WAPP
14 90 MW Fomi Hydropower Facility - 374 GWh ABN
15 270 MW Soubr Hydropower Facility - 1 120 GWh Cte d'Ivoire
16 112 MW Gribo Popoli Hydropower Facility 515 GWh Cte d'Ivoire
17 156 MW Boutoubre Hydropower Facility 785 GWh Cte d'Ivoire
18 280 MW Louga Hydropower Facility 1,330 GWh Cte d'Ivoire
19 150 MW Solar Power Facility in Burkina Faso WAPP
20 281 MW Koukoutamba Hydropower Facility - 455 GWh OMVS
21 200 MW Wind Power Park in Senegal and The Gambia - 200 MW WAPP
22 135 MW Kassa B Hydropower Facility - 528 GWh WAPP
23 300 MW Amaria Hydropower Facility - 1 435 GWh WAPP
24 225 MW Tiboto Hydropower Facility - 912 GWh WAPP
25 700 MW Zungeru Hydropower Facility 3,019 GWh WAPP
26 200 MW Salkadamna Coal-fired Facility Niger
27 150 MW Solar Power Facility in Mali WAPP
28 160 MW Boureya Hydropower Facility - 455 GWh OMVS
29 93.3 MW Digan Hydropower Facility MW - 243 GWh OMVG
30 291 MW Grand Kinkon Hydropower Facility - 720 GWh WAPP
31 450 MW Combined Cycle Thermal Power Facility in Togo WAPP
32 2,600 MW Mambilla Hydropower Facility - 11 214 GWh WAPP
33 300 MW Wind Power Park in Northern Nigeria WAPP

Page 16 |
Frontpage
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Frontpage
Wednesday, June 4, 2014 Page 17
Cameroon sends troops north to take on Boko Haram
IN BRIEF
NIGERIA BANS
BRING BACK OUR
GIRLS PROTESTS
OBAMA DEFENDS
OPERATION TO RESCUE
U.S. SOLDIER FROM
TALIBAN
POLICE ARREST MAN WANTED
IN FBI EXPLOSIVES CASE


N
igerian police
have banned
protests calling on
the government to
bring back our girls.
The protests, which began in
Abuja in late April and spread
into a global movement by
May 1, have "degenerated"
and are "now posing a serious
security threat," Abuja
police commissioner Joseph
Mbu said, according to the
Associated Press.
More than 200 schoolgirls
have been missing since April
15, taken from their school
in the northern Nigerian city
of Chibok by Boko Haram
Islamic militants. Some have
escaped.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP)
A
San Francisco social
media maven and
former political
consultant who was
wanted on suspicion of possessing
explosives has been taken into
custody after a three-day manhunt.
Federal agents and the San
Francisco police said they captured
Ryan Kelly Chamberlain II, 42, on
Monday afternoon shortly after
announcing that they had found
his car near Crissy Field, just
south of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Though Chamberlain was
considered armed and dangerous,
FBI spokesman Peter Lee said
Monday that he did not seem to
pose an immediate threat to public
safety.
WARSAW (Reuters) -
P
resident Barack Obama
on Tuesday defended the
deal to get U.S. Army
Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl
out of Taliban captivity, saying
questions that have emerged about
the circumstances of the soldier's
capture did not negate the need to
bring him home.
As Bergdahl emerges from fve
years of captivity, former comrades
have accused him of walking
away from his unit, prompting
a manhunt that they say cost the
lives of at least six fellow soldiers.
"Whatever those circumstances
may turn out to be, we still get an
American soldier back if he's held
in captivity. Period. Full stop,"
Obama told a news conference in
Poland.

F
RONT
PAGE
WORLD NEWS
CLOSING THE ROAD
TO TERRORISTS
Dabanga (Cameroon) (AFP) -
"
Everyone out! Hold onto
your belongings, we're
going to conduct a search,"
yells a Cameroonian soldier
as he inspects bus passengers
already wearied by dusty hours on
a bumpy northern road.
"We're everywhere in the area,"
said the soldier in Dabanga, in
Cameroon's far north, the border
region where a French family was
kidnapped last year by Islamic
extremists of the deadly Boko
Haram movement.
The incursion of Boko Haram
fghters into Cameroon, from
their stronghold over the border in
Nigeria, has led to regular vehicle
searches and identity checks by the
army.
With his helmet tightly strapped on
and wearing a bullet-proof vest, the
soldier systematically stops traffc
on the road between Maroua, the
regional capital, and Kousseri, to
the north, a machine-gun mounted
on a pick-up truck nearby.
"We are looking for weapons,
ammunition, drugs," the soldier
told AFP, asking not to be named.
In the past few days, Cameroonian
authorities say they have deployed
an impressive military force to
the Far North region in the wake
of bloody raids and a series of
kidnappings of foreigners.
Mandara mountains are pictured in
the east of Nigeria on March 30,
2014, where some members of the
r
Boko Haram, whose name means
"Western education is forbidden",
has killed thousands of people
since 2009 in its fght to establish
an Islamic state in the north of
Nigeria.
As well as causing an international
outcry by kidnapping more than
200 schoolgirls, it has burnt down
whole villages and carried out
deadly bomb attacks, while taking
its fght over the porous border into
Cameroon.
- 'War plan' -
Cameroonian authorities plan to
deploy almost 3,000 troops and
paramilitary police in the coming
weeks.
Already, small units of soldiers
riding armoured cars patrol the
main roads and smaller secondary
routes, while fghter planes and

combat helicopters keep watch
from the skies.
A woman whose husband was
reportedly killed by members of
the Boko Haram sect is pictured on
March 2
The mobilisation comes two
weeks after a summit in Paris that
brought together the heads of state
of several countries bordering
Nigeria, including Cameroon's
Paul Biya, who described Boko
Haram as a "serious threat" to the
whole region.
Leaders at the meeting agreed to
cooperate on a joint "war plan", at
a time when Cameroon was still
considered a weak link.
The country's northern border
region is thought to be a centre for
smuggling weapons to the armed
extremists, with Yaounde accused
by others of failing to act against
the Islamists even on its own soil.
"Until now, Cameroon has avoided
a head-on confrontation with Boko
Haram," said a local police offcer,
who also asked not to be named.
"Now the soldiers have the right to
open fre on suspects who ignore
warnings. We can expect that there
will be victims in this war," he
added.
Cameroonian soldiers stand guard
at the frontier post of Garoua-
Boulai, eastern Cameroon, on the
axi
The crackdown comes after the
armed fundamentalists appeared to
have stepped up their cross-border
attacks.
On May 17, a Cameroonian
soldier was killed and 10 Chinese
construction workers kidnapped
from a building site during a
violent assault blamed on Boko
Haram. The attack, in the middle
of the night, caused panic in the
once-popular tourist town of Waza.
Earlier in May, dozens of fghters
from the Islamist movement
rode armoured vehicles into the
Nigerian border town of Gamboru
Ngala, opening fre on residents.
Some civilians fed across the
border into Cameroon but 300
people died, according to local
sources. The town was razed.
In response, scores of soldiers
from Cameroon's elite Rapid
Intervention Battalion, which has
counter-terrorist training, have
deployed in border towns held
to be particularly at risk, such as
Fotokol, Dabanga and Amchide.
- 'Close the road to terrorists' -
"The idea is to set up fxed bases
with strong numbers ready to
respond in the event of an attack,"
said a paramilitary police offcial
involved in operations on the
ground near Lake Chad.
The aim is to "close the road to the
terrorists and secure the border so
that Boko Haram fghters cornered
(by the army) in Nigeria can't seek
shelter here," the offcial said.
In a sign that Cameroon is
determined to take action, last
Thursday, about 30 Nigerians
suspected of belonging to Boko
Haram were picked up and handed
over to Nigerian authorities.
And just last weekend,
Cameroonian troops freed two
Italian priests and a Canadian nun,
kidnapped on April 4 in the small
parish of Tchere, near Maroua.
DEATH ANNOUNCEMENT
MALAWI'S PETER MUTHARIKA OFFERS
JOYCE BANDA OLIVE BRANCH
T
his is to announce with deep sorrow the death of Samuel
Benedict Cooper Jr.
This sad event took place in the ambulance en route to St.
Josephs Catholic Hospital,
on Thursday, May 15, 2014 at 12:40 pm.
This is a tremendous loss for the Cooper family and for countless
others that affectionately referred to him as Ben Cooper, Papa Zulu,
Jolly Pappy, or JP.
Funeral arrangements will be as follows:
Removal of Bens body from the Stryker Funeral Home:
Friday, June 6, 2014 at 4 PM
With the wake keeping to follow at Trinity Cathedral, Broad Street.
Funeral Service will be held at Trinity Cathedral, Broad Street:
Saturday, June 7, 2014 at 10:00 AM
This announcement was brought in by the Cooper Family.

Samuel Benedict Cooper, Jr
June 22, 1944May 15, 2014
W
ho is Peter
Mutharika?
Born in 1940
Studied law at
the US's Yale University and
University of London
Former law professor at
Washington University
Elected MP in 2009
Brother of late President Bingu
wa Mutharika
Justice, education and foreign
minister in brother's cabinet
Accused of plotting coup in
2012; denies treason charge
Malawi's newly elected President
Peter Mutharika has said he is
offering an "olive branch" to ex-
leader Joyce Banda after winning
disputed elections.
He was addressing thousands
of supporters at a ceremony to
celebrate his inauguration as
president.
Mr Mutharika was charged with
treason in March 2013 after
being accused of plotting a coup.
He denied the charge.
Mrs Banda failed in a bid to
annul Mr Mutharika's victory in
last month's election.
She called for a re-election,
saying the election had been
marred by widespread fraud.
'Bury the past'
However, Mrs Banda accepted
defeat after the High Court
ordered the release of the results
on Friday.
She is the frst serving Malawian
president to lose an election.
Mr Mutharika is Malawi's former
foreign minister and brother of
Bingu wa Mutharika, the late
president who unexpectedly died
in offce in 2012.

Offcial results showed Mrs
Banda came third with 20% of
the vote.
I think things like Cashgate
happen when our leaders fail to
differentiate between right and
wrong
Peter MutharikaMalawi's
president
Mr Mutharika won with 36% of
the vote, while former preacher
Lazarus Chakwera was in second
place with 28%.
The BBC's Raphael Tenthani
reports from the ceremony that
the 30,000-capacity Kamuzu
Stadium in the main city,
Blantyre, was packed with
supporters of Mr Mutharika.
However, Mrs Banda did not
attend and Mr Mutharika told the
crowd he regretted that she had
"declined to come here and hand
over power to me".
"I look forward to shaking hands
with her to bury the past. I come
to her with an olive branch. Don't
let it drop," he said.
A spokesman for Mrs Banda
said she had not been offcially
invited, and her presidential
convoy was withdrawn in the
early hours of Saturday as soon
as Mr Mutharika's victory was
announced, AFP news agency
reports.
Page 18 |
Frontpage
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
CAN NEYMAR OVERCOME OFF-THE-FIELD
DIFFICULTIES TO LEAD BRAZIL TO GLORY?
Neymar performs better for his country Brazil than his club Barcelona and will be
under enormous pressure to justify the hype this summer
By: Allen Chahad, World Cup
Nation, Brazil
H
ow important
is Neymar for
the Seleo and
Brazilians plans
to win the World Cup? We are
not talking about mathematics,
so an acceptable answers is:
Brazil largely depends on
Neymar.
But mathematics can help us
to understand this dependence
a little bit. Performing for
Barcelona the star has an
average of 0.36 goals per
matches. But for Brazil he has
scored 30 times in 47 games, an
average of 0.63. This is higher
than the strikers, as Fred has 16
in 32 (0.5 per game) and J has
fve in 15 (0.3 per game).
Neymar also dictates the
intensity of Brazil's game.
And of course he is the one
who can produce something
different when the game is
unpredictable.
Neymar scored a hat-tick
against South Africa this
week to reinforce this belief.
He put in a great performance
and the Seleo won 5-0 the
last friendly game before the
release of the fnal squad list
for the World Cup.
Watching his display we almost
forgot Neymar is enduring a
nightmare away the pitch. His
controversial transfer from
Santos to Barcelona made
Sandro Rosell resign his post
as president of the Spanish
team.
8 Days to go: All the action leading up the Brazil
COUNTDOWN WORLD CUP


Since the scandal became public
Neymar has remained silent.
He left South Africa without
one single word for journalists.
All he spoke was via Brazilian
Football Confederations
media department, featuring
the preparation of the team
for the World Cup. His single
speech about this problem was
via social media, defending his
father and criticising Santos.
Even coach Luiz Felipe Scolari
struggles to avoid the subject.
We have not spoken about
this," he said. "It is already
solved. Neymar is correct not
talking about this. He is happy
and playing well."
Scolari is smart and
experienced. He knows how
to help Neymar. And he needs
Neymar focused on playing
football.
But of course the Brazilian
star also has other concerns in
his private life. For example,
recently he ended his romance
with the TV actress Bruna
Marquezine. They had been
together for almost one yea,
but reportedly the distance
between Barcelona and Rio de
Janeiro was invincible.
Neymar is also often asked
about his inconsistent
performances for Barcelona.
Of course he needs some
time for adaptation, but he
always has been treated as a
phenomenon and scrutinised
constantly. A genius has to
overcome expectations.
Scolari gave his answer as
to why Neymar seems better
when playing for the national
team? The coach argued -
without intending any criticism
- that it is all about the tactics
the two sides employ.
Neymar is young and still has a
long career to prove his value.
But the question is unavoidable.
More than his body, will his
mind be healthy to lead Brazil
in the World Cup? This answer
will probably defne Brazilian
hopes.
THE LIKES OF NEYMAR, DAVID LUIZ AND EVEN COACH LUIZ FELIPE
SCOLARI ARE OMNIPRESENT IN BRAZILIAN TELEVISION COMMERCIALS
By Allen Chahad, World Cup
Nation: Brazil
D
o you dream of turning
on the television and
seeing Neymar in
his underwear? What
about David Luiz rejected by
a taxi driver in Westminster
Bridge? Or a stewardess asking
Luiz Felipe Scolari to add one
more forward to the Brazil side?
Seleo stars are omnipresent
in TV commercials in these
months leading up to the World
Cup, helping to sell not only Fifa
sponsors but a variety of other
brands riding the wave.
Neymar is the golden boy
for the advertising agencies.
The Barcelona forward ended
last year as the second most
marketable person in Brazil
according to Controle da
Concorrncia, a company that
monitors television advertising.
He had 6,330 appearances
representing nine brands and was
only defeated in the rankings
by Reynaldo Gianecchini, a
Brazilian soap opera star who
has overcome cancer. Former
Brazil striker Ronaldo who
actually works on the Brazil
2014 organizing committee
was fourth, behind supermodel
Gisele Bndchen.
Neymar is best when he is able
to show his skills as a footballer.
But the commercials based
around humour are often rather
more questionable. One advert
that sees him try on underwear
could well be considered
homophobic. First the player
poses as a mannequin for two
women costumers. But he then
avoids doing the same and
escapes when a man enters the
store.
In another advertisement for a
major drinks company we see
the cheeky Brazilian tradition of
teaching erroneous translations
to foreigners. A group is asking
for a drink on a Rio de Janeiro
beach using a note on a piece
of paper to try to order in
Portuguese. After a sequence of
peculiar orders the video then
reveals that Neymar was the
person writing the notes.
David Luiz, the most important
Brazil player at the World Cup,
is seen barefoot showing off his
spectacular dribbling in another
commercial for a sports clothing
company. Luiz has not always
had a strong link with Brazil fans
as he left the country early. But
he has recently changed many
minds. His attitude on the pitch
has convinced many supporters
and his curious appearance with
his big hair makes him instantly
recognisable.
One commercial shows two
girls leaving home to party. It
is raining and one of them does
everything possible to keep her
hair dry and straight. But at the
last moment a drop of water
turns her hair completely curly,
Luiz style. When she then meets
the defender he gives it the
thumbs up.
The Chelsea player also stars in
a video for a Brazilian airline.
He is trying to reach the airport
to fy to Brazil for the World
Cup. But when he leaves home
his car is locked by a policeman
who shows him a parking ticket
as a yellow card. Trying to board
a bus he fnds people rushing
to leave him behind. And he is
also rejected by a taxi driver on
Westminster Bridge. Finally the
player boards to Brazil and the
policeman watches the plane
leaving London.
Even Luiz Felipe Scolari is often
seen on Brazilian television. For
one mobile phone company he
is boarding a plane and agrees
with a fellow passenger who
says that having to go without a
mobile phone during the fight is
one of his saddest moments. One
passenger asks the Brazil coach
to use three defenders at the
World Cup, another one proposes
two defensive midfelders and
a stewardess then asks him to
fasten his seatbelt and line up
with one extra forward.
In another advertisment, Neymar
and Bernard show off their skills
with the ball. But when Scolari
tries to get involved he can't
control the ball and ends up
breaking a window. Immediately
he blows the whistle and the
players start to exercise. Not a
single word is necessary.
Thiago Silva, Marcelo, Paulinho,
Fred and many other Brazilian
stars are also taking their chance
to earn some money through
endorsements, while former
players and coaches such as
Ronaldo, Cafu, Zagallo and, of
course, Pel have got involved.
Even Lucas, who seems to have
been forgotten by Scolari, is very
often in commercials.
Fair enough. Everything will
change after the World Cup.
Frontpage
Wednesday, June 4, 2014 Page 19
Danesius Marteh, danesius.marteh@frontpageafricaonline.com
Danesius Marteh, danesius.marteh@frontpageafricaonline.com
Laffor quits international football following Liberias painful exit to Lesotho
Sports
SPORT BRIEF
DAVID BECKHAM
HINTS AT POSSIBLE
COMEBACK
LONDON (AP) --
D
avid Beckham says
he might come out
of retirement and
play soccer again.
The 39-year-old former
England captain retired last
year after a fnal stint at Paris
Saint-Germain. He says in a
BBC documentary he had a
''tough time'' after he stopped
playing.
Beckham is trying to launch
a Major League Soccer team
and build a stadium in Miami.
He says ''there's never been a
player-owner, but maybe?''
England begins World Cup
play in Brazil on June 14.
O
ne of the most
surprising, if
not necessarily
unexpected, moments
in the United States' World
Cup run has already happened:
manager Jurgen Klinsmann's
decision to leave Landon
Donovan, America's all-time
leading scorer, off the roster.
Jose Mourinho, a tactical genius
and considered one of the fnest
managers in the game's history,
noted that Klinsmann is "a good
motivator, well adapted to the
national team job." Klinsmann
has been observing the American
players for months, if not years,
and Mourinho believes the team
will mesh well under him.
BRAZIL JUDGE SENTENCES
PELE'S SON TO 33 YEARS
JOSE MOURINHO DISCUSSES
LANDON DONOVAN'S ABSENCE
FROM U.S. ROSTER
SAO PAULO (AP) --
A
Brazilian judge
sentenced the son
of soccer legend
Pele to 33 years in
prison after fnding him guilty
of laundering money for a drug
gang.
Judge Suzana Pereira said
Monday that Edson Cholbi do
Nascimento must surrender
his passport to the court this
week. She said the 43-year-old
can remain free as he appeals,
which can take years in Brazil.
''The process is still open.
He can still appeal and have
another court review the case,''
Pereira said.

L
iberia midfelder
Anthony Snothi Laffor
has quit international
football due to a lack
of an organizational structure
that will improve the game.
Laffor captained Liberia, who
were humiliated in Maseru, as
Lesotho recorded one of the most
impressive results in their history
to qualify for the second round of
2015 Africa Cup of Nations.
Having lost the frst leg 1-0 in
Monrovia on May 18, the small
highland kingdom went through
2-1 on aggregate on Sunday.
Two frst-half goals were enough
to comfortably ensure the
Crocodiles' frst Nations Cup
qualifying win in seven years,
with their last success coming
against Niger in 2007.
Lesotho have never appeared
at a Nations Cup fnal and face
Kenya over two legs in the next
round.
In venting his frustration, Laffor
took off his boots after the fnal
whistle and
knocked it together.
Laffor has more than 27
international caps and three
goals, having made his debut in
a 2004 Africa Cup of Nations
qualifer against Ethiopia in June
2003.
The Mamelodi Sundowns
midfelder-cum-striker played
in 16 World Cup qualifying
matches between October 2003
to June 2013, winning three,
drawing fve and losing eight.
On the wrong side of an eventful
STANDING DOWN


DIG HOLE AND COVER HOLE
career, Laffor was expelled by
then head coach Kaetu Smith
for breaking camp rule in the
build-up to a 2013 Africa Cup of
Nations second leg qualifer with
Namibia in Windhoek in June
2012.
Meanwhile, one of the players,
who will also quit in the coming
days, has branded the return of
Italian coach Roberto Landi a
national embarrassment.
Landi and the LFA were in a
contractual dispute with Fifa
having awarded the latter
US$200,000 in compensation
and damages for being
wrongfully dismissed by Liberia.
He arrived in Monrovia on May
23 and was offered US$10,000
as part of an under the table deal
that has landed him a new job for
a year.
But the failed Italian tactician,
who has managed just a
win in 10 matches since his
appointment in March 2011,
couldnt mastermind a strategy
that would have seen Liberia
scored the vital away goal.
FrontPageAfrica understands
that Laffor will hold a
teleconference in the coming
days to provide details about his
resignation.
A
t long last, the Liberia
Football Association
(LFA) have paid its
employees for two
months.
FrontPageAfrica understands
that the employees were paid
for December 2013 on May 23
and March 2014 on May 29. It
means they are still being owed
for April and May 2014.
It is still not clear whether
the two months salary was
paid from an overdraft or
came from one of the wealthy
executive committee members,
like Rochell Woodson, who
reportedly pre-fnanced Liberia
under-20 match with Gambia on
April 6 and received a handsome
reimbursement of L$2 million
(more than US$20,000).
One report had it that the
employees would have been
paid at the end of June but that
is now highly unlikely with
another report suggesting that
the remaining two months
will be cleared once there is a
confrmation that Fifas annual
fnancial assistance (FAP)
Joy over Liberias exit as LFA pays for two months
program hits their bank account
this week.
Fifa is said to have wired
US$125,000 to the FAs
International Bank account for
two quarters: April to June and
July to September respectively.
This means the FA will have
to judiciously manage the
funds with the last quarter of
US$62,000 set to arrive between
October to December.
Addressing a news conference
on May 15 on the embarrassment
of unpaid salaries, LFA President
Musa Bility shamelessly shifted
the arrears to a lack of support
from the government.
The FA has a gross monthly
wage bill of US$14,960 and a net
bill of US$14,365.
But it is the employees, who
phoned our reporter to express
relief at the
elimination of Liberia from the
2015 Afcon qualifers.
Bility had suggested that the
employees should be prepared
to work for months without pay
with the national teams in all
competitions.
It remains to seen whether the
employees will regularly take
pay with the elimination of
all teams beginning with the
payment of their arrears.
www.frontpageafricaonline.com
Sports
FrontPage
PRICE L$40 VOL 8 NO.608 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2014
Meet Liberias Bottle Eater
I
t is often said that there are
many ways to make a living.
In Monrovia where bulk of
Liberias commercial activities
take place many Liberians engage in
diverse activities to earn a living.
Some engage in petit trading, others
work in private and public offices
and some just simply follow the
route of begging. In the heart of
Central Monrovia a team of two
young Liberians are making a new
form of living. They go out in the
streets, attracting the attention of
the public by showcasing wondrous
techniques that one might ever
imagine. There is the bottle eater;
he eats an entire bottle makeup of
distilled gin produced by a local
distillery, NICON containing a
popular gin known as Jumper Deer
and climaxes be drinking a sachet of
pure water.
Not only that, the two guys have
various techniques that are often
played by cultural dancers and could
lead one to wonder whether they
have magic or are benefiting from a
Gods given talent.
They collect LD$50.00 from crowd
from all sides before performing the
magic.
MAGIC OR TALENT
Spot News FrontPage
Stephen D. Kollie, stephenkollie13@gmail.com 0776329124
STANDING DOWN
Laffor quits international football following Liberias painful exit to Lesotho
8 Days to go: All the action leading up the Brazil
COUNTDOWN WORLD CUP

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