News

Liberia Defence Minister Resigns 10 Days After Appointment

Published

2 years ago

February 13, 2024

Liberia’s new defence minister on Monday resigned from his post just 10 days after being appointed, following a protest by soldiers’ wives, the presidency said.

The resignation marks the first political crisis facing Liberia’s new president Joseph Boakai since his inauguration at the end of January.

Boakai “has received and accepted a letter of resignation from the recently confirmed Minister of National Defence Mr. Prince C. Johnson,” the presidency said in a statement.

The president swiftly announced a provisional replacement, naming General Geraldine Janet George to the key post.

In his resignation letter, Johnson cited “the current political and civil disturbances occasioned by the protest of women believed to be wives of servicemen”.

He wished to “preserve the peace and security of the State”, the statement added.

Wives of Liberian soldiers set up roadblocks near the capital Monrovia and elsewhere in the country, forcing Boakai to cancel planned National Army Day celebrations on Monday, an AFP correspondent reported.

The women were airing multiple grievances ranging from low salaries and pensions to a lack of social security, electricity shortages, and corruption within the armed forces.

They also demanded the defence minister’s resignation, blaming him for a reduction in the salaries of Liberian soldiers returning from peace missions in Mali.

The first roadblock was assembled on Sunday on the outskirts of Monrovia near the Edward Binyah Kesselly barracks on the road leading to the international airport.

New roadblocks made of kitchen utensils and makeshift supplies appeared elsewhere in the country on Monday.

Drivers stuck in long traffic jams on the road leading to the airport opted to abandon their vehicles and continue their journey on foot.

President Boakai asked the army on Monday to ensure that the roadblocks were lifted “immediately”, according to the presidency.

He met with soldiers’ wives on Sunday and vowed to carefully examine their concerns and set up a commission, his team said.

He ordered the restoration of electricity to the Edward Binyah Kesselly barracks and free classes in the school located within the compound.

“The President has been in office for 20 days only and he has taken immediate steps already to address some of these issues which have been festering for more than five years,” his team said in a statement.

Boakai “advised everyone to remain calm and peaceful as the government seeks to address their concerns,” it added.
AFP

News

DSS Issues Warning, Arrests Man For Circulating Fake Recruitment Materials

Published

9 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

The Department of State Services (DSS) has disclosed the arrest of one Mr. Eze Ezenwa Benard, who was recently apprehended for circulating fake DSS recruitment past questions and answers on Facebook.

The agency, while warning the public in a statement on Saturday, said the suspect operated through a page known as “Jobs and Education”, where he advertised the fraudulent materials and charged unsuspecting members of the public one thousand naira (N1,000) for access.

“The public is hereby cautioned to disregard any materials, as the DSS does not sell or distribute recruitment questions, answers, or examination guides through private individuals or social media pages. Recruitment into the Service, when necessary, follows specialised procedure in accordance with extant laws and due process,” the statement reads.

News

‘Na Only People You Gave Work Love You,’ Singer Speed Darlington Tells Tinubu

Published

9 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

Singer Speed Darlington has told President Bola Tinubu that public admiration cannot be bought, warning that only those who received appointments or jobs from the government truly support him.

In a video posted on Saturday, August 23, the singer said, “Everything isn’t about the economy! There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you.”

Darlington, an Igbo man, urged Tinubu to focus on police reform and respect for human rights. “The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.

“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate. Please, before you leave office, please speak to your Yoruba brother IGP man,” he added.

News

Before You Leave Office, Reform The Police — Speed Darlington Urges Tinubu

Published

9 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

Popular controversial singer Speed Darlington has called on President Bola Tinubu to reform the Nigerian Police Force, urging the government to prioritise citizens’ rights alongside economic growth.

In a video posted on Saturday, the entertainer criticised what he described as the police’s systemic human rights violations and oppressive practices.

“Mr President, before you leave office, whether you secure a second term or not, try your best to improve Nigeria. Everything isn’t about the economy!

“There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you,” he said.

The singer, who identifies as Igbo, urged Tinubu to engage with the Inspector-General of Police and implement reforms.

“As an Igbo man, the advice I can give you so people will know your name and remember you for something good is to reform the police. Reform the police.

“The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.

“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate,” he added.

Darlington also recounted his personal ordeal with law enforcement, highlighting the system’s abuse of power.

“I was held for two months after the judge had ordered my release. FID held me for two months. According to my lawyer, the Nigerian law gives only 28 days for investigation.

“They held me for two months. What is the extra month for? Because they can. If you give them money, they oppress your enemy. I have experienced it,” he said.