By Monrovia, Liberia– Military Wives Association of Liberia has petitioned the Liberian Senate, calling for the rejection of Retire General and Defense Minister designate Prince Charles Johnson lll. The group has been protesting on the grounds of the Capitol Building for more then 48hrs against the Retired General since President Joseph N. Boakai Sr. nominated him as defense minister pending confirmation.
Presenting the six pages documents to the Senate through its chairman on rules and order, was the Head of the AFL Wives, Seredom Redd Walker who expressed regrets in the appointment of Gen. Johnson by the Liberian leader on several reasons.
“Please Do the Honorable thing to reject Gen. Prince C Johnson III for the sake of national security of our beloved country” she stated.
According to them, The former Chief of Staff has over the time marginalized the man and woman of the Army including compromising their welfare. they further that under the leadership of Gen. Johnson, the Armed Force of Liberia was indirectly turned to private security firm, indicating that all financial benefits from local and international duty perform by the army are directed to he Gen Johnson and in return gives a little amount to their husbands (the soldiers)
“now as we speak, our husbands that are serving at the Bea Mountain Mineral Mining area, they have been paid by the company $1900 US per soldier monthly and directly to General Johnson and in return he gives our husbands $300US with all of the risks involved from the explore chemical in the area.” they added.
The group called on the Chair on Security Veterans and Intelligent of the Liberian Senate to Reject the Defense Minister Designate on the citing Corruption, Constant Marginalization and Deprivation on Merit and Economic Benefits, His Lack of Interest in the Army Retirement Policy, Bogus Insurance Policy, Poor Housing Facility, His Constant Refusal to Obey Direct Order from President Weah amongst others.
“There’s no way the Army will work with General Johnson III as they see him as a nightmare”. She furthered.
They asserted that the elevating of the Former Chief of Staff of the AFL to the ministry of national defense will give him the leverage to deactivate the Liberian Military through his action.
Receiving the Petition Statement on behalf of the Senate was Maryland County Senator and Chair on Rules and Order Sen. J. Gblebo-Bo Brown who acknowledge the Women for their procedure in channeling their compliment and at the same time cautioned them to remain calm as he promised to deliver their communication to the Senate Pro-Tempore for redress.
General Johnson III has been the Chief of Staff of the Arm Forces of Liberia since February 6, 2018. He was recently retired and nominated by President Boakai to serve as Defense Minister who will succeed Major Gen. Daniel Dee Ziankan.
By: Alphanso G. Kalama
