Rédaction Africa Links 24 with New Dawn
Published on 2024-03-01 00:16:00
The military officials in Liberia have made it clear that only the board of directors of the National Bureau of Veteran Affairs has the authority to vet and recommend qualified veterans for nomination to the President and commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL). This announcement comes after the High Command of the AFL nullified the selection of three military veterans for positions within the National Bureau for Veteran Affairs.
The 17-man steering committee, set up by the veteran community of the AFL in collaboration with the National Bureau of Veteran Affairs, had selected Retired Major Thomas Plato as Director General, Retired Captain Edward Tokpah as Deputy Director General for Administration, and Retired First Lieutenant Isaac Wallace as Deputy Director General for Veteran Affairs. These selections were meant to be forwarded to President Joseph Nyumah Bokai for nomination and confirmation by the Liberian Senate.
However, the military High Command intervened, stating that the outgoing leadership at the bureau had overstepped their authority in the selection process. They emphasized that only the board of directors has the mandate to vet and nominate qualified veterans for such positions. Therefore, the outgoing management team was asked to relinquish their duties and hand over authority to an interim leadership team appointed by the AFL Chief of Staff.
The interim leadership, consisting of the current Human Resource Officer, Retired Captain Edward Tokpah, the Comptroller, Retired Major Joseph Nyunder, and a skeleton staff, was tasked with overseeing the bureau until a proper vetting and selection process could take place in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Act that established the National Bureau of Veteran Affairs.
The Chief of Staff also urged both parties involved to remain peaceful and calm, assuring them that he would consult with President and Commander in Chief Joseph Boakai to find a suitable resolution. He also cautioned the contending parties to treat the widows of deceased veterans with respect and refrain from any form of protest against the government.
In response, the contending parties accepted the advice of the Chief of Staff and pledged to work together as a united team for the betterment of the National Bureau of Veteran Affairs. They also agreed to intervene and prevent any planned protests by the widows of deceased veterans.
Overall, the situation surrounding the selection process for the management team of the National Bureau for Veteran Affairs in Liberia has been temporarily resolved with the appointment of an interim leadership team. The military officials have reiterated the importance of following the proper procedures and respecting the authority of the board of directors in these matters.
Read the original article on The Newdawn Liberia
