By Olive Stevenson
Monrovia,Liberia—President George Weah has defended the appointment of Gabriel Yenkan as head of Secretariat at the Liberia Extractive Industries and Tranperency Inititive (LEITI).
It can be recalled that Global Witness recently joined other civil society organizations, condemning the President’s decision to appoint Gabriel Nyenkan as head of LEITI.
Section 6.3 d of LEITI Act gives the Multi Stakeholders Group or MSG to recruit the head and deputy head of the Secretariat.
But speaking in Monrovia Thursday during a media engagement at his Foreign Ministry office in Monrovia, the Liberian leader noted that he has violated no law in his appointment.
President Weah then reminded BBC’s Jonathan Pay-lay-leh for his critical stance against him.
Speaking at the occasion marking the end of UNMIL mission in Liberia, President Weah thanked the United Nations Security Council, contributing troops and Donor countries for their enormous contribution in making the sector vibrant.
President Weah said not only has UNMIL contributed immensely to the restoration of peace and stability in Liberia; it has positively impacted every aspect of Liberians.
Also speaking, the Deputy Secretary of the United Nations Hamina Mohammed noted that UNMIL is leaving behind a country that has great potential to achieve lasting stability and deepens its Democracy and prosperity.
Madam Mohammed stated that it’s up to the Government with the fullest support of the United Nations and International partners to continue addressing the issues of Poverty, Unemployment, Illiteracy and lack of basic infrastructures.
She commended the Troops, Police and contributing Countries who participated in UNMIL and Liberia peace consolidation and Later paid tribute to the 202 personnel who lost their lives in service of peace in Liberia.
According to her, seventeen UN firms and Agencies will remain in Liberia to focus on sustainable Development and improving the lives of Liberians.
