The NEWS (Monrovia)
Jimmey C. Fahngon
29 April 2008
Monrovia — President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf is said to be of the view that high level presidential appointees confirmed by the Liberian Senate could be dismissed only upon presidential approval on recommendation of the agency.
According to Presidential Press Secretary, this is the view that the President holds regarding the suspension of Cllr. Pearl Bull, a commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).
Mr. Badio indicated that Cllr. Jerome Verdier has pointed out to the President that the Act establishing the TRC gives the Chairman some extraordinary authority to take such decision.
However, he said the issue is being researched because it has legal implications.
Badio made the assertion Monday at his regular press briefing held at his Foreign Ministry office in Monrovia.
Notwithstanding, Badio said "although the President holds different perspective on the removal or suspension of high level appointees as in the case of the TRC Commissioner, the President had no part to play in Commissioner Bull's decision to take the TRC to the Supreme Court.
He said the Liberian leader was deeply troubled over the trend of events at the TRC.
"She believes that the misunderstanding at the Commission would be resolved at the earliest to enable this very vital arm of our country's process to continue with its duties without any undue distractions," Badio said.
It can be recalled that recently, Cllr. Verdier suspended Commissioner Bull for allegedly taking a job with the Public Procurement and Concession Commission (PPCC).
According to the TRC Chairman, Commissioner Bull's services with the PPCC was a conflict of interest as such, he had no alternative but to suspend her.
But Cllr. Bull reacted by taking the TRC to the Supreme Court for unlawful suspension for which the court placed an injunction on the suspension.
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