Members of the House of Representatives up in arms against the pro bono status of Mr. Robert Sirleaf as board chair of the lucrative National Oil Company (NOCAL) are urging President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf to instead set a salary for the position.
Addressing a press conference Friday on behalf of House members Friday at the Capitol Building, Rep. James Biney charged that President Sirleaf's assertion that her son, Mr. Robert Sirleaf, is working here pro-bono is intended to prevent him from paying taxes in the United States of America where lawmakers believe he also holds citizenship.
"We have heard the President talk about Mr. Robert Sirleaf is working pro-bono because of his love for his country and we do not challenge that. That statement, which the President made, was not intended for Liberians.
It was intended for the Americans so that they know he is not working for money so that he doesn't pay taxes there.
"And so, for the benefit of us Liberians, the President needs to come out and say if we pay this man, he is not going to pay taxes in America?" Rep. Barney said.
He insisted that if Mr. Sirleaf continues to work at the country's "most lucrative" sector without pay, he would be "less accountable" to the people of Liberia, adding: "We want him to be more accountable. Let's pay him so that he can be more accountable."
Comments Post a comment
WOW!!....GOOD.WISE!!
Let us not blind ourselves to the fact that many Liberians are living out of the country and raising their families which makes it mandatory to acquire a second citizenship. We should not drive away our children from Liberia. In today’s world, citizenship is for convenience because of vested benefits, such as retirement and security. As the Lebanese why they are in West Africa and around the world. In short, the Legislature needs to address the dual citizenship issue. For instance, citizens of Sierra Leone, Ghana, and Nigeria do retain their citizenship, because their countries recognize dual citizenship. I think, it is time for the National Legislature to amend the citizenship law and gain from this process. Remember, once a Kpelle man of Liberia you forever a Kpelle man of Liberia, despite dual nationalities. I am aware of the technicalities and urge you not to go that route for Liberia's sake. You will recall that Liberians in the United States and other parts of the world did work to see peace and deserve the passage of a dual-citizenship law. Let for now put aside our differences and do something for our children. Dual citizenship will not retard the progress of building roads, schools, and hospitals. It is for convenience and signifies hope for some Liberians in the future. Americans of Liberian origin testified before Congress and made pleas for President Bush to intervene. Everyone did play a role including ECOMOG. Finally, the records show that dual citizenship is an asset to Liberia’s development, reconciliation, peace, and reconstruction. Let us pass this law.