When some security officers assigned at the Executive Mansion stopped a dark Tahoe bullet proof Jeep entering the compound of the yard for inspection few weeks ago, little did they know that it was the property of Mr. Robert Sirleaf, son of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL).
The knowledge of Mr. Sirleaf's alleged ownership of the "bullet proof jeep" came to being when the man behind the wheel and another occupant told an inquiring officer that it was a "special gift" for Mr. Sirleaf.
As if the information he provided that the jeep was owned by Sirleaf was not enough, the driver further indicated that the car was a gift to Mr. Sirleaf from NOCAL.
"May we know you Sir and where are you going?" one security assigned at the gate of the Executive Mansion asked the driver after the jeep stopped for inspection.
In response to the security inquiry, two men in the vehicle replied, "We are taking this car to Hon Robert Sirleaf. This is a gift from NOCAL to him."
Right away, the officers submerged in submission and allowed the car through the gate as it drove slowly toward the residence of the alleged owner (Mr. Sirleaf). "Okay sir. You can go ahead," he said, with a response from the driver, "thank you sir."
President Sirleaf has been criticized by several opposition politicians as well as human right activists both at home and abroad for allowing her son to chair such lucrative entity.
When this paper contacted his (Robert Sirleaf's) Mansion office for comment, security officers there said he was not available.
Normally, bullet proof is intended for people of high status in society or any wealthy person. In some cases, others ride it for security reasons.
It can be recalled that Mr. Sirleaf and the first family came under attack from Representative Edwin Snow recently. He had accused the first family of trying to control oil blocks in the country.
Few days after that, Robert Sirleaf debunked Snowe's accusation and accused a representative (he did not give a name) of trying to use his legislative influence to have shares in oil blocks in Liberia.
After his press conference, Snowe later told the media that he had lied on Mr. Sirleaf.
However, NOCAL has already indicated its innocence of gifting Mr. Sirleaf such gift.
M. Israel A. Akinsanya II, who is Second Vice President of NOCAL for Public Affairs categorically, denied giving Mr. Sirleaf any bullet proof jeep vehicle as a gift.
But he went on to say that Mr. Sirelaf, as chairman of the board was entitled to vehicle like is done in other public corporations in the country.
When quizzed whether the company ever gave him a vehicle since he claimed that is done in any corporation in the country, he responded so intriguingly.
"Mr. Sirleaf is using his private vehicle. Since he came to serve, he has been using that his two vehicles."
On whether he would be given vehicle soon, he replied, "If Mr. Sirleaf wants a vehicle he will go through the process as is laid down in the hand book of NOCAL. Once he meets all the procedures, he will have it."
He however said, Mr. Sirleaf was doing a good job for the company and it would be unfair for people to diminish his hard work and character that the corporation gave him a bullet proof jeep.
He continued that it was Mr. Sirelaf's right to request for vehicle. But close sources at NOCAL said "watch out, you will see the vehicle one day with Mr. Sirelaf riding. For now, you will see his other vehicles. Later on, you will see his bullet proof jeep."
One source said the jeep is similar to vehicle currently being used by Vice president Joseph Boakai.
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Liberians should stay away petit politics or elementary journalism. This story is not newsworthy at all. I want to believe that the writer of this article does not know that Presidents and their immediate families are entitled to executive protection before, during, and after they leave office? Are these articles reviewed by the editorial board before being published? Liberia has reached a stage that every Tom, Dick, and Harry wants to be a journalist but not adequately prepared for such task. Have you forgotten when Chucky Taylor had his own special squad? No one could overtake his vehicle; for doing so, you have committed a crime and was punished for doing so. What about writing an article about Charles Taylor requesting for presidential pension? Is he entitled to this money? Does he deserve such huge money? Or should this money be disbursed to students at the University of Liberia or to children in elementary schools thirsty for education? Please note that Taylor, Alhaji Kromah, Roosevelt Johnson were responsible for April 6, 1996. Did the Taylor government give restitution to those who lost family members, homes, properties, or make payments to businesses that were destroyed during this crisis? Nope. Remember the Government then was responsible for these destructions. Why should Liberian people pay him pension? During the civil war in Liberia, Taylor told Robin White the money from rubber, logs, and diamond sales were deposited in banks for the Liberian people. So, where is this money? He committed crimes against his own people and the Sierra Leone citizens? How can you give taxpayers’ money to a criminal, one who committed crimes against his own people, if you do not know this, you may want to ask the families of Nuwah Flomo, Jackson F. Doe, Gabriel Kpolleh, Dr. Steven Yekeson, Madison Wion, Samuel Dokie & family, Joseph Dwanyen, just to name a few. The arms, ammunitions, and weapons Taylor acquired from Libya on credit, were incorporated in the Liberia’s annual budget for repayment by taxpayers. This was his personal undertakings – why should Liberian people pay this money on his behalf? Is this a man you want to give US$250,000 annual pension? What kind of honorable thing did he do for Liberia and its people when he was president for which he deserves such money? Children in the country do not have textbooks, chairs, and other equipment. I listened and heard two Men of God, saying "what wrong with us, is us” and that “Liberians are ungrateful ingrates”. We are always disgruntled people, like a spectator watching a football game, criticizing it but when he is put on the field, he goes scoring in his own goal posts. Remember, we did not want Tolbert – that is the same thing that led us to be where we are today. No Liberian is perfect or holier than the Pope or Jesus Christ – it may be due to the fact that we do not know our left and right perhaps we are a confused people lost in the wilderness. Pretty tell which country’s President in the world, whose immediate family members do not enjoy executive protection.
Liberian people why make noise about bullet proof jeep.anybody can buy a datsun n make it bullet proof.the jeep that Robert Sirleaf used is bullet proof since he been in Liberia.lets try to talk about our people getting more pay n the living conditions of in LIB n forget about the Sirleaf's or who so ever.LIB is greater then anyone my people
R. SIRLEAF HAS NO RIGHT TO RIDE DAT CAR IN LIBERIA. HE'S NOT PART OF D CAR RIDE FAMILY. IF NOCAL GET DAT MONEY TO BUY DAT WOMAN MAN SUCH A CAR WHYT NOT PUT 8 IN D EDUCATION SCETOR 4 POOR LIBERIAN CHILDREN 2 LEARN.
My fellow Country men and women, I find nothing wrong with the son of President H.E Ellen Johnson Sirleaf using Ani Bullet, ( Bullet Proof ) Jeep in Liberia, if he truly has the cash.
I personally have (03 ) THREE 100% Anti Bullet Vehicles, ( Two Mercedes S 600 V12 B6/B7 LIMO + One Hummer H3 X 3 4 X 4 SUV 4 X 4 ) with full Security System on board, all three Special Vehicles are 2013 model for my personal security as a Top Businessman and CEO of my Companies.
Let`s appreciate the successes of one another so that other can welcome ours when we will get there.
I am yours and you are mine.
Stay bless always.
Regards, Dr. Gaye jamil nuahn CEO TOPMAN LEGACY VENTURES LTD. & TEE & GEE AFRICA COMMODITIES INTERNATIONAL GROUP LTD.