Despite President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf's brief nationwide address yesterday relating to dismissal in government, there are indications that Liberia's Auditor General Robert Kilby may maintain his post at the General Auditing Commission (GAC) because the President is requesting a concurrence of the 53rd Legislature on her action.

In a nationwide address yesterday while Mr. Kilby was on ELBC clarifying issues concerning him and the GSA Director, President Sirleaf said after reviewing documentary evidence, she is formally requesting the concurrence of the Legislature to dismiss AG Kilby for failure to disclose private business activities that represent a clear conflict of interest with his official duties as Head of the institution with prime responsibility to investigate and advise on non-compliance with the public financial management and procurement laws.

However, political commentators in the country are arguing that Kilby could be off the hook if the Legislature does not concur with the President.

Others say Mr. Kilby did not sign the contract; neither did he receive money for the contract. They also argued that the company in question was sold at the time he became Auditor General but documents submitted by Ms. Pearine Davis-Pakinson at the budget hearing last week revealed that the AG is the owner of the IT Firm.

Political pundits told this paper that Kilby should be given his day before the Ways, Means and Finance Committee to respond to Ms. Pakinson's allegation because he was out of the country when she made the comments. They also argued that the GAC provides that Kilby reports to the Legislature even though his appointment comes from the President but whatever the case, the lawmakers could decide his stay or departure from government.

House Speaker Alex J. Tyler in a radio interview yesterday after the President's pronouncement said the House will await the Chief Executive's request before making further comment on the issue. "We need to do our research before we act, so I cannot say anything now because I don't know what is in the President's communication," Speaker Tyler said.