By Bill W. Cooper
President Joseph Boakai has appointed Retired General Geraldine George as acting Defense Minister, replacing retired General Prince Johnson who was confirmed as Minister of Defense.
The appointment comes minutes after Johnson’s resignation following days of protestation from the Armed Forces Liberia (AFL) wives over his appointment and confirmation by the Liberian Senate.
Retired General George, the former Deputy Chief of Staff and recently confirmed Deputy Minister for Operations, National Defense, is expected to act in the role of a Minister of Defense to provide stability and leadership during this period of transition.
President Boakai however expressed his confidence in George’s ability to effectively lead the Ministry of Defense and work towards addressing the challenges facing the army
Addressing the nation late Monday afternoon, the Liberian leader said, his government has since held consultation with strategic partners like the US government and other regional stakeholders on the situation.
President Boakai described Retired Gen. Johnson, “As a true patriot and a soldier,” noting that Johnson inform him that he was stepping aside if he was obstacle in order to save the AFL and preserve peace and tranquility in the country.”
According to him, the issues raised by the AFL wives affect all sectors of the population throughout the country, disclosing that his administration inherited said problems having been in office for nearly 21 days.
President Boakai explained that once it comes to the military, the men and women in arms put their lives on the line to protect the country and its citizenry and as such, the need to address their livelihood can never be overemphasized.
He said it is important for the pride of the army to be preserved, and announced the setting-up of a special independent investigator to probe the AFL wives grievances and report to his office within two weeks.
President Boakai noted, “We have also activated the board of inquiry to look into the cases of several soldiers who were discharged from the Force for various or serious crimes and had been reinstated.
“Also, we must never tolerate any indiscipline and breakdown order in the AFL because the reconstituted army has won the admiration and praises from the entire country for its professionalism and has become a sole of national pride for us all,” the Liberian leader reminded the gallant men and women in arms.
“So, we cannot afford to endorse into anything that will endanger the moral of our soldiers and generate doubts and suspicions,” he said.
President Boakai further, stated “On the other hand, our government will ensure that our military is well looked after as I have always said; “Together let’s us think Liberia, Love Liberia and build Liberia.”
