By Bill W. Cooper
Amidst allegation over the duplication of the Identification Cards, the National Identification Registry (NIR) has embarked on printing two separate ID cards in Liberia.
citizens and residents residing across Liberia.
He further revealed that one of the ID cards bearing the color blue with all security features is for natural born citizens, while the other card bearing the color green with same security features for resident residing in Liberia.
He made the disclosure on Tuesday when he was cross-examined by lawmakers over allegation of the duplication of the National ID cards by one of his staff identified as Foday Kanneh recently in Jacob Town.
However, the appearance of the NIR boss, the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), the Liberia National Police (LNP) and National Social Security Service (NSSA) was triggered from a communication from Representative, Jimmy Smith.
Rep. Smith in his communication alleged that a staff of the NIR, Foday Kanneh was found in a fraudulent printing of the National ID card in Paynesville by machine which is assigned to Margibi County, something he described as a criminal syndicate.
But in response to Rep. Smith’s allegation, Mr. Nagbe confirmed the unauthorized attempt of the issuance of the National ID card, revealing that Foday was arrested by the LNP and investigated of which a recommendation was submitted for administrative action.
“So, I am pleased to state that Foday was suspended by the NIR for two months without salaries and benefits and thereafter reinstated and is now doing his job and that was in line with the recommendation from the Police following their investigation,” he said.
He stated further that Foday was investigated and recommended by the LNP for administrative actions to be taken by the NIR.
For their part, the Deputy Inspector General of the LNP and the LIS Deputy Commissioner General told the lawmaker that they were involved and aided the NIR throughout the investigation concerning the allegation.
Meanwhile, following an intense debate on the matter, the lawmakers unanimously voted for the setting up of a specialized committee with the mandate to report within two weeks.
