NTGL Has No Mandate To Sign Contracts, Says Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, says the Gyude Bryant led-transitional government has no “mandate or any authority to pledge our national assets on long-term basis.”

The “Iron Lady” as she’s known here in Liberia indicated that the NTGL/MN Steel Concession Contract is “questionable” in that the public does not know the terms and conditions of said contract.

She challenged the Transitional Legislative Assembly (NTLA) to properly scrutinize the agreement when it reaches them to ensure that it is brought to public attention and serves the supreme interest of the Liberian people.

Speaking further, Madam Sirleaf disclosed that discussions have commenced with the World Bank to assist in reviewing all mining concessions and other contracts not concluded in accordance with the laws of Liberia.

At the same time, she has termed GEMAP, (a proposal by the international community to ensure proper control and management of government’s revenue and resources) as a necessary requirement to enable Liberians properly manage the scarce resources during this limited period to ensure free and fair elections.

Mrs. Sirleaf however indicated that even though “our government will need some technical assistance, it will need no imposition and the kind of supervision and authorities that GEMAP entails because we are going to put competent and sincere people into positions of trust.”