MONROVIA, Montserrado – Following an open declaration that he would support Vice President Joseph Boakai for President in next year’s elections, Brownie Samukai, Liberia’s Minister of National Defense has continued to receive public criticisms for his statement.

Samukai disclosed in a recent radio conversation on Truth FM that he would support Boakai for the presidency next year.

Since the open declaration, some officials of government and ordinary citizens have lavished criticisms on Samukai.

But Samukai has argued that he reserves the right as a citizen under the constitution to vote his choice.

He told the Voice of America that there was nothing wrong with him making Boakai his choice once it does not interfere with the professional functions of the Army.

“The constitution provides that each and every Liberian citizen has a right to vote his or her choice, and if my choice is going to be the vice president, yes, it is my choice to vote for him as I want. However, my choice should not interfere with the professional functions of the Armed Forces of Liberia,” he said.

The former Chairman on National Security at the House of Representatives and Margibi Representative during the tenure of the 52^nd National Legislature said Samukai’s statement was bad and totally out of order. Saah Richard Gbollie said the statement undermines the independence of the national army.

“It was out of order and creates a situation of skepticism of the independence of the army and the independence of the security sector,” Gbollie said.

He said the statement also politicizes the national army, adding, “This is one of the key reasons that led to the disbandment of the entire army and the formation of the new army.”

He said such a statement coming from the head of Defense, especially when the country was going through a security transition, ahead of a major national election was alarming and contradictory to the essence of national security.

According to him, the law that governs the new army calls for the armed forces to be void of politics and regime influence. “The army is for the Liberian people,” he added.

He said while the Minister of National Defense is only a proxy of the President and does not give direct orders to the military, he cannot be separated from the army.

Attorney at Law Saah Richard Gbollie, former Chairman on National Security at 52nd National Legislature. Photo: Gbatemah Senah

Gbollie disclosed that although he holds high respect for the achievements and experience of the Defense Minister, the open support to Boakai was a complete contradiction of ethics and professional standards.

Gbollie however still has confidence in the military. He said the new military comprises educated and trained men and women who know and respect their national responsibilities.

He praised the United Nations, the United States, and other partners for their support to building a new, democratic, and an apolitical security sector.

Gbollie called on Samukai to openly apologize to the Liberian people for his mistake.

He made the disclosure during a Bush Chicken interview on Tuesday.

Earlier, Senator Jewel Howard Taylor described the statement as an error of judgment by Samukai.

She said the Defense Minister’s statement was also a violation of the code of conduct for public officials.

At the same time, some ordinary Liberians are calling for Samurai’s immediate resignation as Minister of National Defense.

Lawrence Cheap, a youth, said Samukai’s action was in violation of the constitution and national code of conduct for public officials and government employees.

According to him, the statement warrants Samukai’s forced resignation or dismissal.

Andrew Don is another citizen who also wants Samukai to resign his position in the government to support and campaign for the election of Vice President Boakai.

He believes Samukai’s stay as head of Defense following his recent statement threatens national security.

“Our security is under threat,” he said in a Bush Chicken interview.

Part five of the national code of conduct also backed by article 81 of the constitution forbids individuals from engaging in political activities, canvassing or campaigning for a political institution, party or individual while still serving public office.

Featured photo by Africa Center