CSO-Network hails Governor Mills Jones

The civil society network of Liberia or CSO-network is commending the Central Bank of Liberia Executive Governor, Dr. J. Mills Jones, for his reaffirmation to support and build the financial capacity of “middle class” Liberians through the current financial loan scheme at the CBL.

In a press release, CSO-Network describes the initiative as laudable as it is helping to alleviate poverty especially, among thousands of less fortunate Liberians across the country.

“Our research conducted revealed that the Central Bank of Liberia Governor has established loan schemes in seven of the15 counties, an initiative that has tremendously helped to better the living conditions of our people in those areas, which worth commendation”, the release read.

CSO-Network said recent visits of Dr. Jones to Bomi and Nimba counties where scores of Liberians gave him a rousing welcome demonstrates that Liberians are appreciative of his support to improving their livelihood.

“We will also like to use this medium to call on detractors of the CBL Governor’s loan scheme to stop politicizing the initiative and give him their support as Governor Jones strives to better the economy of the nation”, the network added.

CSO-Network terms as baseless, criticisms that Dr. Jones has embarked on the loan scheme with the aim of contesting for the Presidency of Liberia in 2017.

It said such criticisms were reckless and against the true spirit of peace, unity and the development of the country and its poverty-stricken citizens.

The network also call on lawmakers opting for the CBL to be audited to drop their argument, noting that it is in the wrong direction and not in the interest of the ordinary citizens of the country.

“Our argument with the lawmakers is based on part X (2) of the Act authorizing the establishment of the CBL, approved on March 18, 1999 and published October 20, 1999 which states that the accounts of the CBL shall be audited at least once every year, by a reputable and professional external auditors by the board of governors.”

COS-Network said such exercise has been achieved as evidenced by the recent audit conducted by the international auditing firm Price Waterhouse and such audit report has been submitted to the Executive, copies of which were sent to the Liberian Legislature, adding, “So there is no need for a GAC audit.”

It said time for politics is still far away so Liberians should rally around Governor Jones as he strives to build a middle income society, quoting the CBL Executive Governor as saying to the people of Nimba County during a recent visit: “It’s time to look for the Liberian man and women, those that believe in Liberia, those who stand up for Liberia and those who say count on me for what I have done – the interest of Liberia is not about empty promises, neither destroying excellence so that mediocrity can rise.”

Meanwhile, COS-Network has called on Governor Jones not to be distracted by unfounded information from his detractors, but continue to empower less fortunate Liberians to put them to work in the midst of high unemployment in the country. Press Release