For rejecting Boakai:

In total violation of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia, and being politically vendetta, Montserrado County Senator Geraldine Doe Sherif has reportedly asked some of her staffs that are not supporting the presidential bid of Vice President Joseph Boakai to go on compulsory leave or face tougher action.

The senator had earlier encouraged her staffs to follow her lead to the Unity Party candidate. But at a meeting, some staffs out-rightly turned down the request.

Based on their refusal, she ordered them to go on compulsory leave without being clear whether they’ll get their monthly salaries while beig away.

Senator Doe Sherif, who came to the Liberian political limelight through the main opposition Congress for Democratic Change, took the decision based on the refusal of some of her staffers who believe Vice President Boakai cannot make a better president.

Article 17 of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia under the heading Fundamental Rights in Chapter III states: All persons, at all times, in an orderly and peaceable manner, shall have the right to associate and consult upon the common good, to instruct their representatives, to petition the Government or other functionaries for the redress of grievances and to associate fully with others or refuse to associate in political parties, trade unions and other organizations.

Based on the senator’s action, the affected staffers are seen loitering in the corridors of the Capitol Building. Some are lobbying with other senators to intercede on their behalf, but it appears that the lawmakers of the upper house are forcing their staffers to follow their lead in the coming elections.

When Senator Doe Sherif was contacted through her administrative assistant, Mr. Murphy Diggs, he informed this paper that his boss is not ready to respond to the allegation.

Mr. Diggs says the senator is preparing a well-loaded press statement on the matter.

On 10 March this year, 19 senators from several political parties endorsed the candidature of Vice President Joseph Boakai for the Presidency.

The Senators, in a statement, promised to work to ensure that Vice President Boakai is elected Liberia’s next President.

Senators include Albert Chie (IND-Grand Kru County), Henry Yallah (PUP-Bong County), Dan Morias (NPP-Maryland County) Gbleh-bo Brown (IND-Maryland County), Peter Coleman (CDC-Grand Kru County), Edward Dagosseh (UP-Grand Cape Mount County), Varney Sherman (UP- Grand Cape Mount County) and Alphonso Gaye (UP-Grand Gedeh County).

Others are Geraldine Doe-Sheriff (CDC-Montserrado County) Thomas Grupee (NUDP-Nimba County), Dallas Gueh (PUP-River-cess County), Armah Z. Jallah (NPP-Gbapolu County), Matthew Jaye UP-River-Gee County), Daniel Naatehn (ANC-Gbapolu County), Francis Paye (NDC-River-cess County), and Morris Saytumah (UP-Bomi County), including Milton Teahjay (IND-Sinoe County), George Tengbeh (UP-Lofa County) and Jim Tornonlah (PUP-Margibi County).

Senator Deo Sherif, who was out of the country at the time, subsequently followed suit after she returned to the country and promised to work tirelessly to ensure that the governing Unity Part flag bearer becomes the next President.
Senator Henry Yallah, chairs the 19 Senators known as the majority, and signed the resolution of support for VP Boakai, says their decision was based on the Vice President’s experience in public service and his maturity in handling matters, especially when it comes to conflict resolution and reconciliation. Editing by Jonathan Browne