I never met Allen White

Liberia’s Defense Minister Brownie Samukai angrily reacts to rumor here that he secretly held meeting with Dr. Allan White, An American, who was at the center- stage of gathering pieces of evidence against Jailed, former Liberian president Charles Taylor.

Rumors circulating in the country say during Dr. White’s recent visit to Liberia, several government officials believed to be supporting the presidential bid of Vice President Joseph Boakia held closed door meetings with him at an undisclosed venue. Though the purpose of the meeting remains unclear, it is believed to centering on critical political issues in Liberia.

But in his reaction, Minister Samukai says never was he a party to any meeting or held private discussions with Dr. White, challenging those spreading such rumors to make available pictures or recordings of said engagements. Though he confirms being aware of the visit of Dr. Allan White to Liberia, the defense boss maintains he is innocent any meetings with him.

Speaking to the media over the weekend via mobile phone, Minister Samukai asserts that such rumors have the propensity to create unnecessary suspicion and subsequently cause division in government.  “I serve as Defense Minister of Liberia, why will I want to have a private meeting with a private citizen of the United State?” He asks.

According to him, said rumors are being spread by people in the intelligence circle of the state, but declines calling name. Samukai, who is one of the longest serving members of the cabinet of the governing Unity Party-led administration, notes that news about him meeting with Dr. White is meant to sour his relationship with President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

“It is easy to see that because of my loyalty to President Sirleaf, one would decide to lie to the President by mentioning said rumor”, he avers.
The defense minister says there is no reason someone will engage in spreading lies about him because of the side he has chosen to support in these political processes.

Minister Samukai has publicly declared his support for the candidacy of Vice President Joseph Nyumah Boakai of the ruling Unity Party to succeed President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

-Editing by Jonathan Browne