Lawmaker wants eviction halted at 72nd Barracks

Montserrado Country district#5 Representative, Thomas P. Fallah, is appealing to the Ministry of Defense to ongoing relax eviction of former soldiers and their relati9ves from the 72nd military barracks in Paynesville.

Speaking Tuesday during regular session of the House of Representatives, he says the eviction of the occupants from the barracks at this time is very crucial, particularly when the country is going to elections and preparing for a peaceful transition.

He argues that the decision by the Ministry of Defense to evict the ex-soldiers followed an urgent meeting with the Minister of Defense, Brownie Sumakai, including the leadership of the ex-soldiers and his office to discuss the matter.

He says during the meeting, he made a candid appeal to Minister Samukai on behalf of his constituents, currently residing within the barracks to give a volte-face of the decision preferably to January, 2018.

According to Rep. Fallah, in response the Defense boss requested that
because of the urgent need for accommodation for soldiers of the new Armed Forces of Liberia, the occupants should make available some units within the barracks to accommodate soldiers in active service with the AFL with immediate.

The Montserrado County lawmaker disclosed that 12 units were made available to the Defense Ministry authorities in keeping with their request, but regrettably and to his utmost surprise, the outcomes of that meeting were allegedly negated by Minister Samukai without an informed consent.

Rep. Fallah continues that his position for a volte –face on the eviction order released by the Ministry of Defense should not be misconstrued as interposing or objecting to the rule of law, adding that he is fully aware that the facilities in reference are owned by the AFL.

However, he would like to give a rational perspective on a “care
based thinking” approach than acting on emotionality.

Meanwhile, after discussions in session, plenary took a decision to invite the Minister of Defense to appear before the House of Representatives tomorrow, Thursday, 27 April at 10 A.M. to provide clarity.

By Bridgett Milton-Editing by Jonathan Browne