Supt. Cooper explains rationale for her resignation

Grand Bassa County Superintendent Madam Etweda Cooper has cited personal reason for her resignation amidst report that she resigned of legislators’ interference.

The outgoing Superintendent speaking at a press conference on Monday at her administration building office in Buchanan city, Grand Bassa County stated that although there were some issues that she and the lawmakers even citizens disagreed, but that was not the reason for her resignation.

“I am leaving because of personal reason. Madam President understands why I am leaving Bassa at this point in time.- definitely I was not force. I have been under lot of tension before; I served in many other places and every place got it own tension but that was not the reason for me quitting. I quit because I do have other things that I want to do. I do have dreams and I do believe that I can continue to make my contributions whether I am Superintendent or not. I do not have to remain superintendent to make contributions,” the outgoing Bassa Superintendent told local journalists.

According to madam Etweda Cooper, she contributed to the growth and development of Liberia when she was just an ordinary citizen and she can still do same. “I have so many things to do with my life, and I am unable to do them in the current position that I served. So it is with great regret that I tendered my resignation as Superintendent of Grand Bassa County to her Excellency Madam Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. She understands my commitment to the county as well as my need to move on” Madam Cooper asserted.

She, however, stressed the importance of unifying the leadership and the working relationship with the people and leaders of G/Bassa County adding that although there were times they could not see each other on many issues.

The outgoing superintendent was heard on several media outlet citing legislators interference in her functions as member of the executive branch of government thereby quoting article three of the constitution of Liberia which says” consistent with the principles of separation of powers and check and balances, no person holding office in one of these branches shall hold office in or exercise any of the powers assigned to either of the other two branches except as otherwise provided in the constitution” but the superintendent did not mention this during her departing press conference as she cited personal reason.

As it stands, the outgoing superintendent has made two statements over her resignation, legislators interference and personal reason. Speaking further on her resignation amidst an ongoing audit, Madam Cooper said, she is a law abiding citizen and if indicted she will be ready and available.

The superintendent’s resignation is highly believed by residents of G/Bassa County that it is due to immense pressure mounted by some members of the legislative caucus. Outgoing superintendent Cooper told journalists at the postponed county sitting in district#4, that the lawmakers tend to demonize her office by making her ugly in the eyes of the Bassa people.

It can be recalled that some members of the G/Bassa County legislative caucus including Deputy Speaker Hans M. Barchue and Senator Nyonblee K. Lawrence stated that they could no longer work along with the superintendent on grounds that she refused to cooperate with them.

Meanwhile, the civil society organization council of Grand Basaa County is calling on president Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf to appoint neutral and developmental driven individual to spear head the county. The Secretary General of CSOC of G/Bassa County Victor Flomo said, the president should also take into consideration in her appointment someone who has been with the people and understand their needs and what affect them.

By Sampson G. David – Edited by Othello B. Garblah