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The Aftermath of Koukou’s Clemency-What Next for Julu and Dorbor?
Feb 4, 2008
Varfley A. Dolleh
 Introduction:
In the wake of the reconciliatory decision in granting Executive Clemency to former Speaker George Koukou regarding his treasonable crime of sedition, nevertheless, many are apprehensive that it fell short in bridging the gap of total reconciliation by not ensuring that Dorbor and Julu are given a carte’ blanch of freedom.
Historical Context:
Weighing the trend of developments by the Ellen led Government in some fronts of the state of Nation, it was with utmost consternation when it was announced that the names mentioned supra, were involved in a heinous subversive activities in ousting the democratically elected government against the basic tenant of civility. Although, the crime reprehensible, but many were doubtful whether or not the crime was base on tangibility, mindful of previous concoctions by successive governments when they arrested perceived opponents for selfish reasons. We are aware of settings when past leaders implicated politicians and critics with many of the present generation of actors being of no exception.
Although, government was given the benefit of the doubt in ensuring that the judicial process takes precedent over mere insinuation. It must be noted that under our penal code which is akin to that of the US, One is presumed innocent until Proven Guilty in a Competent Court of Jurisdiction. So it was no mistake when they were taken to court in order to exonerate them selves. It has been a tormenting period for the accused and their parents in the wake of the trial. I pity their condition, but at the same time would be glad that they clear their names for generations unborn. We have been following the trial with eagle eyes in that we want to ensure equity for all Liberians.
Carte Blanch Clemency:
Under our Constitution, our President has the prerogative in granting a clemency to an accused if she so desire. Although surprising, but she was in her right mind when an Executive Clemency was given to Hon. Koukou relieving him of all charges unlike his colleagues. We sincerely applaud the decision of the President in all forms and shapes, which to a larger extent would help nourish that democratic, and reconciliatory process we have been trying to germinate. We understand the mood the Nimbians are in today in the wake of the released of one their sons. It is a happy and proud moment for all them. We want to salute all of those who have been struggling in their own ways in making this dream a reality.
Dorbor and Julu Fate:
I am not clothed with the authority to question the rational of her Excellency in given liberty to Hon. Koukou, but at the same time it must be noted that I have the moral responsibility in appealing to her to end the skepticism and the common gossip that it was intended to appease the Nimbians, especially, Senator Prince Y. Johnson and others. Moreover, others are surmising that it is intended to further popularize her self in consideration that 2011 is getting closer and she may need those Nimbians for security and numerical strength in time of problem and possible voting. But to the contrary, the Grand Gedeans are weeping that this is a selective treatment for not pardoning the two Grand Gedeans.
People are mindful of the bitter rivalry between the two tribal elements from the both Counties. So when one is given freedom and the others incarcerated will raise eyebrows. It is only prudent that this clemency go across the board. It will be in the interest of the President and the nation as a whole if Carte’ blanche clemency is given to all of the accused since they were all tried collectively. This is the general view of many in the wake of the unfolding development.
Judge Williams Bombshell:
We take due diligence in the statement by the trial judge that that the Montserrado County Chief prosecutor had told him about the sum of Hundred and Fifty Dollars for jury members for their Christmas and New year Bonus, in return to change verdict favorably in government interest. It is a sad news in the wake of previous report of jury tempering. We are mindful of the infamous trial involving Orishall Gould and Others in the NASSCORP Case, when jury members were arrested for failing to take bribe from the government. Many of them were arrested, although released following a hectic trial and subsequent not guilty verdict. Government mindful of that painful defeat would do any thing to acquire justice, even at her own peril. The irony is the claim of the judge that the jury was tempered with, which questions the transparency of the Accused Guilty Verdict of Sedition.
In the wake of this unpleasant development, we call on Government to do every thing with in its power in ensuring that the allegation of jury tempering is investigated so that sanity will prevail in our legal setting.
Last Word:
Progress have been made in the political dispensation of the Country since the ushering of the Ellen led Government, but at the same time it would be a sad history if government fails in ensuring that the political playing field is leveled for every Liberian. We are jittering in the wake of the preferential treatment for some at the detriment of others. Let us call a spade a spade by ensuring that elements of all counties are treated equally. Now that Hon. Koukou is freed, it is only imperative for the sake of genuine peace and untainted reconciliation that Col. Dorbor and Gen. Julu are both pardon in line with the sprit of Unity. Make no mistake, if this is not done it would breed more seed of discord with Krahn surmising that it is vengeance against them for what the late President Samuel Kayon Doe, Gen. Julu and other did when they were at the helm of power. This is a delicate situation Madam President. A hint to the wise is sufficient.
As usual, we want to hear your thoughts @ Varfley1@yahoo.com or )215)-666-2506
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