Want Religious Leaders To Prevail On The Boakai To Pay Their Arrears
PHOTO: Religious leaders and OWECC Executive Director pose for group photo
By Augustine Octavius, augustineoctavius@gmail.com
The Office of the War and Economic Crime Court has made a passionate appeal to religious leaders to prevail on the Liberian government to support its programs and activities.
The Executive Director of the office, Counsellor Dr. Jallah Barbu, disclosed that for the last four months employees have not been paid and not money has been paid towards the renting of the building they are currently occupying.
Cllr. Barbu made the disclosure during an engagement with members of the faith and Justice Network in the Diplomatic enclave of Mamba Point in Monrovia on Thursday
According to Dr. Barbu, the Office of the War and Economic Crimes Court lacks of funds to undertake series of activities leading to the establishment of the court thus discouraging to international partners because they will never pay the salaries of the employees.
“Since President Joseph Boakai issued an executive order extending the office,” he went on, “not a cent has been released his office for operation as almost everything is done by dipping hands in their pockets.”
In remarks, the Chairman of the Board of Director of the Faith and Justice Network, Bishop Samuel Quire, assured Counselor Barbu to hold discussion with President Joseph Boakai of the need to support the court.
The United Methodist Church Bishop also promised the office that the network to across the country aimed at creating awareness on the court.
The Faith and Justice Network Board Chairman said the religious leaders will partner with local churches across the counties to conduct coordinated awareness forums on its role court.
According to Bishop Quire, the FJN will launch a church-based victims healing initiative, offering spiritual counseling, group therapy, and trauma healing workshops in collaboration with licensed Christian counselors.
He added that the FJN will identify and train 60 church leaders as justice ambassadors to serve as bridges between the count and their communities promoting public trust and moral clarity on justice issues
Concluding, he said: “we will actively advocate with international church-based agencies and humanitarian partners to support the technical and operational needs of the court.
The engagement was graced by a cross session of religious leaders including Catholic Archbishop, Gabriel Jubwe, Episcopal Church Bishop, Joseph Salee, Revered Doctor, Christopher Toe, Secretary General, Liberia Council of Churches among many others.