Amid mounting pressure from the wives of the Armed Forces of Liberia(AFL), the newly confirmed Defense Minister, retired General Prince Charles Johnson has finally succumbed and tendered in his resignation to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
For almost a week now, a group of Liberian women under the banner, “Army Wives Association of Liberia” has blocked major entries across the country, demanding the President to dismiss former Chief of Staff and recently confirmed Defense Minister, Prince Charles Johnson.
A few days ago, the wives of the men in the Armed Forces of Liberia petitioned the Liberian Senate through its Committee on Defense, Security, Intelligence and Veteran Affairs, calling on the body not to confirm the then Defense Ministe-Designate due to his alleged corruption scandals and other grave claims.
Mr. Johnson was, however, confirmed thus intensifying the protest actions by the women, something which heavily impeded the movement of vehicles and citizens on Monday, February 12, 2024.
In the wake of the growing tension, the Executive Mansion reported that the President and Commander-In-Chief of the AFL, Joseph Nyuma Boakai has received and accepted the resignation letter from Mr. Johnson.
The resigned Minister stated that his decision is triggered by the current political and civil disturbances occasioned by the protest of women believed to be wives of servicemen.
“In his letter, the Minister of National Defense outlined his reasons for his action noting that due to the current political and civil disturbances occasioned by the protest of women believed to be wives of servicemen, he has made the decision to resign and preserve the peace and security of the State,” the statement noted.
In response, the Liberian leader expressed gratitude to Minister Johnson for his invaluable service to the country and described him as a patriot.
At the same time, President Boakai has instructed the Armed Forces of Liberia to ensure all those impeding the free movement of people and vehicles through actions that blocked major thoroughfares across the country to immediately remove themselves and allow the government to resolve their grievances.
Comments are closed.