-Calls On LNP, Others To Be Watchful
The Sergeant-At-Arms at the House of Representatives, Brigadier General Martin Johnson has alarmed over what he calls ‘outdated House of Representatives license plates’ on vehicles plying across the country.
Addressing legislative reporters Tuesday in the Chambers of the House of Representatives, General Johnson said it is unfortunate that outdated license plates used by members of the 52nd and 53rd National Legislature, particularly the House of Representatives still being used by some Liberians thereby defrauding government of revenues.
According to him, the Liberia National Police (LNP) should be aware that the House of Representatives is no longer using the HOR plates, and the plates with number before the ‘REP’.
He further said the new plates have ‘HOR’ with a white background and the word “Legislature” written below; ‘REP’ before the number with a white background and ‘Legislature’ written below as well.
General Johnson warned that anything contrary, such vehicle should be impounded and reported to the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives and his office for further investigation in collaboration with the Liberia National Police.
“Some people are evading tax. Some people have personal cars still using the old license plates. This is a serious matter that needs the attention of the public, especially the police. We want the police to be watchful of these outdated license plates,” General Martin Johnson said.
He lamented that this is a serious problem because some drivers are using these plates to cause trouble with security officers thinking that they are legitimate plates belonging to current members of the House of Representatives.
“If you see these inscriptions report to the police and those people with these plates should be arrested. This is a dubious act,” General added.
It can be recalled House Speaker Bhofal Chambers once reportedly gave a 14-day ultimatum to current members and former members of the House of Representatives of the 53rd and 54th Legislature respectively, who were issued the “Old Official License Plates,” to return them to the Chief Clerk’s office.
A local daily once quoted a circular from the Speaker as saying “by directive of Hon. Bhofal Chambers, Speaker of the 54th Legislature, former members of the House of Representatives of the 53rd and current members of the House of Representatives of the 54th Legislature, are to turn over the assigned old official license plates to the Office of the Chief Clerk.”
It added: “The old license plates, either dominantly black or white do not have “LEGISLATURE or LB,” unlike the new License Plates which have “LEGISLATURE or LB.”
This General Johnson said besides the fight to curb corruption and generate revenue, there are also reports that, “Certain vehicles with the old license plates have been spotted in the streets.
Alphonso Toweh
Has been in the profession for over twenty years. He has worked for many international media outlets including: West Africa Magazine, Africa Week Magazine, African Observer and did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Times, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He is the current correspondent for Reuters
He holds first MA with honors in International Relations and a candidate for second master in International Peace studies and Conflict Resolution from the University of Liberia.
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