– Blames his removal from government on his refusal to arrest Former Finance Minister
By. Kebeh Sammie
Voinjama City, Lofa County – In a press conference held in Voinjama City, former Senator and recently suspended Commissioner General of the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), Stephen H. Zargo, broke his silence to address local media and community members regarding his recent removal from government and the swirling rumors surrounding his term.
Zargo, who has a long history of public service including roles within the United Nations and the Liberian government, emphasized the importance of local dialogue. “This is not just a press conference; it’s a conversation with our people,” he stated, acknowledging the diverse cultural context of Lofa County.
During his address, Zargo expressed gratitude for the support he’s received from the community and reaffirmed his commitment to the current administration, stating, “I support the president 100%. We have a perfect relationship.” However, he also pointedly attributed his removal from government to his refusal to arrest former Finance Minister Samuel Tweh, a situation that has been a focal point of speculation. “My suspension was not due to any wrongdoing, but rather a decision made by the president,” he said, emphasizing that he had acted in accordance with his principles and duties.
Questions from the press included inquiries about his relationship with the president and the nature of his suspension. Mason, a reporter, raised concerns about the local interpretation of media reports, stating, “The way we interpret some of the things confuses our people back home.” Zargo responded, explaining the cultural dynamics at play, particularly the distinction between “Dabinu” and “Keke,” terms used to describe different factions or groups within the community. He stressed the need for clarity and understanding, saying, “Some of them don’t understand what is called Keke, what is called Dabinu.”
In response to inquiries about his performance and the current administration, Zargo stated, “I think the president is well-intentioned. He has a team that he’s working with, and we’re just hoping that all of us align with the president’s vision.” He expressed optimism about the government’s intentions for the country, highlighting his belief in the administration’s goals despite the challenges he has faced.
Zargo faced scrutiny over allegations that his suspension was linked to financial misappropriation or his refusal to arrest former finance minister Samuel Tweah. “None of the information is true,” he asserted, adding, “Oral testimony cannot vitiate what is written.” He maintained that his suspension letter did not indicate any financial misconduct and reiterated that he has a clean record.
The conversation turned to ongoing legal matters, with Zargo discussing the “new ex-republica” document that prohibits certain individuals from leaving the country during investigations. He clarified, “Leaving the country and entering a country is a different thing,” emphasizing that the legal processes involved were standard and unrelated to his actions.
Reflecting on his tenure, Zargo highlighted significant achievements during his nine months in office, including training over 500 personnel and increasing budget allocations for the LIS. “I could out grade myself now more than allies,” he remarked, underscoring his commitment to performance and accountability. Despite these accomplishments, he acknowledged the realities of political dynamics, stating, “The president controls the executive.”
As the press conference concluded, Zargo conveyed a message of patience and community solidarity. “The nephew is here waiting,” he said, referring to his status in relation to the president, who he affectionately called a “great uncle.” He emphasized the importance of continuing to work for the benefit of Lofa County and expressed his intention to remain engaged with local leaders and citizens.
Zargo also touched on the cultural heritage of Lofa, noting its unique diversity and historical significance, particularly the Kondo Confederation founded by various ethnic groups. “We are a unique people… Lofa has been a part of Liberia’s foundation,” he said, stressing the need for unity among the county’s residents.
Zargo’s address aimed not only to clarify misunderstandings but also to reinforce his commitment to the people of Lofa, stating, “They wanted to hear from me, and that’s why I came back home.” He concluded by expressing his dedication to living and working with his community, asserting, “I’m back to Lofa to live and work with my people.”
The conference marked a significant moment for Zargo as he seeks to navigate the complexities of his political career while maintaining strong ties to his community amidst a backdrop of uncertainty. As he continues his political journey, he remains hopeful that his record of service will speak for itself, despite the challenges he faces. The implications of his removal and the refusal to take certain actions reflect the intricate interplay of politics and governance in Liberia, leaving many questions about future developments in both his career and the broader political landscape.
