MONROVIA October 14 (LINA) - The Deputy Information Minister for Public Affairs, Isaac Jackson, has said President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s letter to the National Legislature was not a desire to make her a dictator, as it is being misconstrued by some politicians in some quarters.

“The health crisis demands that government takes stringent measures to respond adequately to the threat posed by the Ebola disease. The president’s letter is intended to promote collective leadership so it is saddening for people to miscalculate the intent of what the letter is portraying,” Minister Jackson said.

He made the statement at the Ministry of Information daily Ebola press briefing held in the conference hall of the ministry Monday.

Recently, the president wrote the National Legislature seeking permission for the guarantee of emergency powers in accordance with constitutional provision to adequately respond to the country’s health emergency.

The President’s request has sparked a spate of debate and accusations among politicians and members of the Liberian public with contrary views that the president wants to be a “dictator”.

Minister Jackson said these views which are being propounded by a “negligible number of citizens,” are “baseless” and lack any merit.

“The president has served for almost nine years and she has shown absolutely no sign of wanting to be a dictator, she has upheld civil liberties, tolerance and free speech. It is shameful and unfair on the part of those who think the other way about this government,” Jackson said.

He noted that the president’s letter is based upon constitutional provisions and that it promotes governmental coordination among the three branches of government.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister Jackson has called on Liberians to refrain from negative arguments that have the propensity to undermine the government’s ability, noting that Liberians should focus on directing efforts towards supporting government’s quest to lift the country from the ongoing health crisis.
LINA WSG/TSS/PTK/JKW