By Sulaiman Jalloh

Less than a week after being approved by the house of  senate as Minister of National Defence, Rt/Gen. Prince C. Johnson has stepped down following mounting protests by wives of soldiers of the Armed Forces of Liberia, AFL.

Former Minister Johnson in a statement says he is stepping down for the common good of the country and the institution he has served for the past 18 years. He wants to make sure discipline is maintained within the army.

According to him, he insists that any allegations of him misusing funds is totally false.

Meanwhile, President Joseph Boakai has promised to launch an investigation into allegations of corruption and other issues raised by protesting wives of soldiers of the AFL, with a report ready in a week’s time.

The army wives began a protest a week ago after the former army leader was appointed by the president of the Republic as the new minister of defence.
Earlier, the U.S. Embassy stated that it was aware of ongoing protests by AFL spouses and the forced closure of major roads throughout greater Monrovia. “While the U.S. embassy supports the right to peaceful protest, blockading roads and impeding the movement of Liberian citizens is disruptive and counterproductive. This is contrary to the respect of democracy and the rule of law. We call on all parties to come together for a peaceful resolution and dialogue.”

The Executive Mansion said the President expressed gratitude to Minister Johnson for his invaluable service to the country and described him as a patriot.

In another development, the President has instructed the Army to ensure all those impeding the free movement of people and vehicles through actions that block major thoroughfares across the country to immediately remove themselves and allow the government to resolve their grievances.