The Executive Director and Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC), Jackson Jay Paye, has formally requested the immediate removal of his photograph from the Citizens Movement for Change (CMC) social media page. This image suggests that residents of Kparblee District support candidate B. Mack Gblinwon.
He described the placement of his image on the CMC page as a propaganda tool by the CMC to market their candidate in the pending by-election.
Director Paye emphasized that, as a government official, he is barred by a code of conduct that restricts his involvement in political activities.
Mr. Paye clarified that the photograph was taken at a Peace and Reconciliation event in Kparblee, not at a political endorsement gathering. He attended the event to fulfill an invitation made before his appointment with the LRRRC and to engage with the community on fostering peace and reconciliation. He expressed surprise upon discovering that his image had been shared alongside candidate B. Mack Gblinwon on the CMC page.
“I respectfully urge the leadership of the CMC to remove my photograph. Since my appointment, I have not participated in any political discussions. I am fully aware of my responsibilities as a government official and the associated code of conduct,” stated Director Paye. “I cannot and will not engage in any political discourse during my tenure as a government representative.”
In addition, Mr. Paye urged supporters of all political candidates to prioritize peace and to avoid divisive propaganda that could disrupt unity and mutual respect among citizens.
Recently, the LRRRC Office of the Executive Director completed a mission in Bong and Nimba counties. The mission aimed to evaluate the activities of the LRRRC in these counties, engage with locally integrated former Ivorian refugees residing in Bahn City, Nimba County, meet with various groups of Burkinabe and local community members, and inspect facilities at the Bahn Resettlement Center.
At the beginning of the tour, the Executive Director and his team paid a courtesy visit to Madam Kou Meapeh Gono, the superintendent of Nimba County, in Sanniquellie. During this visit, they shared their objectives for assessing the operations and facilities of the LRRRC in Saclepea and Bahn City, where the LRRRC’s integration settlement is located.
Hon. Paye expressed appreciation for the hospitality extended by Nimba County residents towards the integrated former Ivorian refugees over the years. He raised concerns about the presence of Burkinabes in Nimba County and outlined plans to conduct a more inclusive National Dialogue aimed at developing a comprehensive policy framework to address the needs of this population. In response, Hon. Gono expressed gratitude for the visit and reaffirmed the county’s commitment to supporting those in need.
The team also engaged with the integrated Ivorian refugees in Bahn, informing them about Executive Order 144, recently signed by the President, which advocates for the incorporation of persons of concern into the national registry.
During the visit to Nimba, the Executive Director further assessed the situation in Kparblee District, where some undocumented Burkinabes reside, and held discussions with local community leaders and representatives of the Burkinabe community.
In Bong County, at the Commission’s Regional Transit Center, the Executive Director informed returnees that the LRRRC is exploring initiatives to secure support for those returnees wishing to pursue vocational education, as well as for their children to access quality primary education.
