Reports filtering into the newsroom of this paper indicate that lives were lost while many sustained critical injuries Monday, February 28, 2011, in a tragic motor accident involving a convoy of Robert Sirleaf, son of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. According to the reports, the convoy believed to have included seven to ten vehicles, protected in the back and front by SSS pickups with blaring sirens and flashing lights had several cars in the middle; including a white jeep with NG license plate and another white Lexus jeep with PC license plate.
The convoy was en route to the Roberts International Airport (RIA), to pick up Mr. Sirleaf but one of the vehicles collided with another car head on, thus claiming lives and injuring others. The number of death is yet to be established, but sources identified one of the deceased as Christiana Zahn Settro of 9th Street, Sinkor. A source hinted that many victims of the accident were taken to the ELWA Hospital Monday. A hospital source admitted that people were taken there as a result of accident on RIA Highway but refused to say how many dead or injured on grounds that she is not clothed with the authority to give out such information. This incident, which is the second convoy accident for the agency in less than a month (the convoy going to Tappita to open the Jackson F. Doe Hospital was involved in a nasty accident with injuries sustained), comes as the Special Security Service brews in controversies amidst Director Brisbane’s poor and aggressive handling of the affairs of that agency.
A security source told this paper that there have been questions raised about the wanton use of sirens and protective convoys by "everyone who thinks he or she is somebody". "I understand Mr. Sirleaf is the President’s son and deserves protection, but what was the essence of a speeding convoy?" the source lamented. He went on to question the need for a SSS convoy for the President’s son when he’s a mere advisor and not a key government figure deserving of such protection or movement?
As the Executive Mansion remains tightlipped on this matter, pundits are surmising that it is because of Mr. Sirleaf’s public role in his Mother’s reelection campaign and as such, news of this magnitude may be detrimental to her and the Unity Party in general. Robert Sirleaf has been undertaking community projects and other initiatives of late, although some have been controversial, such as the incident between him and District #10 Representative Regina S. Teah over a footpath bridge in Doe Community and the process leading to the construction of the Slipway sports pitch.
Several calls to Press Secretary Cyrus Badio, including a text message seeking clarification on this matter went unanswered up to press time, however, our investigation continues.
