“Nearly 80 And Still Falsifying Signatures Is Shameful And Disgraceful” Fahnbulleh Slams Brown

Monrovia, Liberia:Acting Chairperson of the Independent National Commission on Human Rights, Cllr. Mohammed Fahnbulleh, has described allegations of signature falsification involving former INCHR Chairperson Cllr. Dempster Brown as “shameful and disgraceful,” particularly given Brown’s age and long legal career.

Speaking in an interview following the appearance of Cllr. Dempster Brown at the Supreme Court, Fahnbulleh said it was disgraceful for a lawyer who is nearly 80 years old to allegedly falsify the signatures of his colleagues.

“For someone who is almost 80 years old and has spent years as a lawyer to be caught falsifying the signatures of his colleagues is shameful and disgraceful,” Fahnbulleh said.

According to Fahnbulleh, Cllr. Brown was allegedly involved in the falsification of the names and signatures of four individuals, a situation he said has raised serious concerns about the conduct of a former head of the national human rights institution.

Fahnbulleh said the INCHR is expected to serve as an institution of integrity, accountability and respect for the law, arguing that the Commission should be an example to Liberians rather than become associated with allegations of document falsification and other malpractices.

He further said the alleged conduct is particularly disturbing because of Brown’s age and professional background, stressing that an elderly lawyer who has spent decades in the legal profession should demonstrate a high level of morality and responsibility.

“At his age, there should be a high level of morality as an elderly man and a lawyer,” Fahnbulleh said, adding that anyone found responsible for wrongdoing should face the consequences under the law.

Fahnbulleh also raised concerns over approximately US$4,500 received from UNICEF during Brown’s tenure for programs involving children. He said the money was allegedly not applied for its intended purpose, with the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission currently investigating the matter.

Although Fahnbulleh acknowledged that US$4,500 is not a huge amount, he said the issue goes beyond the value of the money, describing the alleged conduct as unacceptable. He added that the LACC has succeeded in recovering part of the funds and claimed the controversy contributed to UNICEF blacklisting the INCHR.

The acting chairperson further alleged that during Brown’s tenure, the INCHR became heavily dominated by employees from River Gee County, leaving others with limited opportunities. Fahnbulleh said the Commission has now been restructured to ensure that employment is based on merit and qualifications, rather than county of origin, stressing that the INCHR must be an institution that belongs to all Liberians.