IPNews-Monrovia: Report reaching the authoritative Independent Probe, says Foreign Minister Gbezohnga Findley has resigned.

In a late diplomatic circulars issued to various Liberia diplomatic missions across the world, Minister Findley thanked all for their continued commitments to serving Liberia even during difficult moments.

Findley also lauded the level of support accorded him while he served as Minister of Foreign Affairs over the last three years.

Mr. Findley wrote: “I present my compliment and wish to advise that I shall be leaving my post as Minister of Foreign Affairs as of July 27, 2020. I want to thank you and your staff for the kind consideration and support given me during my tour of duty as we worked in the interest of our beloved country. I trust that you will lend similar support and cooperation to my successor. I wish you continued success in you endeavor to make a positive showing of our country to the world.”

Former Minister Gbezohnga Findley headed his last official duty on yesterday at the Monrovia City Hall, where Liberia celebrated its 173 Independence Day Anniversary.

The resignation of comes amidst speculation that he intends to contest the up coming Mid-term Senatorial elections slated for December 8,2020.

It may be recalled,  Mr. Findley was recently petitioned by traditional leaders, youth and women groups in Grand Bassa County, to represent them at the Senate by contesting the December 8 special election.

The Traditional leaders headed by the Chief Grand Zoe of Grand Bassa Edward Garmah, said they have evaluated all of the aspirants and believe that Findley is the most suited to make a representation for them.

At the time, Representative Matthew Joe of Buchanan District, who received the petition from the elders, promised to liaise with the county superintendent, Janjay Baikpeh to take their petition to allow Foreign Minister Findley to return to the county.

Foreign Mission sources informed IPNews that former Minister Gbezohnga Findley, tendered in his resignation on Friday, at the residence of President George Manneh Weah, but was asked to stay on until the official 173 Independence Day Anniversary were over.

Mr. Findley’s resignation now paves the way for what is expected to be an intense race in the vote-rich Grand Bassa County, against the incumbent Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence and another challenger, District No. 4 Representative, Vincent Willie.

As of the 2008 Census, it had a population of 224,839, making it the fifth most populous county in Liberia.

Rep. Vincent Willie(District No. 4), who was elected on the ticket of the opposition Liberty Party, a member of the four-party opposition alliance has ruffled feathers with his intention to contest the Senatorial seat, declaring recently that he would be the next senator.

“I don’t have a major contender because to be a contender it means you must have done something tangible that you can show to the Bassa people. I have built roads, create more jobs for people of my district, sent young men and women out of Liberia to China to get Master’s degrees and I want to do the bigger one for everyone if I am elected as the next senator.”

It may further be recalled last year, President Weah, in the memo warned that in keeping with Government’s policy of strict adherence to the law, and for the purpose of coordination and maximum productivity, all officials appointed by the President, pursuant to Article 56 of the Liberian Constitution and all civil servant covered by the Code of Conduct (COC) are directed to adhere to the stipulation of the COC regarding requirement for public officials ahead of the 2020 mid-term elections.

“As you are aware, chapter 5.2 of the Code of Conduct, which intent was addressed by the Honorable Supreme Court prior to 2017 elections prescribe that anyone intending to contest for political office shall not continue to hold on to said office.