(MONROVIA, LIBERIA -  Oct. 30, 2009):  The superintendent of Sinoe County, Mr. J. Milton Teahjay, has been inducted into office at a ceremony, attracting hundreds of citizens and  residents of the county and other parts of the country. 

Speaking Friday, October 30, at the occasion, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf urged the new superintendent to ensure that he performs his duties in line with the programs and policies of Government, spelt out in the Poverty Reduction Strategy. 

Describing Mr. Teahjay as her direct representative, the President reminded the new superintendant to also ensure that utterances and actions reflect her vision. The Liberian leader promised to support the new administration of Sinoe to help it meet the needs of the people. 

An Executive Mansion release says the Liberian President called on the new leadership of Sinoe to work towards uniting and sustaining the peace and tranquility Sinoe County now enjoys.  The President urged Superintendant Teahjay to encourage into his administration individuals from other shades of opinion and backgrounds as a means of reaching out and helping to unite and reconcile the people. 

The President appealed to the residents of Sinoe County to work with the Superintendent and leadership of the county to achieve development the county desperately needs. 

In his induction remarks, Mr. Teahjay lauded the Liberian President for his preferment. He observed that Sinoe County is faced with several challenges, including underdevelopment, but stressed that his paramount focus would target reconciling the people of Sinoe County. 

Reconciliation, Mr. Teahjay, however noted, is not only the responsibility of the leadership; the leadership he said would provide the framework that would create the condition for all citizens to get involved in the process.

“The responsibility is a challenge for all of us,” the one-time stalwart of the opposition, reminded his people, noting that “if you don’t help me succeed, it will take another 50-years to have another Milton Teahjay in Sinoe,” a comment which drew loud applause and a standing ovation. 

He promised to work with all groups, including the Legislative Caucus, the youth, market women and elders of the county, the business and Non-governmental organizations to achieve the development goals of Sinoe.  “President Sirleaf did not send me here because I am a Christ with no faults; She sent me because I have the energy to turn things around.”

He praised his predecessor, Ambassador Sylvester Grigsby for his service to the people of the county and promised to take off from where the former superintendant stopped. 

Mr. Teahjay promised to make the rehabilitation of roads in the county his priority, to help farmers transport their goods. He spoke of the need to involve the youth in the transformation of the county. The groundbreaking, hours before the induction, for the construction of a youth center in Greenville, Mr. Teahjay emphasized, is a testimony of his determination to get the young people of the county involved and motivated. “I have accepted the challenge; I will count on your support,” the new Sinoe superintendant re-echoed. 

Speaking on behalf of the Sinoe Legislative Caucus, Senator Joseph Nagbe assured the incoming superintendant of the caucus’s firm and unwavering commitment to the development of Sinoe. He clarified that the caucus’s initial opposition to the nomination of Mr. Teahjay was intended to send a signal that the Caucus represents part of the leadership of the county and must be recognized as such. 

The ceremony attracted hundreds of Sinoe residents and other well-wishers from all walks of life including Chief Justice, His Honor Johnnie N. Lewis, who inducted  Superintendent Teahjay into office, in keeping with the constitution;  Professor Dew Mayson, who served as chairman  of the Program Steering Committee; the Superintendents of Grand Bassa  and Rivercess; cabinet ministers, civil society organizations, traditional leaders, students, market women, and members of the religious community in Sinoe.

The Liberian leader has, meanwhile, returned to the capital city, Monrovia.

Source: Executive Mansion Press - Monrovia