Widows of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL Widows) have publicly apologized to the Chief of Protocol of the Executive Mansion, Ambassador Nora Finda Bundoo, and, by extension, President George M. Weah, for falsely accusing Ambassador Bundo of instructing people to collect L$600 from each widow for a CDC identification card before they can get their deceased husband’s just benefit.
At a press conference jointly held by the AFL Widows and the Bureau of Veteran Affairs, held at the headquarters of the Veteran Bureau, the Chairperson of the widows, Mary Allison, expressed sincere apology to President Weah and Ambassador Bundoo for falsely accusing them, explaining that the pressure was intense on them to provide for their homes and pay their children’s school fees.
Allison urged Ambassador Bundoo to continue her good work and not give ears to their allegation, as they were feeling frustrated about the delay of their husbands’ benefit when they made the accusation.
In a similar manner, the Spokesperson of the AFL Widows, Oretha Tweh, said Ambassador Bundoo is their daughter, and that they were remorseful for accusing her of taking money from them.
It can be recalled that the AFL widows recently accused Ambassador Nora Finda Bundoo of forcing them to become members of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) before the Weah administration pays their deceased husbands’ benefits.
The widows took to the streets in protest, erecting roadblocks and demanding US$100,000 payment as “just benefits” for their respective deceased husbands.
However, Ambassador Bundoo has since denied the widows’ claim, reaffirming the Government of Liberia’s unwavering support to the widows of the Armed Forces of Liberia.
Amb. Bundoo frowned on those using her name to collect ID card fees or other fees from the widows, noting that she has no interest in instructing people to collect money from the already struggling widows.
The Executive Mansion Chief of Protocol emphasized that the CDC-led government will not force anybody or widows to obtain CDC membership cards for benefits or any other thing, as the CDC remains a democratic political party and will not force anyone to become its member.
She reassured more support for the AFL widows under the Weah-led Administration, saying that the government is striving to ensure that the widows get their benefits through the required process.