Liberian president rejects membership expulsion by governing party: presidential spokesman

MONROVIA, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- The spokesman of Liberia's outgoing president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf on Monday made a scanty remark on her alleged expulsion from the governing Unity Party, saying it was aimed at making her lose focus on the remaining days of her stay in office.

Sirleaf's main spokesman Jerolinmik Piah said her purported expulsion was "illegal and not in conformity with party's rules and regulations."

"The pronounced action by the Unity Party does not deserve or require a reaction," Piah told reporters in the capital city of Monrovia.

The Unity Party said on Sunday it had expelled Sirleaf from its fold since Saturday, accusing her of anti-party activities.

The party accused the 79-year-old Sirleaf of violating the political group's constitution by working against her vice president, Joseph Boakai, who ran for president on its platform last year.

Boakai was defeated by opposition candidate George Weah in the presidential run-off election held on Dec. 26 in the country.

Boakai, who has served as vice president of the country for 12 years, supported Sirleaf's expulsion from the party.

Two other strong members of the party known to be very loyal to the Liberian leader were also expelled from the political group.

Piah said the outgoing Liberian leader was paying no attention to the development because "she is focused on concluding her transition."

He said Sirleaf still considers herself a member of the political party.

"The party rules are clear as to how such action should be taken. Expulsion does not come from thin air. There are things that an individual should do that result in expulsion," the spokesman said, adding "when she leaves the presidency, the party matter will be handled the party way."

Sirleaf, Africa's first female elected president, will leave office on Jan. 22 after completing her two-term tenure in office. Enditem