MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The opposition Unity Party (UP) says it has accepted a request of leave of absence from its under-pressure Secretary General, Mohammed Ali.

Mr. Ali, who is at the center of a pregnancy and abortion saga, is said to have asked for the leave to focus on personal issues.

In a statement Tuesday, April 27,2021, the UP said it is glad that its Secretary General took ownership of the girl’s pregnancy, and has laid out plans to address the situation.

It said:” Though the matter involves the personal relationship of two adults, circumstances of such issue have significant impact on the image of a Party that champions women’s rights and youth empowerment.”

The UP Secretary General has been under intense scrutiny, after a recorded conversation surfaced on social media of him trying to convince a young lady to abort a pregnancy.

The statement, signed by UP Assistant Secretary General, Cornelia Kruah-Togba, also expressed empathy with the young lady involved for the distress the situation has caused her.