MONROVIA – Senator Zoe Emmanuel Pennue, a prominent CDC figure, has thrown his weight behind the contentious earth-moving equipment deal—a potential hallmark of the Boakai-Koung administration—despite ongoing concerns over the transparency of its procurement.
By Blamo N. Toe and Lennart Dodoo
“I am a CDC senator, but I believe in the Bible. I may not be a pastor, reverend, or bishop, but the Bible says thou shall not lie. For six years, I suffered in the mud, and my people experienced bad road conditions. If you ask me to grade the two governments when it comes to road conditions, you cannot compare the two of them,” Senator Pennue remarked during a press conference at his Capitol Building office in Monrovia on July 17, 2024.
The deal involves 285 units of earth-moving equipment, with the first 24 units arriving in Liberia two weeks ago. Despite the equipment’s arrival being met with mixed reactions from the public and lawmakers due to the lack of transparency regarding its procurement and financing, President Joseph Boakai assured that the process is being handled with the utmost integrity.
In a communication dated July 9 to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro-Tempore of the Liberian Senate, President Boakai emphasized the government’s commitment to transparency and good faith in acquiring these machines. He explained that the initiative originated from a discussion with a long-time friend dedicated to the ARREST Agenda, who offered the equipment on a gentleman’s agreement to support Liberia’s development goals. However, no formal contract has been signed, and no financial commitment has been made by the government.
“The discussions are ongoing, and no financial commitment has been made by the Government of Liberia. Not a dime has been paid,” President Boakai stated. He further clarified that the initial shipment of equipment arrived at no cost to the government, with transportation and acquisition expenses covered by the supplier. The supplier retains the right to either return the equipment or sell it within Liberia if a mutually beneficial agreement is not reached.
For Senator Pennue, there have been substantial improvements in road infrastructure under the Unity Party government, particularly in Grand Gedeh County, which warrants his support for the controversial deal.
“Despite the heavy rain, the county’s capital and other parts of the county have seen major shifts in prices. A bag of 25kg rice, which was sold for L$8,000, is now being sold for L$3,800. A gallon of gasoline dropped from L$2,000 to L$900,” he reported.
Pennue reiterated his commitment to voting for the yellow machines deal if it comes before the Senate. “My people have already appeared in my dream and asked me to vote for the yellow machines deal if it comes before us at the Senate. When that time reaches, nobody should come to me because I will definitely vote for it,” he asserted.
When the President submitted his communication regarding the machines to the Legislature, Senator Amara Konneh of Gbarpolu County, Senate’s Chair on Public Accounts and Audit, called for thorough scrutiny of the President’s communication. He questioned the appropriateness of the informal agreement and the identity of the mysterious friend involved. “Understanding this is important for transparency, good governance, and the President’s anti-corruption agenda. Depending on how he handles the transactions, these yellow machines could define President Boakai’s legacy,” Konneh stated.
Some lawmakers in the House, including Montserrado County District 5 Representative Prescilla Abram Cooper and Bomi County District 2 Representative Manah Bishop, both of whom support the ruling Unity Party government, acknowledged that the government erred in the procedure in which the equipment was brought in. They, however, pleaded with their colleagues to allow the government to correct the error while they, as representatives of the people, focus on the greater good.
John Morlu, former Auditor General and a strategic member of President Boakai’s Rescue Mission, also urged the President to acknowledge any errors and seek legislative regularization. “Government business cannot be conducted based on friendship and gentleman’s agreements,” Morlu stated, emphasizing the need for accountability.
The Liberian Investigator has identified the friend mentioned by President Boakai as Mr. Robert Gumede, a South African billionaire and owner of Guma Africa Group. This company, in collaboration with the Liberian Government and US-based High Power Exploration (HPX), is involved in the Liberty Corridor project, a significant infrastructure initiative connecting Guinea and Liberia.
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