Published: August 5, 2024
Last updated: August 4, 2024
MONROVIA — Integrity Watch Liberia (IWL) has urged President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to extend the fight against corruption beyond indicting former officials of the Weah-Taylor regime, citing historical audit reports that implicated officials during the 12-year regime of the Unity Party.
The call to the Liberian leader, made by IWL Executive Director Harold M. Aidoo, comes in the wake of the recent indictment of some former officials of the Coalition for Democratic Change government by the Monrovia City Court. These indictments highlight charges of economic sabotage, theft, illegal disbursement of public funds, and criminal conspiracy, among others.
The court’s arrest orders for the former officials—Solicitor General Cllr. Nyenati Tuan, FIU Comptroller D. Moses P. Cooper, Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah, Director General of the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA) Stanley Ford, and Jefferson Karmoh, National Security Advisor to President George Weah—followed a formal complaint by the Liberian government through the Ministry of Justice and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC).
In response to this legal move by the Unity Party administration, the political leader of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) and former President of Liberia, George Manneh Weah, announced at a news conference that his party will use all legal and political means to strongly resist what he termed as a ‘witch-hunt’ by the Boakai-Koung regime against his former officials and partisans.
In a press statement issued Sunday, August 4, 2024, Mr. Aidoo commended President Boakai for his resolute stance against corruption and his demonstrated political will to prosecute former government officials alleged to have engaged in corrupt practices. However, the civil society actor stressed that historical audit reports have implicated officials from the Unity Party during the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf administration, noting that many of these individuals were never prosecuted.
“It is imperative that the fight against corruption is not selective,” Mr. Aidoo indicated.
He called on the President to ensure a robust and comprehensive approach, addressing corruption irrespective of political affiliation or past administration. “This comprehensive strategy will demonstrate that the days of selective justice and impunity are truly over,” he added.
According to him, the president’s recent directive to the Minister of Justice, Cllr. J. Oswald Tweh, to pursue justice without fear or favor signifies a pivotal moment in Liberia’s ongoing battle against corruption.
The IWL boss added that this commitment by the Liberian Chief Executive is a beacon of hope for all Liberians who have long yearned for accountability and transparency in governance.
He further called on President Boakai to reinforce his commitment to fighting corruption by ensuring that the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), the General Auditing Commission (GAC), and all other anti-graft institutions are adequately resourced and empowered to execute their mandates effectively.
Mr. Aidoo indicated that these institutions play a critical role in maintaining the integrity of the country’s governance systems, stressing that they must operate without fear, favor, or undue influence. He believes adequate funding, capacity building, and political support are essential to their success.
At the same time, Integrity Watch Liberia called on former President Weah and the leadership of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) to desist from issuing threats to the state amid efforts to fight public corruption.
“If they believe in their innocence, they should present their case and exonerate themselves in the courts of law. The cycle of impunity that has plagued Liberia for too long must be brought to an end,” Mr. Aidoo stressed.
The IWL boss said his institution stands firm in its support for President Boakai’s vision of a transparent and accountable Liberia, and urged all stakeholders to join in the crucial fight against corruption.
Mr. Aidoo believes this joint effort will ensure that justice prevails for the progress of the nation.
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