MONROVIA — Anthony Benedacious Roberts II, the former Financial Comptroller of the National Transit Authority (NTA), is calling on the new management team to implement the General Auditing Commission’s audit recommendations and hold individuals accountable for their stewardship during the audit period. This move is seen as essential in the ongoing fight against corruption.
Roberts highlighted that President Boakai, during his days in opposition, emphasized the restructuring and revamping of the entity due to multiple corruption allegations and protests staged by employees against the poor management of the nation’s only public transport service under its then Managing Director, Herbie T. McCauley. However, updates on the stewardship of individuals who served in key managerial roles during that administration have yet to be communicated as outlined in the GAC’s audits conducted under past and current management.
Roberts also warned against condoning corruption in public offices and noted that young professionals should not be falsely accused without substantive proof. These professionals are keen on using their skills to contribute to the country’s development.
He disclosed that the NTA suffered a significant fire in May 2022 amid widespread allegations that the fire was intended to destroy evidence. However, the GAC had already secured all relevant documents needed for the five-year audit, which was nearing completion at the GAC headquarters on Ashmun Street when the fire occurred.
The audit, covering the period from July 1, 2016, to June 30, 2021, under the stewardship of former comptroller Andrew Sagley, resulted in an “ADVERSE OPINION,” indicating that the financial statements did not present a true and fair view in all material respects.
Roberts expressed disappointment that those who exploited the entity are now in senior management positions, despite lacking the necessary skills and qualifications. He lamented that professionals who advocated for adherence to the GAC’s recommendations were ignored and ousted, based on lies and gossip aimed at silencing dissent.
“I challenge the NTA to provide any source document of fraud under my stewardship as comptroller for the period I served. I am prepared to appear with my legal team to vindicate myself,” Roberts stated. He emphasized his commitment to serving the NTA with moral and ethical values and encouraged the creation of stories against him to be factual, as he is ready to respond to all inquiries.
Roberts called on the new management, led by Edmund Forh, to institute more stringent credential scrutiny and restructure line managers who lack credentials and are ill-equipped to handle administrative duties. He criticized some staff members as being unqualified, involved in office gossip, and resistant to reforms that would improve the NTA.
“No matter the unjust treatment meted against me, I wish the administration well in restoring hope, pride, and dignity to the nation’s public transport service,” Roberts concluded, urging the administration to act based on facts, not fiction.
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