Monrovia – The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has begun an investigation into allegations that US$750,000 was funneled through the Liberia Water & Sewer Corporation (LWSC) and the Ministry of Transport for political maneuvering aimed at unseating the Speaker. Sources familiar with the matter informed The Liberian Investigator that the LWSC funneled its portion of that amount through a contractor.
According to the source, the alleged bribery funds were routed through a Chinese firm associated with LWSC, identified as Tengda. Reports indicate that Mr. Mohammed Ali, the managing director of LWSC, is overseeing the rehabilitation of the Caldwell booster at an inflated cost of US$300,000, despite estimates suggesting that the actual expenses should range between US$15,000 and US$20,000. The source indicated that the surplus funds were possibly redirected towards garnering support for a political maneuver against Speaker Koffa, allegedly through a contract with Tengda.
The LACC has confirmed that it is actively investigating these allegations. Cllr. Alexandra K. Zoe, Executive Chairperson of the LACC, stated, “The LACC is also made aware of sources of funding in the total amount of US$750,000.00 (Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand United States Dollars) which was allegedly made available to the Lawmakers through the accounts of the Ministry of Transport and the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC), respectively.”
The LACC’s official statement indicated that it is collaborating with other bodies such as the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) and the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA) to gather evidence and ascertain the truth behind these claims. Chairperson Zoe stated that the investigation would be conducted fairly, urging all parties involved to cooperate fully while allowing due process to unfold without interference or speculation.
“These allegations, if proven true, represent a grave threat to the integrity of Liberia’s legislative processes and the principles of democratic governance. Bribery and corruption in any form undermine public confidence in elected institutions and disrupt the rule of law,” Cllr. Zoe stated.
Ali Refutes Allegations
In response to these accusations, the LWSC Managing Director issued a statement clarifying his position and challenged Representative Marvin Cole, who also made a blanket accusation against him, to provide evidence supporting his claims.
Ali stated, “Your accusation lacks clarity regarding whether the alleged money was personal or from LWSC. Making serious allegations of this nature requires substantial evidence.” He stated that baseless accusations undermine public trust in the legislature and do not serve the interests of the Liberian people.
Ali added: “Even hypothetically assuming I had access to the alleged amount, why would I choose to invest it in a process that offers no personal or familial benefit? I fail to see how the removal of Speaker Koffa would serve my personal interests; much less justify such an unnecessary expenditure. As a legislator, you have a duty to act with integrity and responsibility, not only to yourself but also to the people you serve and the nation as a whole. Therefore, I publicly challenge you to present evidence that I provided any financial support toward the alleged plot to remove Speaker Koffa.”
LWSC Calls for Investigation
Also, in response to the LACC’s quest to investigate the LWSC, the acting Managing Director of the corporation, Mr. T. Wilson Gaye, has written to the Chairperson of the LACC pledging to submit to investigation considering the gravity of the allegation.
“The management considers the allegation grave and, as such, realizing the magnitude and potential impact on the reputation and operations of the Corporation, we respectfully request the LACC to conduct an immediate and thorough investigation into the matter. To uphold the integrity of the Corporation, and further demonstrate our commitment to transparency and accountability, we herewith provide bank statements of various accounts of the Corporation for review by the LACC. We also wish to grant full access to the LACC in relation to all bank accounts of the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation for review.”
Speaker Bloc Presents ‘Evidence’
Meanwhile, members of the House aligned with Speaker Fonati Koffa presented evidence of bribery to the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), accusing fellow lawmakers of engaging in pay-for-play schemes to oust the Speaker.
On behalf of the pro-Koffa bloc, Representative Luther Collins of Gbarpolu County District #2 submitted $14,000 USD to the LACC, citing it as a key piece of evidence in the unfolding scandal. According to Collins, this financial evidence is part of a broader scheme allegedly involving some Representatives who sought bribes to support Speaker Koffa’s removal.
“The evidence we’ve provided reflects what we believe to be an orchestrated attempt to undermine the leadership of Speaker Fonati Koffa through bribery,” Collins said during the submission. He emphasized the bloc’s readiness to cooperate fully with an investigation, pledging that members will testify before any inquiry panel set up by the LACC.
Collins further revealed that the bloc intends to provide additional evidence, including documentary, audio, and video materials, which he claims will expose the extent of the alleged pay-for-play arrangement. “Bribery is a crime, and both those who give and receive must be held accountable under the law,” he stressed.
LACC Chairperson Alexandra Zoe acknowledged the submission and commended the group of lawmakers for coming forward. She assured the public that the LACC has initiated an investigation into the allegations and vowed to uncover the truth. “We are determined to get to the bottom of this matter,” Zoe affirmed.
Other prominent members of the Koffa-aligned bloc present during the evidence submission included Representatives Jacob Debee of Grand Gedeh County District #3 and Eugene Kollie of Bong County District #5.
As the political storm intensifies, Speaker Fonati Koffa expressed regret over the situation, urging calm among the public. “We apologize to our constituents. Please stay calm as we work to restore order and stability to the House of Representatives,” Koffa stated.
The Speaker further hinted at possible reconciliation efforts, expressing optimism about resolving the crisis. “We are committed to bringing everyone back on board, even those seeking my removal. We will work to steer the legislature in the direction the Liberian people expect.”
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