MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Dr. Bhofal Chambers, former House Speaker of the 54th national legislature, addressed the media on Monday, April 29, focusing on the importance of practical governance over corruption in Liberia. He highlighted the need for proactive decision-making and emphasized the significance of future governments learning from past mistakes.
Addressing journalists at a press conference held at his residence in Rehab, Montserrado, the former Maryland County lawmaker emphasized the scourge of corruption within government institutions and the private sector. He expressed particular concern over what he described as “extra spending in the national budget outside of the legal process,” noting that similar spending practices are being passed on to the current ruling Unity Party government. Dr. Chambers, a member of George Weah’s Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), underscored the importance of scrutinizing such expenditures and called for a critical examination of these practices.
Transitioning to the issue of practical governance, Dr. Chambers underscored the need for proactive decision-making processes, referring to this approach as “anticipatory governance.” He emphasized its role in ensuring the productivity and efficiency of government operations, particularly during transitions between administrations.
Regarding the 2023/2024 budget, Dr. Chambers clarified that the printed budget was not the one approved by him and the House of Representatives during his tenure as Speaker of the 54th Legislature. He expressed disappointment over what he perceived as a departure from fiscal discipline and urged the House of Representatives, under Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, and the Senate, under President Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, to learn from past experiences to avoid similar mistakes in the future.
Addressing the recent controversy surrounding President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Hon. Sylvester Grigsby, and his use of funds belonging to the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP) to purchase SUV vehicles while serving as a Senior Advisor to then President-elect Boakai, Dr. Chambers defended Minister Grigsby’s actions as proactive and in the best interest of the state. He cautioned lawmakers against hasty judgments and called for a measured approach in evaluating such actions. Dr. Chambers’ defense of Grigsby comes amidst calls by some lawmakers for the Minister’s resignation.
Recently, Amara Konneh, Senator of Gbarpolu County, called for the resignation of Hon. Grigsby for using NASSCORP money to purchase SUV vehicles outside of the Public Procurement and Concession Commission (PPCC) and Public Finance Management (PFM) laws, which he termed as wrong. Konneh, who served as Finance Minister during former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s administration, emphasized that NASSCORP’s purpose is to manage workers’ Social Security trust funds.
In conclusion, the former Maryland County lawmaker advocated for a more proactive and anticipatory approach to governance, highlighting the importance of learning from past experiences. Dr. Chambers urged his colleagues and government officials to exercise caution and prioritize transparency and accountability in their actions.
