By Socrates Smythe Saywon
MONROVIA – Wonderr Koryenen Freeman, a former attorney, economist, and certified financial crimes specialist at the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA), has condemned the appointment of Cllr. James N. Verdier as Senior Legal Consultant and Chief of Staff in the office of House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon, describing it as a troubling example of recycling individuals with questionable past records.
In a statement released on Thursday, August 28, 2025, Freeman argued that Verdier’s previous tenure as Chairman of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) was marred by misconduct. “You see… this is why the message of Project NTR is very important. We can’t keep recycling the same old corruption politicians and expect Liberia to get better. Simply not possible!” Freeman said.
He accused Verdier of abusing his position at the LACC despite enjoying a lucrative package, including a USD 10,000 monthly salary, an USD 80,000 vehicle, and oversight of a multi-million-dollar budget. Freeman further alleged that the former chairman wrongfully withheld employee tax rebates totaling USD 67,000, which later became the subject of a court case. “Mr. Verdier and the LACC were dragged to court. They lost the case, lost their appeal and the judge ordered Verdier and the LACC to ‘cough up’ a total of USD 67,000 belonging to eight persons,” Freeman said. He added that payment was only made after the Ministry of Finance intervened, following years of delay.
“How in the world can you recycle such an individual in government? Why are these guys so determined to destroy Liberia? Why give such an individual a second chance to squander opportunity?” Freeman questioned, stressing that many former colleagues of Verdier at the LACC can attest to his claims.
However, in defense of the appointment, the Speaker’s office described Verdier as a highly qualified legal practitioner and public servant with decades of experience. According to the statement, “Cllr. Verdier brings to the Speaker’s office a wealth of professional experience and expertise, having previously served as Vice President of the Liberian National Bar Association, Assistant Professor at the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, Head of the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission, and Executive Chairman of the LACC.”
The Speaker’s office further emphasized that Verdier’s expertise spans human rights, democratic governance, rule of law, anti-corruption, justice, security, and civil litigation. “Cllr. Verdier’s appointment is expected to strengthen and enhance the operations of the Office of the Speaker,” the statement added. “He is committed to upgrading the office to a more professional and results-oriented level.”
