MONROVIA – Representative Musa Hassan Bility of Nimba County District #7 has called on President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to mandate a comprehensive audit of the Liberian Legislature, asserting that justice must not be selective as the country begins trial proceedings in the alleged Capitol Building arson case.
In an open letter released Wednesday, June 11, 2025, Bility acknowledged the “stormy” and “disturbing” events that have led to the trial of several lawmakers, including former Speaker J. Fonati Koffa. He decried what he described as abuses of power, violations of rights, and a lack of respect for institutional officeholders, but welcomed the public nature of the trial now underway at the Monrovia City Court.
“This is a step in the right direction,” Bility wrote. “The pursuit of justice must never be selective, and the truth of what transpired during the seven months of legislative conflict must be uncovered.”
However, Bility was quick to point out that while the alleged arson may cost Liberia a few million dollars in physical repairs, far greater sums have been quietly lost to legislative corruption. He alleged that during the period of investigation into the fire, the 2024 national budget was abused, with funds meant for national development diverted for political interests.
“Millions of dollars were diverted, far more than the damage from the fire,” he said. “Yet no similar urgency has been shown in investigating that crime.”
The Nimba County lawmaker emphasized that justice must be blind and impartial, warning that failing to address broader corruption while focusing on a single criminal case could tarnish the credibility of the Boakai administration.
“If you prosecute lawmakers over a $2 million fire but turn a blind eye to the systemic theft of public funds within the Legislature, then you confirm the fears that this trial is political,” he stated.
Bility disclosed that he and others had previously attempted to bring a motion for the audit of the House of Representatives, but all efforts had failed. He noted that while the Legislature may lack the political will to investigate itself, the President has both the constitutional and statutory authority to initiate such an audit under the Revised Act establishing the General Auditing Commission (GAC).
“This is your moment,” Bility wrote to President Boakai. “If your government is committed to ending corruption and abuse, then let it begin at the very heart of our democracy.”
He called for a full audit of the House and Senate, particularly from 2011 to the present, asserting that such an action would demonstrate Liberia’s commitment to transparency and accountability to both its citizens and international partners.
“Our international partners will never truly respect us until we show that we respect ourselves,” he stated.
Bility concluded by urging President Boakai to act decisively, asserting that history would judge him not by political affiliations but by the courage to clean up a deeply flawed system.
“History is watching,” Bility warned. “Audit the House. Audit the Legislature.”
