MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The Coalition for Democratic Change Council of Patriots (CDC-COP) has vehemently denounced the recent indictments and political audits initiated by the Boakai-Koung administration, branding them as a deceptive ploy to distract from the administration’s rampant corruption and mismanagement. In a press statement issued on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, the CDC-COP accused President Joseph N. Boakai of directing the General Auditing Commission (GAC) and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) to quickly indict nearly all former CDC officials, including ex-President George M. Weah.
The CDC-COP claims this strategy is a desperate response to the Unity Party’s loss of public confidence and lack of tangible results over the past eight months. They argue that Boakai’s administration is deeply entrenched in corruption, which has now become blatantly obvious. The statement challenges the Boakai-Koung administration to indict those involved in recent acts of corruption under their tenure if they are genuinely committed to accountability.
Highlighting numerous instances of alleged corruption, the CDC-COP pointed to Miatta Fahnbulleh, who they accuse of mismanaging US$650,000 from inauguration funds and avoiding investigation by the Internal Audit Agency. Despite these allegations, the CDC-COP claims Boakai awarded and recognized Fahnbulleh, raising questions about the administration’s commitment to fighting corruption.
The CDC-COP also criticized the appointment of Luther Tarpeh as Board Chair of the National Port Authority, accusing him of stealing US$360,000 from a district fund. This appointment, they argue, further exemplifies the Boakai-Koung administration’s tendency to reward individuals implicated in corruption.
Bill McGill Jones, serving as Deputy Minister at the Finance Ministry, is alleged to have increased a $180,000 invoice to $200,000 for personal kickbacks. The CDC-COP contends that such actions not only defraud the Liberian people but also undermine trust in the financial management of the country.
Additionally, Sylvester M. Grigsby is accused of withdrawing over $550,000 from the National Social Security Cooperation of Liberia to purchase vehicles for Boakai. The CDC-COP argues that this misuse of funds is indicative of a broader pattern of financial mismanagement and corruption within the administration.
The CDC-COP also cited the alleged mismanagement of $22.4 million in road rehabilitation contracts. They claim that officials violated the Public Financial Management Law and the Constitution, calling for a thorough investigation and accountability for these actions.
Furthermore, the Liberia Petroleum Refinery Company (LPRC) and Liberia National Police (LNP) are accused of securing a US$15.7 million loan from Ecobank without legislative approval. The CDC-COP asserts that this act is a gross violation of constitutional and financial management laws, further eroding the administration’s credibility.
The statement also condemned the over $700,000 allegedly wasted during the Senate Buchanan retreat, in violation of the Daily Subsistence Allowance law. The CDC-COP argues that such wasteful spending highlights the administration’s disregard for taxpayer money and legal standards.
In another allegation, the CDC-COP pointed to the Yellow Machine Scandal, involving the mismanagement and fraudulent importation of earth-moving equipment. They claim that there has been no clear accountability for the expenditures involved, demanding immediate transparency and action.
Officials Sekou Hussein Dukuly and Cooper W. Kruah Sr. are also accused of using their positions for personal financial gain, violating the conflict of interest provisions in the Code of Conduct. The CDC-COP calls for immediate accountability for these actions to restore public trust.
The CDC-COP also alleged the misuse of Liberia’s reserve funds, with an unauthorized payment of US$8 million from national reserves to SIB bank, purportedly to repay campaign debts. This, they argue, is a blatant misuse of public resources for political gain.
The CDC-COP calls these actions a “mockery of our consciousness and an empty bluff,” urging the Boakai-Koung administration to address these allegations before pursuing what they consider a politically motivated witch-hunt. They warn that any attempt to weaponize the rule of law for political gain will be met with “physical and patriotic resistance.”
The statement concludes with a call to international partners to intervene before Liberia descends into crisis. The CDC-COP emphasizes that the Boakai-Koung administration’s actions have undermined the rule of law and could lead to widespread unrest if not addressed promptly.
In closing, the CDC-COP reiterates their commitment to holding the Boakai-Koung administration accountable for their actions. They urge the Liberian people to remain vigilant and demand transparency and integrity from their leaders, asserting that they will continue to fight against corruption and mismanagement in all its forms.
