MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The Council of Patriots of the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC-COP) has given Amos Tweh a 72-hour ultimatum to decide between his role as Managing Director of the Liberia Petroleum Refinery Company (LPRC) or his position as Secretary General of the ruling Unity Party. In a press statement on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, the CDC-COP accused Tweh of violating the Code of Conduct by holding both positions simultaneously.
The CDC-COP’s statement emphasized that Amos Tweh’s dual roles are in direct violation of Part V, Section 5.8 of the Code of Conduct, which prohibits presidential appointees from engaging in active political management. “CDC-COP uses this medium to inform Amos Tweh that his double occupation is a flagrant violation,” the statement read. The Council demanded that Tweh resign from one of his positions within 72 hours, calling his current situation “selfish, mean, and insensitive.”
Additionally, the CDC-COP accused Tweh of misusing LPRC funds for political purposes. They alleged that, after taking office, Tweh was instructed by the National Executive Council of the Unity Party to transfer US$20,000 monthly to the party’s account for political maintenance. Instead, CDC-COP claims that President Joseph N. Boakai directed Tweh to give the money to him directly, bypassing proper procedures. This act, they argued, violates Part XI, Section 9.6 of the Code of Conduct, which forbids the use of public office for private interests.
The CDC-COP also condemned Tweh’s dismissal of 15 LPRC employees to be replaced by Unity Party members, asserting that this action violates Part II, Section 3.14 of the Code of Conduct, which mandates a merit-based system for employment. They listed several new appointees, including Godwin Wiah Jr., Yeakeh Sayequee, Evans Boima Tuku, Jacqueline N. Williams, and Simi Will Kuitay, describing them as “incompetent and inexperienced.” According to CDC-COP, Tweh is running the LPRC as a partisan entity, which must cease immediately.
Moreover, the CDC-COP criticized Tweh for failing to declare his assets, a requirement outlined in Part X, Section 10.1 of the Code of Conduct. Tweh’s refusal to declare his assets, they claimed, suggests a calculated attempt to misappropriate taxpayer money. “We demand Amos to declare his assets for transparency and accountability’s sake,” the statement urged.
In concluding their statement, the CDC-COP made it clear that Tweh’s repeated violations of the law could not go unchallenged. “Amos must choose between being MD at LPRC or resign as Secretary General of the Unity Party within 72 hours, or there will be unspecified actions to ensure the rule of law is upheld,” the CDC-COP warned.
The CDC-COP’s ultimatum and accusations underscore the escalating tensions and demands for accountability within the Liberian political landscape, as they call for strict adherence to legal and ethical standards in public office.
