MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Former auditor general John Morlu has vehemently denied being the author of a scathing criticism of President Joseph Boakai’s asset recovery committee. Morlu stated that he has no knowledge of the statement posted on social media using his name. This comes after Morlu was recently accused of posting criticisms regarding President Boakai’s appointment of allegedly corrupt individuals to the asset recovery committee in Liberia.
In recent news stories quoting the post, John Morlu is accused of expressing his disappointment with President Boakai’s appointments to the asset recovery committee, citing concerns about the individuals’ alleged involvement in corruption.
The post in question claims that President Boakai appointed individuals to the committee who are familiar with corruption, suggesting that their inclusion is counterproductive to the fight against corruption.
It further argues that effective corruption control requires solid and sustained action, rather than mere political grandstanding. The establishment of an Asset Recovery Taskforce by President Boakai is seen by the post as a tactic to attract support from the international community.
Specific individuals named in the post include Edward Kla Martin, referred to as a former National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) rebel and accused of corruption in the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission’s (LACC) report, and Alex Cuffy, who was accused of corruption at the Financial Intelligence Unit of Liberia (FIU) in the General Auditing Commission’s Roberts International Airport report. The post claims that these individuals, along with others on the Boakai Assets Recovery Team, lack the integrity, education, exposure, and competence needed to lead the fight against corruption and recover stolen wealth.
Additionally, the controversial post raises questions about the fate of the funds recovered by Sayma Cephus and Arthur Johnson, while highlighting the misappropriation of funds by the Bureau of Reacquisition during Doe’s regime. It emphasizes that asset recovery has the potential to uplift Liberia by providing funds for crucial infrastructure projects such as the Coastal Highway, electricity, and pipe-borne water.
However, John Morlu firmly denies being the author of this post, asserting that someone used his name without his consent. Morlu believes the real author may be an insider with knowledge of the government’s inner workings. This raises concerns about the motives behind the post and suggests that it may be targeting someone within the government.
