MONROVIA, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2024 – Mr. Isaac W. Jackson, Jr., former Permanent Representative of Liberia to the International Maritime Organization, has called for the immediate resignation of Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) Commissioner General Dorbor Jallah. In a statement issued on Thursday, October 10, 2024, titled “For the Integrity of the LRA, the Enabler-In-Chief Must RESIGN,” Jackson criticized Jallah for allegedly enabling the recent procurement scandal involving former Commerce Minister Amin Modad.
Jackson argued that in May 2024, without proper due diligence, Jallah authorized a US$96,000 payment to purchase a luxury vehicle for Modad. “Mr. Dorbor Jallah, Head of LRA, dished out US$96,000 to Amin Modad! When this matter became public, Mr. Jallah doubled down by providing a plausible justification for Modad’s egregious conduct. How can anyone argue sensibly that Dorbor Jallah did not actively facilitate the unsavory conduct of Mr. Amin Modad?” Jackson questioned.
The former diplomat further alleged that Jallah’s actions were driven by a desire to protect his kinsman, Modad, in violation of Article 5 of the Liberian Constitution, which opposes tribalism. “Jallah’s subtle but brazen justification for Modad’s conduct shows a clear bias, and for that, he too must go,” Jackson said, demanding Jallah’s resignation.
The LRA, however, has attempted to clarify its involvement in the vehicle procurement. In a press release issued on Monday, September 23, 2024, signed by D. Kaihenneh Sengbeh, Manager for Communication, Media, and Public Affairs, the LRA denied purchasing a vehicle valued at US$150,000, as had been previously reported. Instead, the agency confirmed approving a US$96,000 request from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) for a vehicle to support trade-related activities in collaboration with Customs.
The LRA emphasized that the funds for the vehicle came from its Customs Capacity Building Fund, under a longstanding contract with MEDTECH Scientific Limited, a third-party inspection service provider. “The MOCI determines the specifications of the vehicles and their deployment, not the LRA,” the statement clarified.
According to the LRA, the funds in question were allocated under an agreement that had been in place for over eighteen years, covering multiple customs inspection service contracts. The agency said it has acted in full compliance with Liberia’s Revenue Code and public financial management laws. The release further explained that the LRA’s share of the fees under this contract is deposited into an escrow account, with a balance of US$3,457,718.34 as of August 31, 2024.
Despite the LRA’s defense, public criticism continues to mount over the apparent lack of oversight and accountability in the Modad vehicle scandal. Jackson pointed to Jallah’s failure to exercise proper due diligence, asserting that the Commissioner General bears the greatest responsibility for the misuse of government funds. “Jallah must be made to walk the plank,” Jackson said.
The incident has prompted broader discussions about governance, accountability, and the misuse of public resources in Liberia, with many citizens expressing outrage over lavish government expenditures amid widespread economic hardship. The LRA has reiterated its commitment to transparent and accountable management of public funds, but critics like Jackson argue that words are no longer enough. “The enabler-in-chief must resign,” Jackson concluded.
