MONROVIA, LIBERIA – In a poignant statement addressing recent audit reports from the General Auditing Commission (GAC), Representative Musa Hassan Bility of Nimba County District #7, on Friday, August 2, 2024, voiced his concerns on Facebook over allegations of massive corruption under the former ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) led by former President George Weah. The GAC audit reports have cast a shadow over the CDC, revealing alarming claims of financial misconduct during Weah’s tenure.
Bility began by reflecting on the hopes that accompanied President Weah’s inauguration in January 2018. “When President Weah took office, there was hope that the fight against corruption would begin, as he had promised during his inaugural address. Many people, including those who believed the previous government was corrupt and those who felt unfairly accused in the outgoing government, were excited.”
However, Bility highlighted a significant turning point just a year into Weah’s presidency. “A year later, the Weah government decided against conducting a comprehensive audit of the previous government without providing a clear explanation for the change of mind. Now, six years later, the Boakai Government has decided to prosecute members of the previous government based on the Auditor General’s reports, alleging acts of corruption.”
Having reviewed some of the audit reports, Bility expressed his deep concern over the alleged misappropriation of funds. “As an official of government, I have had access to some of the audit reports covering the last six years, and as a Liberian, I am deeply troubled by the amounts and ways in which money was allegedly taken from national coffers. If these allegations are true and the government ignores them, it would be failing the people who suffer due to lack of medical attention, food, shelter, and education.”
Addressing the reactions of former officials, Bility criticized the former president’s response to the arrests and the ongoing legal process. “Concerning the arrest of former officials and the former president’s reaction, I believe that the timing was inappropriate. Given the seriousness of the allegations, I expected the former president to call for a swift and transparent adjudication of these matters. Terming the process flawed at the beginning seems disingenuous and appears to politicize a legal process.”
Bility emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability. “Those accused have legal options to address any violations of their rights or legal procedures. We must be intentional about fighting corruption to prevent our country from sliding into a circle of impunity.”
Commending President Boakai’s commitment to transparency, Bility noted, “President Boakai’s decision to audit the previous government shows his commitment to be held accountable for his government’s actions, which is commendable. The preliminary reports of the Senate’s system audit reveal that people must be held accountable for their actions.”
In his closing remarks, Bility called for the accused to face the legal process and prove their innocence. “It is essential that those accused prove their innocence before the law. Otherwise, six years from now, we will be right here pointing to this very moment and calling it a witch hunt. We can’t continue like that. The law must take its course. Doing otherwise is simply not to be considered.”
Representative Bility’s statement stresses the critical need for transparency and accountability in governance, as Liberia grapples with the implications of these serious allegations.
