MONROVIA – In a significant development, the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has invited former Minister of State for Presidential Affairs and now Senator of Margibi County, Nathaniel F. McGill, to provide critical information related to an ongoing investigation into alleged payroll padding and corruption at the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs.
The investigation centers around a Supplementary Payroll allegedly created during McGill’s tenure as Minister of State under the former ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) led by former President George Weah. According to the LACC, the payroll, which includes 728 names, was reportedly established outside the standard framework of the Civil Service Agency (CSA), raising serious concerns about administrative malpractice and corruption.
In a letter dated August 16, 2024, the LACC, through its Program Manager for Monitoring and Investigation, Baba M. Borkai, and approved by Oversight Commissioner Rev. Randolph Tebbs, formally invited Senator McGill to provide testimony and relevant documentation that could assist in the investigation. The letter highlights the LACC’s interest in understanding McGill’s role in the creation and administration of the Supplementary Payroll, which is alleged to have been marred by significant irregularities.
The invitation reads: “The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) presents its compliments and informs you that it has initiated an investigation into allegations of Payroll Padding and acts of corruption resulting from salary payments affecting a Supplementary Payroll containing 728 names at the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs, which was allegedly created outside of the framework of the Civil Service Agency (CSA). Details of the allegations reveal that the Supplementary Payroll was allegedly created under your instruction when you served as Minister of the Ministry of State. Accordingly, the process was marred by irregularities amounting to payroll padding, administrative malpractice, and acts of corruption, among others.”
McGill, who now serves as a Senator representing Margibi County, has publicly responded to the LACC’s invitation. In a statement released on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, McGill framed the investigation as a politically motivated attempt to silence his voice and undermine his stance against what he described as “bad governance” by the current administration. Despite this, he affirmed his commitment to transparency and accountability, stating that he would comply with the LACC’s request.
“In light of our unwavering stance against bad governance and the government’s unsuccessful attempts to silence our voice, we have received formal communication from the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC). They have requested my presence to provide information that will assist in their ongoing investigation into allegations of payroll padding and corruption related to salary payments on a Supplementary Payroll containing 728 names at the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs. As public servants committed to transparency and accountability, no amount of allegations can deter or silence us. We remain resilient in our advocacy for transparency and accountability, and we will continue to stand firm in our efforts to ensure that good governance prevails,” McGill stated.
He further indicated his intention to cooperate fully with the LACC, noting, “Out of respect for the LACC, we will attend the inquiry session scheduled for tomorrow at 11 AM, after which I will address the press.”
The investigation into the alleged payroll padding at the Ministry of State marks a critical moment in Liberia’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption and promote good governance. McGill’s upcoming appearance before the LACC is expected to draw significant public and media attention, given the high-profile nature of the allegations and his prominent role in Liberian politics.
The outcome of this investigation could have far-reaching implications for both McGill and the broader political landscape in Liberia, particularly as the country continues to grapple with issues of corruption and accountability.
