By Calvin Quays|contributor
The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) has called on the leadership of the Liberian Senate to thoroughly investigate the reported payment of US$20,000 .00 to Senator Milton Teahjay by Counselor Ndubusi Nwabudike in order to be confirmed as Chairman of the National Elections Commission.
On 10 July, 2020, an audio released by the Front Page Africa, Senator Teahjay was heard in the recording in which he alluded to what he termed as “traditional form of corruption” before and after confirmation process of nominees for a particular position before the senate.
Addressing a press conference in Monrovia, CENTAL Executive Director, Anderson Miamen, also recommended an appropriate punitive action against the senator by his colleagues for practicing interest peddling and bribery by soliciting jobs for family members , friends and confidantes as a basis for confirming nominees.
According to Mr. Miamen, the senator’s action is a clear violation of the relevant Liberian laws, including the code of conduct of 2014 and the 1986 Liberian Constitution.
“The National Legislature must do more to enhance public confidence in its work and activities,” the CENTAL Executive Director said.
“At the moment, the public perceives that august body as the weakest link in Liberia’s governance process, a view that Senator Teahjay validates.”
“As Liberia strives to regain its position among the comity of nations, it is incumbent upon those serving in positions of public trust to exert every degree of particularity and nationalism in ensuring the system works better for all, he asserted.
The legislature, he went on, as the first branch of government and direct representation of the people, must take the lead by example on this.
Mr. Miamen pointed out that this act of political and official corruption, which has led to the recruitment of incompetent individuals in strategic positions in government, is one of key contributors to the increasing level of poor performances at many government ministries and agencies in Liberia.
Soliciting jobs for family members
The CENTAL Executive Director said he believes that if the senator can unduly solicit jobs for family members, supporters and cronies, it is equally possible that he requests for monetary rewards in the performance of his duties.
Meanwhile, Mr. Miamen has called on the Liberia Anti Corruption Commission to robustly and impartially investigate the discovery of alleged fraudulent situation at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning involving some unscrupulous individuals.
On Monday, July 13, 2020, it was reported that six employees at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning were arrested for an alleged criminal cartel.
The scandal, which was unearthed by the Comptroller and Accountant General of Liberia, Janga Kowo, pertains to illegal withdrawal of six million Liberian Dollars from an account owned by the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning.
Commenting further, Mr. Miamen stressed the need for the outcome of the investigation must be communicated to the public and fully implemented, including prosecution of those who masterminded and perpetuated the act.
He noted that this incident further exposes loopholes within the financial management system, which needs to be identified and addressed to prevent abuses of public resources by unscrupulous individuals in an already impoverished country like Liberia.
He commended the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning for its initial stance in uncovering the said plot and also informing the public about his situation.
Miamen urged the government to be more decisive and pragmatic in dealing with corruption in the country including timely investigation and prosecution of all reported corruption scandals.
CENTAL also strongly cautioned the government against selective fight against corruption that mainly targets low level individuals and those seemingly detached from higher ups and well-placed persons in the society.
CENTAL is the national chapter of Transparency International leading the fights against corruption in Liberia.
