Liberia: Cllr. Gongloe Requires Instant Investigation into Alleged Bribery at House of Representatives
Monrovia – Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe has known as on the Ministry of Justice and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) to swiftly examine and prosecute these concerned within the alleged bribery scandal throughout the fifty fifth Legislature, which geared toward eradicating Speaker J. Fonati Koffa.
“I urge the Ministry of Justice and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission to promptly initiate a thorough investigation into this matter and prosecute those found culpable, including both the receivers and the givers, to the fullest extent of the law,” Cllr. Gongloe mentioned.
By J.H. Webster Clayeh (0886729972) – [email protected]
On Thursday, October 17, 2024, chaos erupted within the joint chamber as opposing teams clashed. Several lawmakers had signed a decision to oust Speaker Koffa, accusing him, amongst different issues of serving as authorized counsel for main concessionaires, a violation they claimed contravened the Constitution.
The petition, learn by Rep. Nyan Flomo (District #2, Nimba County), was offered exterior the Capitol Building after pro-Koffa lawmakers, led by Rep. Marvin Cole, shut down the chamber. However, the try to take away the Speaker took a dramatic flip when Rep. Luther Collins (Gbarpolu County) confessed that he and different lawmakers have been bribed with US$25,000 every to help the decision, with US$15,000 paid upfront.
Rep. Collins, who uncovered the bribery scheme by displaying a big sum of money in a video, said that he had joined the group to reveal their corrupt intentions, to not help the removing of Speaker Koffa.
Cllr. Gongloe counseled Rep. Collins for his bravery in revealing the corruption, describing it as a step towards accountability.
“I want to commend the courageous lawmaker who exposed the unethical, unlawful, and criminal act of receiving US$15,000 in a conspiracy to remove the Speaker of the House of Representatives,” Cllr. Gongloe said.
“This act of bravery by the whistleblower exemplifies integrity and accountability in public service, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to protecting the interests of the Liberian people,” he added.
Cllr. Gongloe emphasised that Rep. Collins’ actions align with the mission of the Broom Movement, which seeks to eradicate corruption from the Government of Liberia. He urged different lawmakers throughout Africa to observe Collins’ instance in exposing legal conspiracies.
He additional harassed that the revelation calls for swift motion from the authorities.
According to Liberian regulation, Chapter 9 of the Code of Conduct for Public Officials and Government Employees and Chapter 12 of the Penal Law classify bribery as a second-degree felony, punishable by as much as 5 years in jail.
“The law unequivocally prohibits any public servant from receiving, soliciting, or accepting bribes in exchange for official actions or neglecting their duties,” Cllr. Gongloe defined, including that these concerned in accepting bribes had undermined the rules of excellent governance important for Liberia’s progress.
Gongloe cited Section 9.1 of the Code of Conduct, which forbids public officers from accepting bribes or presents that would affect their skilled duties, in addition to Section 12.50 of the Penal Law, which categorizes bribery as a second-degree felony.
“Bribery in government is not merely a crime; it is a profound betrayal of public trust. Moving forward, we must ensure that whistleblowers are both encouraged and protected, as they play a crucial role in exposing corruption and safeguarding our nation’s integrity,” Cllr. Gongloe added.
He reiterated that the battle towards bribery and corruption is prime to constructing a clear and accountable Liberia, urging collective motion to defend the integrity of the nation’s establishments.
“This issue should not be ignored or concealed, as the betrayal of public trust has severe negative repercussions for our people. Consider that each of the 48 Members of the House of Representatives received US$15,000, totaling US$720,000 or LD 136,800,000 under this criminal conspiracy. Reflect on what this money could have achieved for our schools and clinics,” Cllr. Gongloe mentioned.
He concluded by advocating for the elimination of commencement charges from Kindergarten to University ranges in each personal and public colleges, stating that “government is a place to serve, not to steal.”
