Liberia: Former Commerce Minister Modad Resigns Feeling Disrespected After Being Snubbed by President Boakai Amid Luxury Car Controversy
Monrovia – Amin Modad, the embattled Minister of Commerce, has resigned, changing into the primary cupboard member of the Boakai-Koung administration to take action. His resignation follows President Boakai’s refusal to satisfy with him upon getting back from the United Nations General Assembly. Sources point out that the President was displeased with Modad over the controversy surrounding the acquisition of a luxurious car.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
Although each Modad and the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs haven’t confirmed experiences of the President’s snub, it’s stated that Modad felt disrespected and humiliated by the President’s actions and determined to step down.
In his resignation letter, Modad acknowledged that he was resigning to guard each his integrity and that of the administration. He wrote: “Over the last few days there has been public outcry over the purchase of a vehicle for over 45,000.00. Though I have provided all documentations and facts that equivocally demonstrate that there was no malfeasance, l am deeply concerned about the impact on my integrity and the administration; this continues to be a distraction from the real national issues and your agenda.”
Modad continued: “I therefore wish to tender my resignation as Minister of Commerce & Industry, a position that I ably served with integrity and passion for the past nine months. My family and I remain thankful to you for the opportunity to serve our people. I wish you and the administration the best as we look forward to a better Liberia.”
Modad’s Rise and Fall
A profitable businessman, Modad owns a number of enterprises, together with the Liberian-owned holding firm Bella Casa Hotel, Atlantic Foods Company, and Atlantic Construction & Energy. According to his LinkedIn profile, his enterprise pursuits span hospitality, meals and beverage manufacturing, building, power, and commerce.
In September 2020, Modad was elected chairman of the Unity Party (then in opposition), defeating veteran politician Sen. Conmany Wesseh and others. He cited his enterprise background as a key qualification for the position. However, in 2022, he misplaced the chairmanship to Rev. Luther Tarpeh however remained an energetic member of the occasion. After the Unity Party’s election victory, Modad was appointed Minister of Commerce.
The Rice Controversy
Just 4 months into the Boakai administration, Modad sparked controversy when he introduced that the federal government had agreed to extend the worth of a 25kg bag of rice from US$16 to US$18.50, beneath stress from rice importers. However, the Executive Mansion swiftly reversed the choice, stating on its Facebook web page that President Boakai had met with rice importers and determined that there could be no worth enhance. It was reported that the President was upset with Modad for making such a choice with out his approval.
The Luxury Car Scandal
Modad’s troubles deepened when it was revealed that he had accredited the acquisition of a luxurious SUV for official use, funded by the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) by way of its Customs Capacity Building Fund, collected from MedTech, a container monitoring and inspection firm on the Freeport of Monrovia. Activist Martin Kollie, a former supporter of the Unity Party, accused Modad of utilizing US$150,000 from the LRA to buy the SUV, a declare that led to widespread criticism.
Margibi County Senator Nathaniel F. McGill accused Modad of buying private luxuries, together with the SUV and doubtlessly a yacht, throughout his time in workplace. McGill additionally known as for an investigation into Modad’s actions, alleging that he did not repay a US$400,000 debt whereas serving on the board of First International Bank (now SIB), contributing to the financial institution’s collapse.
In response, Modad denied the allegations and pointed to McGill’s personal controversial historical past, together with his placement on a U.S. sanctions listing for alleged corruption and human rights violations. The Liberia Revenue Authority clarified that it had not bought a car price US$150,000 for Modad however had accredited US$96,000 from the Customs Capacity Building Fund to help trade-related actions.
Over the previous couple of days there was public outcry over the acquisition of a car for over 45,000.00. Though I’ve offered all documentations and info that equivocally display that there was no malfeasance, l am deeply involved in regards to the influence on my integrity and the administration; this continues to be a distraction from the true nationwide points and your agenda. I subsequently want to tender my resignation as Minister of Commerce & Industry, a place that I ably served with integrity and keenness for the previous 9 months.
Amin Modad, former Minister of Commerce.
Despite these clarifications, public stress continued to mount, and Modad grew annoyed, accusing his Unity Party colleagues of failing to defend him. A leaked chat from a senior Unity Party government discussion board revealed Modad’s grievances, however he obtained little sympathy. The occasion Chairman, Tarpeh additionally acknowledged that the occasion is not going to again any officers accused of corruption, relatively it can encourage them to clear their names.
What’s Next?
There have been requires Modad and accomplices to face investigation, and if discovered responsible to restitute any misapplied funds. Critics are additionally demanding the resignation of LRA Commissioner General Dorbor Jallah, arguing that he shouldn’t be spared from scrutiny, as he admitted to disbursing the funds for the SUV’s buy.
Public sentiment has been vocal. One FrontPage Africa reader, Christopher Nyei, commented: “Thanks to the President his Excellency Joseph Nyumah Boakai for reacting on Commerce Minister Amin Modad misappropriation of public funds.”
Nyei continued: “This step discharged good governance system, for the betterment of this country, & to the President through comprehensive investigation if conducted, all of those who are associated with Modad corrupt act should follows suit, thanks.”
Emmanuel Weagba, one other follower added: “Resignation is no remedy to the Commerce Minister Corruption crisis! This should not be an escape route for the President either! If the Minister paid all outstanding debts to banks owed within the short time as Commerce Minister, he should be investigated and thereafter prosecuted!”
Continuing, he stated: “Resignation and then leave to enjoy stolen wealth is business as usual Mr. President!! If you are taking Weah officials to court for corruption, do likewise to your own officials! One yardstick to deal with corruption! WE ARE WATCHING PRESIDENT BOAKAI!”
In addition to Modad’s resignation, there have been rising requires President Boakai to dismiss Public Works Minister Roland Giddings over allegations of mismanagement involving greater than US$22 million meant for highway upkeep. Reports point out that a number of main roads throughout Liberia stay impassable regardless of the allotted funds.
