Monrovia – The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has confirmed the launch of an investigation into allegations of bribery inside the House of Representatives, following the leak of an audio suggesting lawmakers have been bribed to signal a decision calling for the elimination of Speaker J. Fonati Koffa.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
Last week, the House of Representatives was thrown into turmoil when a bunch of lawmakers signed a decision to oust Speaker Koffa, who was overseas on a global journey with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai. The scenario escalated when Rep. Luther Collins (District #2, Gbarpolu County) revealed that lawmakers had been bribed to help the decision.
Rep. Collins admitted that he and different lawmakers had accepted US$25,000 every to again the transfer, with US$15,000 paid upfront. In a video, Collins displayed a big sum of money, claiming his intention was to show the bribery scheme reasonably than take part in eradicating the Speaker.
During the video, an aide referred to the anti-Koffa lawmakers as “rebels,” additional alleging that the plot was orchestrated by Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah and Vice President Jeremiah Koung, each of whom reportedly opposed an audit initiated by Speaker Koffa. The Vice President’s workplace has but to reply to the allegation, whereas Deputy Speaker Fallah denied any involvement, asserting he had no intention of unseating the Speaker.
A second video surfaced, displaying Rep. Collins in a dialog with one other lawmaker, believed to be Rep. Clarence Gahr (District #5, Margibi County). In the recording, Rep. Gahr may be heard encouraging Collins to help the plot to take away the Speaker. Gahr, who chairs the Public Accounts Committee, requested Collins whether or not he most well-liked to remain on the Ways, Means, and Finance Committee or be part of the Public Accounts Committee. Gahr supplied US$25,000 for signing the decision, with US$15,000 to be paid upfront and the remaining US$10,000 to be disbursed after Speaker Koffa was eliminated.
He has misplaced the bulk, so there isn’t any approach. The man has misplaced the desire of the folks, the bulk. I’m talking as a Legislator not private view. Like I stated to you a lot issues we don’t agreed to. And when the bulk vote, there’s nothing you are able to do… What factor [is] inside first? Because I heard it’s 30 [US$30,000]. No, it’s truly 25 [US$25,00] however 15 [US$15,000] is given. Immediately the deal is accomplished, the very day you’ll get it [the balance] as a result of… that’s a dangerous recreation.
Leaked dialog reportedly between Rep. Clarence Gahr and Luther Collins [whistle blower].
An excerpt from the dialog: “He has lost the majority, so there is no way. The man has lost the will of the people, the majority. I am speaking as a Legislator not personal view. Like I said to you many things we don’t agreed to. And when the majority vote, there is nothing you can do… What thing [is] inside first? Because I heard it’s 30 [US$30,000]. No, it’s actually 25 [US$25,00] but 15 [US$15,000] is given. Immediately the deal is completed, the very day you will get it [the balance] because… you know that’s a risky game.” – Leaked dialog reportedly between Rep. Clarence Gahr and Luther Collins [whistle blower].
LACC Confirms Investigation
The bribery allegations have sparked widespread outrage, with residents and political leaders demanding an investigation. Many known as on the Ministry of Justice and the LACC to probe the claims and maintain these concerned accountable.
Speaking to Voice of America, Cllr. Alexandra Ok. Zoe, Executive Chairperson of the LACC, confirmed the fee had initiated an investigation into the bribery scandal. She stated the Civil Society Working Group of Liberia had formally complained to the LACC, and the fee instantly started reviewing the movies circulating on social media.
Said Cllr. Zoe: “The LACC has taken siege of the matter. As of Friday, we convened as a board, we held several discussions also with the justice ministry because under our act, we have the authority to collaborate with other integrity institutions or law enforcement institutions, and basically, we’ve been doing our own assessment so that, by Monday we will be able to come up with an official statement to the public.”
She continued: “So, yes this is a major, major concern. It is very concerning. For the past month, there has been major cases involving allegation of act of corruption that the LACC has taken siege of. And we are definitely going to investigate, and bring persons of interest to the LACC for investigation. And if it is established that there were acts of corruption involved, we will proceed to prosecution.”
Cllr. Zoe affirmed that the LACC has the authority to analyze members of the House of Representatives, stating that the Legislature is just not exempt from scrutiny.
The LACC has taken siege of the matter. As of Friday, we convened as a board, we held a number of discussions additionally with the justice ministry as a result of underneath our act, we have now the authority to collaborate with different integrity establishments or legislation enforcement establishments, and mainly, we’ve been doing our personal evaluation in order that, by Monday we can provide you with an official assertion to the general public… So, sure this can be a main, main concern. It could be very regarding. For the previous month, there was main circumstances involving allegation of act of corruption that the LACC has taken siege of. And we’re undoubtedly going to analyze, and produce individuals of curiosity to the LACC for investigation. And whether it is established that there have been acts of corruption concerned, we are going to proceed to prosecution.
Cllr. Alexandra Ok. Zoe. Executive Chairperson, Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission
When requested how the investigation would proceed, Zoe clarified that not the entire 47 lawmakers who signed the decision can be known as for questioning, however key members can be summoned primarily based on the proof.
“We will investigate both the givers and receivers of the bribes,” Zoe defined. “Once we identify the source of the funding, we will proceed with questioning those involved. The videos will serve as crucial evidence in our investigation.”
Lawmakers Withdraw Support Amid Bribery Revelations
Following the revelations, a number of lawmakers have publicly withdrawn their signatures from the decision.
Rep. Thomas Goshua (District #5, Grand Bassa County) expressed disapproval of the plot, emphasizing that Speaker Koffa’s push for an audit inside the House was the actual motive behind the transfer to oust him. “This audit is crucial for transparency and accountability,” Goshua acknowledged.
Rep. Prescilla Abram Cooper (District #5, Montserrado County) additionally withdrew her help, noting that she initially believed due course of can be adopted however couldn’t endorse the hassle after listening to of the bribery claims. “I cannot be part of any hostile takeover, especially with rumors of bribery,” she stated in a Facebook publish.
Rep. Rugie Barry (District #1, Montserrado County), who was elected in 2023, additionally withdrew her backing, going through criticism after the scandal.
Corruption on the Rise
This bribery scandal comes amid rising issues about corruption in Liberia. According to Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, Liberia scored 25 in 2023, rating 145th out of 180 nations. The report discovered that 47% of residents believed corruption had elevated prior to now yr, whereas 53% of public service customers admitted to paying bribes.
Calls for Further Investigation
On Capitol Hill, key lawmakers have weighed in on the controversy. Rep. Musa Hassan Bility (District #7, Nimba County) harassed the significance of due course of and known as for a proper headcount vote to resolve the difficulty. “While the majority has the right to decide the Speaker’s fate, it should be done thoughtfully and respectfully,” Bility stated.
Senator Edwin Snowe voiced sturdy help for Speaker Koffa, urging the opposition to face behind him. “The Speakership is more valuable to our democracy than US$15,000,” Snowe declared on social media.
Prominent figures, together with Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe and economist Dr. Togba Nah Tipoteh, have known as for swift investigations and prosecutions of these concerned. Dr. Tipoteh lauded Rep. Collins for exposing the bribery scheme and questioned the supply of the funds used within the plot.
“The Rule of Law says that bribery is corruption, and corruption is a felony punishable by imprisonment,” Tipoteh acknowledged. “The government must investigate where this money came from and prosecute those responsible.”
