MONROVIA – House plotters seeking the removal of their leader reportedly received a “bribe” of US$15,000 each with a balance of US$10,000 allegedly provided by the Unity Party administration to sign onto the resolution containing grievances against the House Speaker to effectuate the coup. Some of the signees have already confessed to what appears to be a bribery, but this is not going down well with some Liberians who think the act of bribery is a crime and that it desecrates the country’s democracy. A long time Liberian human rights advocate, and former presidential contender Tiawan Saye Gongloe, also feels strongly about that, and is calling for a full investigation of the situation taking place on Capitol Hill. The Analyst reports.
Former Presidential Contender Tiawan Saye Gongloe has said individuals involved in accepting bribes on Capitol Hill as inducement to remove House Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa have directly undermined the principles of good governance and integrity that essential for the nation’s progress.
Section 9.1 of the Code of Conduct explicitly forbids public officials from accepting bribes or gifts that could influence their professional responsibilities, the Liberian legal luminary said, adding that similarly, Section 12.50 of the Penal Law of Liberia categorizes bribery as a second-degree felony.
“If proven, these actions constitute a grave breach of public trust and a blatant violation of the law,” he said. “Government is a place to serve, not to steal.”
In a statement released to the public, Gongloe commended a member of the House of Representatives who he said “exposed the unethical, unlawful, and criminal act of receiving US$15,000 in a conspiracy to remove the Speaker of the House of Representatives”.
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, the former lawyers’ association president said.
The action by lawmaker Luther Collins, who is one person speaking opening about the plotters bribery, Gongloe noted, aligns with his party Broom Movement’s mission to eradicate corruption from the Government of Liberia, setting a commendable example for other lawmakers across Africa to follow in exposing such criminal conspiracies wherever they occur.
He said: “The revelation of this conspiracy necessitates immediate and decisive action. Under Liberian law, specifically Chapter 9 of the Code of Conduct for Public Officials and Government Employees and Chapter 12 of the Penal Law, bribery is classified as a second-degree felony, punishable by up to five years of imprisonment.
“The law unequivocally prohibits any public servant from receiving, soliciting, or accepting bribes in exchange for official actions or for neglecting their duties.”
According to him, the individuals involved in accepting bribes have directly undermined the principles of good governance and integrity essential for our nation’s progress. Section 9.1 of the Code of Conduct explicitly forbids public officials from accepting bribes or gifts that could influence their professional responsibilities.
The Liberian lawyer is therefore calling on the Ministry of Justice and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission to promptly initiate a thorough investigation into this matter and to prosecute those found culpable including both the receivers and the givers, to the fullest extent of the law.
“Bribery in government is not merely a crime; it is a profound betrayal of public trust,” Gongloe further asserted. “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.”
He added that the fight against bribery and corruption is fundamental to building a more transparent and accountable Liberia.
“Together, we must steadfastly defend the integrity of our government institutions. This issue should not be ignored or concealed, as the betrayal of public trust has severe negative repercussions for our people.”
He said, considering the fact 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, the magnitude of the act has subverted support for schools and clinics in desperate need of money.
“This is one of the reasons I am advocating for the elimination of graduation fees from Kindergarten to the University level in both private and public schools,” he said.
Good write-up, I’m normal visitor of one’s website, maintain up the nice operate, and It’s going to be a regular visitor for a long time.
Someone necessarily help to make critically articles I would state. This is the very first time I frequented your web page and to this point? I surprised with the analysis you made to create this particular submit amazing. Fantastic process!