By Moses M. Tokpah
Margibi County Superintendent Victoria Wolobah Duncan has criticized the previous administration led by Jerry Varney for ‘leaving’ the county’s financial accounts nearly empty.
Speaking at a media briefing in Kakata on Tuesday, Duncan revealed that contrary to claims made by her predecessor during the transition ceremony, the county’s Liberian dollar account contains only L$500,000.
Varney had reported that, in addition to this amount, there was also US$500 available in the account. However, Duncan stated that the current county finance officer obtained a bank statement indicating a zero balance for the account.
“I have said this over and over since my ascendency in this position that we met almost an empty account in Margibi County. Unlike other counties, we meet L$500,000,” Duncan explained.
She expressed concern over the discrepancies in financial reporting, stating, “It was stated that US$500.00 is in the account, but according to the county finance officer, the bank statement shows a zero balance. I am going to get involved with that to really establish the fact.”
Despite anticipating challenges when taking office, Duncan described her administration as severely hampered by the inadequate funding left by Varney’s administration.
However, she announced that there are funds available from the county-social development fund that will be utilized for completing projects initiated by the previous administration.
In a move towards increased transparency, Superintendent Duncan has reassured the residents of Margibi County that an audit of the Varney administration will be conducted.
The Superintendent revealed that she has formally requested an audit from the General Auditing Commission (GAC) to examine the county’s financial status and assets.
“The audit will focus on finance and assets to ascertain what is in the county’s possession concerning properties and money,” Duncan noted. She shared that the GAC has confirmed they will conduct a general audit covering the period from 2020 to 2025.
“The moment the audit team arrives in the county, they will invite those responsible for questioning, and the audit will be carried out,” she concluded.
Margibi Supt. Criticizes Predecessor
