The Gracious Ride Incorporated of former President George Weah’s Chief of Protocol, Nora Finda Bundoo, has taken legal action against the Asset Recovery Taskforce led by Cllr. Edwin Kla Martin, which was established by President Joseph Boakai recently.
Early Thursday afternoon, a Writ of Prohibition was filed by Gracious Ride Incorporated, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in the fight against corruption.
The writ from the court states “By directive of His Honor, Yusuf D. Kaba, associate justice presiding in chambers; you are hereby cited to a conference with His Honor on Monday, April 1, 2024 at the hour of 11:00am, in connection with the above captioned case.”
The writ added, “Meanwhile, you are ordered to release all vehicles seized and stay all seizure pending the outcome of the conference.”
This followed an incident on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 evening, as citizens stood and witnessed the parking of several vehicles belonging to Madam Bundoo, including that of the former Police Inspector General, Patrick Sudue, when a team of Asset Recovery members were seen requesting the documents of those vehicles.
The Asset Recovery Taskforce was mandated by the Liberian leader to focus solely on retrieving stolen government assets by former officials during the tenure of former President George Weah over the last six years.
But since the establishment, the team has been accused by many Liberians of conducting a witch hunt, with many commenting that the process excludes the tenure of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, during which President Boakai served as Vice president.
Some Liberians, including some lawmakers, have also described the process as selective, thus raising concerns about the fairness and impartiality of the Asset Recovery Taskforce, though the move, according to the President, is in a positive mind, void of witch-hunt.
The Boakai-Koung administration has struggled their way to operate since they took over the affairs of the State back in January, with many offices being looted by past officials of the Weah government, like in the case of LACE and MICAT, among others.
The impounding of government vehicles, particularly one linked to a high-ranking official like Sudue, underscores LART’s commitment to accountability and transparency in Liberia.
This action accordingly sends a clear message that no one, regardless of their position or influence, is above the law under the Joseph Boakai administration, according to the General Service Agency (GSA).
The vehicle in question, reportedly a high-end luxury car, was utilized by Sudue during his tenure as the head of the National Police Force. Its seizure marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to root out corruption and recover State assets allegedly acquired through illicit means.
LART, established with the mandate to investigate and recover stolen assets, has been actively pursuing cases of corruption and financial malfeasance across Liberia.
The impounding of government vehicles represents a tangible step towards fulfilling this mandate and restoring public trust in the government’s commitment to combating corruption.
Speaking on the matter, LART officials emphasized the team’s determination to hold accountable those responsible for misappropriating public funds and resources of the Liberian Government.
The seizure of government assets, including vehicles, is just one aspect of a broader strategy aimed at recovering stolen assets and promoting good governance in Liberia.
Furthermore, the impounding of vehicles previously used by high-ranking officials serves as a warning to current and future public servants that the misuse of State resources will not go unchecked.
LART’s actions demonstrate a firm resolve to uphold the rule of law and ensure that public resources are utilized for the benefit of all Liberians.
