By Bill W. Cooper
The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has confirmed that it is investigating claims linking the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC) and the Ministry of Transport for allegedly giving US$750,000 used to bribe lawmakers wanting to remove Fonati Koffa as Speaker of the 55th Legislature.
In an official statement issued yesterday, the LACC through its Executive Chairperson, Alexandra Zoe revealed it had received multiple complaints from stakeholders, prompting the launch of a formal investigation.
She stated that the Commission is treating the matter with utmost seriousness, and emphasized that such bribery attempts pose a severe threat to the integrity of the country’s democratic processes.
According to her, these allegations represent a grave breach of trust in the country’s elected officials as well as the disruption to the rule of law and as such, the need for a prompt investigation cannot be overemphasized.
The Commission said it is working alongside the Ministry of Justice (MOJ), the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA), and other relevant bodies to gather evidence and establish the truth behind these allegations.
Cllr. Zoe further asserted that the investigation will be conducted fairly, with due process for all parties involved, thus calling on the public, lawmakers, and officials to cooperate fully with the inquiry, while also urging patience to allow the investigation to proceed without interference or speculation.
She then reiterated the commission’s zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, stressing, “Bribery is illegal and unacceptable, and anyone involved, regardless of status or position, will face the full weight of the law.”
She however, vowed to take swift action against individuals found complicit in this alleged corruption scheme, and added, “We reiterate our commitment to protecting the integrity of Liberia’s institutions. Any proven acts of bribery or corruption will be met with the necessary legal and administrative actions.”
Meanwhile, reports also circulating said that Vice President Jeremiah Koung and former President George Weah are allegedly distributing money to disgruntled lawmakers in an effort to remove Speaker Fonati Koffa from his position.
According to sources, the former President fears that Speaker Koffa’s growing popularity could position him as a contender in the 2029 presidential election.
As they and their cronies are bent on playing the divide and rule game, some said Weah reportedly believes this could divide his voter base come 2029, allowing the Unity Party to secure another six years in power while Koung’s involvement is to weaken the CDC track by dislodging them at the helm of government to create room for his presidential bid, 2029.
Meanwhile, Gbarpolu County District 2 Representative, Luther Collins, has formally filed a complaint alleging bribery and has submitted US$14,800 to the LACC for immediate investigation.
He was joined yesterday, by fellow Representatives including Eugene Kollie and Zinnah A. Norman, while providing evidence against his colleagues.
Presenting the funds to the commission, Rep. Collins added, “This action reflects an increasing push for transparency and accountability within the government.”
