The Minister of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT), Jerolinmek Piah, disclosed that the government remains undeterred by threatening statements from former President George Weah regarding the ongoing indictment of ex-officials from his administration.
During the MICAT regular press briefing on Thursday, August 1, Minister Piah stated, “We want to inform the former President that the government is neither deterred nor concerned about your empty threats. We will do what is required consistent with the law. If your people go to court and prosecutors are unable to establish the case, then that is the law.”
He added, “If they are convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction, they will account for their deeds; The law is the law.”
Minister Piah emphasized that the government’s actions are based on audit reports from credible anti-graft institutions, such as the General Auditing Commission (GAC) and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC).
He stressed that the government remains focused and resolute in holding people accountable for their stewardship and was dismayed that the former President is defend his ex-officials who have been charged, indicating that he oversaw a regime marked by significant corruption.
He revealed that upon taking office, the former President inherited over 60 audit reports from the Unity Party-led government in 2017 and despite perceptions of corruption in the UP government, the former President did not act on these reports.
Minister Piah highlighted that President Boakai campaigned on accountability and transparency in government and asserts that the President is committed to holding people accountable, as evidenced by the current actions.
Addressing accusations of witch-hunting made by former President Weah, Minister Piah reminded the former leader about several individuals who were allegedly targeted for their political stances during his administration but assured that the UP government will not engage in witch-hunting, as the President aims to build an inclusive Liberia.
Meanwhile, the MICAT boss encouraged the indicted former officials to face the court to have the opportunity to vindicate themselves if they believe they have done nothing wrong.
Minister Piah reiterated the Boakai-led Government’s commitment to ending the culture of impunity in Liberia, stating, “Gone are those days when corruption cases were swept under the carpet.”
