By Grace Q. Bryant
Liberian Police Inspector General, Patrick T. Sudue, has described the allegations that he squandered US$9,000 intended for officers who are providing security in Grand Cape Mount County, as completely erroneous and misleading.
Sudue’s response was against a claim made on Wednesday, September 6, by one of the panelists on Spoon Talk Show Network.
According to the panelist, a document was allegedly addressed to the Ministry of Justice from the Liberia National Police (LNP), through IG Sudue, requesting US$9,000 to be disbursed to security officers in Grand Cape Mount County.
The money was intended for members of the Joint Security and LNP officers who are on a peace mission in Grand Cape Mount County, to mitigate electoral violence.
However, it was reported that IG Sudue received the money and diverted it to his personal use, and left the security officers in the dark.
Responding to the allegations in a press conference over the weekend, at the LNP headquarters, IG Sudue described the allegation as false and misleading.
Sudue called on journalists, especially Spoon Talk Show panelists, to reach out to relevant authorities whenever there is an allegation surrounding the institution or individuals, to avoid making the station lose trust.
He maintained that the information released by Spoon was erroneous and only intended to tarnish his hard-earned reputation, adding that at no time did he sign for officers’ money.
He admitted writing a communication to the Ministry of Justice requesting money to be disbursed to security officers in Grand Cape Mount County, who are providing service, but denied receiving the money and diverting it to his personal use or benefits.
The Police Chief explained that he can’t be wicked in such manner to people who are serving their country with dignity and pride. “It’s true that I wrote the Ministry of Justice requesting nine thousand for officers dispatched in Grand Cape Mount County, but I didn’t receive any money and eat it,” said Sudue.
“Moreover, the money was sent to individual officers’ mobile money accounts, because whenever they want to give money, we put it in their bank accounts and mobile money accounts,” he stated.
Police IG Sudue noted that officers in the county have received the money because the money was released by the Comptroller of the Ministry of Justice, Newton Gray, to individual officers for their upkeep and stay in the county.
“I want everyone to know that at the LNP, I can’t sign for money. The money is given and signed for by the Comptroller,” the IG explained.
He added that since this election, he has not signed for any money, noting that recently, the Ministry of Justice provided a check, which is to be matured in three days.
“The money on that check is for officers at Central, who will be providing service for political activities,” he continued.
