By Bill W. Cooper
The Chairperson of the ruling Unity Party (UP), J. Luther Tarpeh, has received a comprehensive report from a special investigative team, set up to investigate the disbursement of US$365,00 to the 73 electoral districts across Liberia.
It can be recalled that the funds were allocated by President Joseph Boakai, to be distributed, US$5,000, to each distract for the hosting of a party in commemoration of the President’s inauguration, as a means of recognizing Liberians’ contributions towards his 2023 election victory.
But following the inauguration, it was reported by several outlets that the monies were allegedly mismanaged, following an instruction from the UP Chairman of the deduction of US$1,000 each.
As a result of the allegation, the UP Chairman then set up an investigative committee to probe the matter and made available the findings in the spirit of transparency and accountability.
Addressing a news conference recently, Chairman Tarpeh vehemently denied allegations of impropriety, in respect to allegation that he (Tarpeh) instructed county chairpersons to personally pocket US$1,000 each from the fund.
Tarpeh also clarified that each electoral district received the US$5,000 for the Boakai’s Presidential victory, emphasizing the transparent management of the funds.
“The allegations are baseless and misleading. I did not issue any such instructions. The funds were intended for their designated purpose and were managed diligently,” Chairman Tarpeh revealed.
According to him, the investigative team, comprising representatives from the counties, in its report, stated that the chairpersons of each county carefully used the funds purposefully.
He furthered that the disbursement process was overseen by the Party’s Inaugural and Finance Committee, ensuring adherence to Party’s financial rules and orders, void of any malpractice.
Tarpeh asserted that, per the report he has received, the money was used for its intended purpose and that the disbursement of the money was done through the Party’s treasurers/UP’s Inaugural and Finance Committee, and not him.
He, at the same time, clarified that he, as chairman of the UP, personally had no involvement in handling the funds, emphasizing, “I did not even lay my eyes on the money, as was reported.”
“Also, the various county chairpersons have acknowledged the proper utilization of every dime spent during the inauguration, and this report underscores the UP’s commitment to accountability and transparency in financial matters,” he added.
