By Precious D. Freeman
Integrity Watch Liberia (IWL) has called on President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to broaden the anti-corruption fight and include officials from previous administrations, particularly those implicated in historical audit reports from the Unity Party’s 12-year rule.
In a statement issued on Sunday, August 4, 2024, IWL Executive Director, Harold M. Aidoo, urged President Boakai to ensure that the fight against corruption is comprehensive and not limited to officials from the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) government.
Aidoo commended President Boakai for his resolve in tackling corruption and prosecuting former officials but emphasized the need for a non-selective approach adding, “It is imperative that the fight against corruption is not selective.”
Aidoo stressed unresolved corruption cases from the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf administration and urged President Boakai to adopt a robust and impartial strategy to address corruption, regardless of political affiliation or past administration noting, “This comprehensive approach will signal the end of selective justice and impunity.”
The IWL boss also welcomed President Boakai’s recent directive to the Minister of Justice Oswald Tweh, urging him to pursue justice without bias.
Aidoo described this move as a crucial step towards greater transparency and accountability and called on the President to ensure that anti-corruption institutions such as the LACC and the General Auditing Commission (GAC) are well-funded and empowered to fulfill their mandates.
“These institutions must operate free from fear, favor, or undue influence,” Aidoo noted,
Aidoo urged former President Weah and the CDC to refrain from issuing threats against the state in response to anti-corruption efforts.
“If they believe in their innocence, they should present their case in court,” he said; pointing out, “The cycle of impunity that has plagued Liberia for too long must be brought to an end.”
Integrity Watch Liberia reaffirmed its support for President Boakai’s vision of a transparent and accountable Liberia and called on all stakeholders to unite in the fight against corruption.
Aidoo believes that such collective efforts are essential for achieving justice and advancing the nation’s progress.