By Precious D Freeman
The Integrity Watch Liberia is urging the Legislature against the override of the Presidential Veto on Investment Incentives Agreement between the Government of Liberia and Fouani Brothers Corporation.
Speaking at a press gathering, the Executive Director of Integrity Watch, Harold M. Aidoo, said Integrity Watch Liberia expresses profound concerns over actions by certain members of the 54th Legislature, who appear to have allowed themselves to be influenced to override a veto by the outgoing President George Manneh Weah, on the Investment Incentives Agreement between the Government of Liberia and Fouani Brothers Corporation.
According to him, their investigation reveals alarming reasons behind the Presidential Veto, including significant inconsistencies in the agreement’s language, structure, and objective. Notably, section 10.6(a) was deliberately omitted from the submitted agreement to the President’s office.
He stated that Section 10.1© granting duty-free privileges to import vegetable oil raises concerns about undermining local palm oil production, as noted in a motion raised by Francis S. Dopoh on October 23, 2023, which unfortunately faced defeat.
“Integrity Watch Liberia underscores that the current state of the Investment Incentive Agreement favors Fouani Brothers Corporation, jeopardizing local industries, competitiveness, and fostering a monopoly detrimental to Liberians,” he added.
The Integrity Watch Liberia boss maintained that the organization questions the lawmakers’ motive to override a veto that seeks duty-free privileges for three years to import crude palm oil, emphasizing the need for incentives that benefit Liberians rather than private individuals.
“Integrity Watch Liberia further highlights disappointment in individual lawmakers with vested interests in the Fouani Investment deal; we are hereby cautioning that any push for nullification may lead to public exposure of individual lawmakers involved,” he mentioned.
He emphasized that the organization firmly believes that the decision to override the outgoing President’s veto should rest with the 55th Legislature and the incoming administration.
“Integrity Watch Liberia calls for a transparent and accountable Legislature, urging lawmakers to collaborate in fostering an environment marked by openness and integrity, safeguarding against corruption and undue influence. Together, let us uphold democratic principles, strengthen governance standards, and advance the collective well-being of the Liberian people,” Aidoo added.
