By Bill W. Cooper
A conglomeration Civil Society Organizations (CSO) is calling on the board of commissioners at the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) to investigate and prosecute past and current government officials sanctioned for alleged acts of corruption.
The Joint Civil Society Anti-Corruption Initiative (JOCAI) also wants the LACC, in line with its mandate, to ensure the holistic, robust, and impartial investigation and prosecution of all corruption cases across on its docket.
The group, through its petition to the LACC yesterday in Congo Town, said despite the support from international partners, the fight against corruption in Liberia remains challenged due to the lack of political will and inability of anti-graft institutions to exercise their duties.
This, Alfreda T. Joe, on behalf of the group noted, that coupled with the LACC’s refusal to act on corruption cases, as well as Liberians voting for sanctioned officials, the fight against corruption and other vices in Liberia continues to be undermined.
According to her, the absence and limitation of key laws and institutions for dealing with corruption in Liberia, and limited political will to decisively act against public officials and other individuals at the center of allegations of corruption, undermine Liberia’s democracy and citizens’ interest.
She noted that conducting speedy thorough investigation in cases of alleged corruption involving the five sanctioned government officials of Liberia is critical to ending the culture of impunity for corruption and maintain public trust in Liberia.
She also called on the LACC to request from the U.S Government all information related to corruption allegations involving persons sanctioned between December 9, 2020 to August 2022, regarding whom prosecutions are yet to commence.
Madam Joe named Senators Varney G. Sherman and Prince Johnson; former Minister of State, Nathaniel McGill; the National Port Authority’s former Managing Director, Bill Twehway, and former Solicitor General, Sayma Cyrenius Cephus, as individuals that need to be investigated and subsequently prosecuted if found guilty.
She added, “So, JOCAI looks forward to your fullest cooperation as a matter of urgency, because the actions which we seek are crucial to the effectiveness, efficiency, and inclusiveness of the fight against corruption and bad governance in Liberia.”
Receiving the petition, the LACC Chairperson, Cllr. Alexandria Zoe, thanked the group for taking what she termed as a bold step in seeking a corruption free society for the growth of Liberia and its citizenry.
She added, “We are glad that you have come up with this petition and I assure you of our fullest support to ensure a corruption-free Liberia, because all that is listed is part of the LACC plan for 2024, to go after officials who have been accused.”
“So, on behalf of the board of commissioners, we want to thank you, JOCAI, for this petition, and you can be assured that the LACC, under my leadership, will peruse and ensure the full implementation of this document where applicable,” Cllr. Zoe added.
