By Bill W. Cooper
The plenary of the Liberian Senate has controversially confirmed the nominees for the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), albeit with a stay order until the current Chairperson and Commissioner’s benefits are settled by the Government.
Those confirmed are Counselor Alexandra Kormah Zoe, Executive Chairperson; Ernest R. Hughes, Vice-chairperson; Randolph E. Tebbs, Commissioner for Monitoring and Investigation, and Dr. Miatta Jeh, Commissioner for Monitoring and Investigation.
Others are Attorney Samuel F. Dakana, Commissioner for Monitoring and Investigation; Counselor David A.B. Wilson, Commissioner for Prosecution, and Counselor Oretha Snyder Davis, Commissioner for Prosecution.
The LACC plays a crucial role in combatting corruption and illegal activities in Liberia, as its effective functioning is fundamental to maintaining public trust, promoting accountability, and fostering national development.
On June 8, 2023, President George M. Weah nominated seven commissioners for the LACC, after its reestablishment by the National Legislature.
However, some Senators raised concerns about the nominees’ failure to declare their assets, in line with the new LACC Act, including the issue of more than one Commissioner coming from the same county, which violates potentially Section 6.8 of the Act. The nominees were confirmed after 21 Senators voted in favor, four against, and two in abstention.
The Senate’s decision was triggered, following a report from its Committee on Autonomous Commissions and Agencies, which was for confirmation of all of the nominees.
The Committee’s report, read in Plenary Tuesday, September 5, 2023, during the Senate’s 45th day sitting, said, “Mr. Pro-Temp and colleagues, having carefully examined and scrutinized the nominees’ credentials, we recommend that all of the nominees be confirmed, but this body to head the LACC.”
But surprisingly, the Senate, through Pro-tempore Albert Chie, issued a stay order on the confirmation of the nominees, stating, “Now that the new LACC nominees have been confirmed, I will not communicate this body’s decision to the President until the sitting Commissioner’s benefits and arrears are settled by the Ministry of Finance.”
It can be recalled that following the passage of the new LACC Act, the embattled Chairperson of the LACC, Edward Martin, condemned President Weah for his removal and subsequently sought legal redress, even at the level of the Supreme Court.
Martin further described Weah’s decision to relieve him of his duties as the CDC administration’s further demonstration of continued disregard for the fight against corruption.
Martin claimed that the amended Act is unconstitutional, because it violates sections 16.1 and 16.2. “This is a tenure position and I have up to 2027 for my five-year tenure to expire,” he noted.
According to Martin, the new LACC Act was intended to undermine his efforts in exposing corruption, with some of the alleged culprits being cronies of the President.
When asked as to whether the offices of the President and Vice President were involved in corruption, Martin replied, “I have already indicted several ministers and directors, even the President, but they are trying to prevent their prosecution. This is why they are fighting very hard to stop me from exposing them.”
