By Bill W. Cooper
An investigation by the Inquirer Newspaper reveals that the Liberian Senate has purchased new vehicles costing US$45,000 for each of its members.
The budget allocation, totaling a staggering US$1.35 million, according to our investigation, was placed in the Fiscal Year (FY2024) budget while Liberians are still struggling with high living costs, rampant corruption, and soaring unemployment, among others.
Even though there have been no reports of the members of the House of Representatives receiving such, it was discovered that vehicles for the 103 lawmakers in 2024 are US$6.24 million, which surpasses 45k for each lawmaker.
The decision has since sparked significant criticism from various societal sectors, who contend that such spending is inappropriate considering the current economic situation and other national challenges.
Liberia, still recovering from years of civil conflict and political instability, faces significant challenges, including a high cost of living, widespread unemployment, and pervasive corruption.
Many citizens are questioning the priorities of their elected officials, particularly in light of the pressing social and economic issues that plague the nation.
Also, the country’s economy has been under severe strain, the cost of basic goods and services rising sharply despite the change of administration, which many thought would have addressed the situation.
As it stands, necessities such as food, healthcare, electricity, carbon water and education have become increasingly unaffordable for many families.
Unemployment also remains a critical issue, particularly among the youth, with rates estimated to be as high as over 60 per cent, as the lack of job opportunities has led to widespread disillusionment and frustration among the population, who feel abandoned by their government.
However, the decision followed after the recent purchase of a new vehicle by Grand Bassa County Senator and Senate Pro-Tempore, Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, which sparked intense public debate.
A leaked invoice, signed by Kamal Chandwaney, General Manager of Africa Motors, obtained by the Inquirer reveals that the black Hyundai Staria 3.5L V6 was purchased under duty-free terms on December 20, 2024.
The invoice, identified as AMC-067-24, also confirms that the vehicle’s original price was US$45,000, but a US$2,000 discount reduced the final cost to US$43,000.
Meanwhile, there have been a series of responses to the vehicles purchased by the Senators, with many Liberians expressing their outrage, with some taken to their Facebook pages, demanding accountability from their elected officials.
“How can they justify spending such a large sum on themselves when we are struggling to feed our families? This is a clear indication that they are out of touch with the realities of our lives,” John Bidoe posted.
Another poster, Mary Zazay posted, “This allocation is not only insensitive but also a reflection of the systemic corruption that has plagued our government for years.”
“We demand that our leaders prioritize the needs of the people over their comfort. This is unfair, especially so that our schools and hospitals are empty,” she added.
Some Liberians also believe that the allocation is just another example of how public officials prioritize their interests over those of the people they represent.
Exiled Activist, Martin Kollie said, “Corruption is a cancer that has been eating away at our society for too long. We need to hold our leaders accountable and demand transparency in how public funds are spent.”
“This vehicle allocation is just the tip of the iceberg. We need real change, not just empty promises because our people deserve better than this,” he added.
Kollie further argued that the allocation could have been better spent addressing the pressing needs of the population and wondered, “Instead of investing in vehicles, why not invest in education, healthcare, or job creation?”
“This is a mis-allocation of resources that could have a far greater impact on the lives of ordinary Liberians because that were some of the promises made by this government and we will ensure that they actualize their promises,” he added.
In response to the allegations, the Chairperson of the Senate Ways, Means, and Budget Committee, Senator Prince Moye, however, defended the allocation, stating that the funds are captured in the 2024 budget and that the purchase of the vehicles is both legitimate and constitutional.
“So, is it new news? It was in FY 2024 for all legislators. I think I have said to you what I know. It is not a new information. Every 3 years, the legislature appropriates 45k for each member for the vehicle, and that was done last year. It is not every year,” he added.
Moye further emphasized that the decision was made by the law and that the funds would be used to procure vehicles that meet the operational needs of the Senate.
Meanwhile, the vehicle allocation is likely to have significant political implications as Liberia approaches the second year of the Joseph Boakai’s administration.
With public sentiment increasingly turning against the ruling Unity Party (UP), and its representatives, the decision could further erode trust in the government.
Investigation continues…
