A wave of administrative unrest continues to rock the Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS), as Superintendent James Momo has publicly refuted allegations of financial impropriety amid a reported attempted arson at the institution’s central office.
On Wednesday morning, the Liberia National Police (LNP) confirmed the arrest of two individuals in connection with what authorities say was an attempt to set fire to the headquarters of MCSS in the suburb of Sinkor.
Police spokesperson Cecelia Clarke confirmed that three individuals were linked to the plot, with two currently in custody and one still at large.
Reports suggest that the alleged perpetrators, identified as staffers of the MCSS, were apprehended with gasoline and matches on the premises.
The motive behind the act remains under investigation, but sources within the institution claim the incident may be linked to internal power struggles and lingering discontent over recent administrative decisions.
Addressing a news conference following the quelling of the situation, Superintendent James Momo described the situation as an “attack on progress,” while firmly rejecting media reports linking his administration to the alleged misappropriation of over LR$9 million intended for insurance, scholarships, and educational materials.
“These allegations are not only baseless but are also being propagated by individuals within and outside the system who are resistant to positive change,” Momo stated. “There is no such money within our budget, and we have not been contacted by the Financial Intelligence Agency or the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission for any investigation, contrary to what is being rumored on social media.”
One of the central allegations is that funds allocated for student medical insurance were diverted into the personal account of the Director of Curriculum and Instruction and used to purchase a vehicle.
Momo also faces claims that L$1.6 million meant for classroom armchairs and laboratory supplies was misappropriated for the same vehicle.
However, the Superintendent clarified that Sky Insurance Company, a long-standing partner of MCSS, previously operated through direct dealings with individual schools. Under his leadership, he said, all financial transactions were restructured to be handled centrally via the MCSS institutional account, a move he claims was intended to promote financial integrity and oversight.
He also addressed questions surrounding the MCSS scholarship program, emphasizing that current scholarship support stems from partnerships, including one with an Indian organization offering capacity-building opportunities for Liberian teachers.
He stated there were no separate funds allocated for scholarships or professional development in the current MCSS budget.
Tensions appear to have intensified within the institution, with Momo alleging that Assistant Superintendent Emmanuel Robertson is working with discontented staff and alumni to derail the administration’s vision.
He claimed that Robertson is actively undermining ongoing reforms and may have played a role in the attempted arson.
The Liberia National Police said their investigation is ongoing, and more details will be released as they become available.
Meanwhile, the MCSS has vowed to remain focused on its mandate to deliver quality education to thousands of students in the capital.
However, Assistant Superintendent Emmanuel Robertson denied involvement in creating internal rift within the MCSS which has escalated to an attempted arson on the headquarters of the school system.
According to him, the students in the system have been marginalized under the current chief administrator of the MCSS for which they continue to protest. “Students are protesting everyday about their welfare and real issues.
This superintendent should be answering to the corruption in the system reported recently and avoid pointing fingers at some of us who are not involved.”
