MONROVIA – Jefferson Tamba Koijee, Secretary Common of the Coalition for Democratic Change, Thursday issued sweeping accusations in opposition to three public establishments, alleging that they participated in a coordinated scheme to divert state funds for political functions.
By Selma Lomax [email protected]
Koijee claimed that the Liberia Anti-Corruption Fee, the Liberia Petroleum Refining Firm and the Liberia Water and Sewer Company channeled cash by means of what he described because the December 6 Mobilization, an initiative he insists was used as a canopy to boost funds for the acquisition of the ruling Unity Get together’s new nationwide headquarters.
Koijee, who served in senior authorities place in the course of the earlier administration, has just lately stepped up his assaults on the Boakai–Koung authorities. In his newest communication, he stated the nation is witnessing what he referred to as organized chaos, alleging that corruption has develop into entrenched whereas struggling for abnormal Liberians deepens.
He accused the Unity Get together of turning the state right into a playground for theft and asserted that proof of what he labeled daylight theft is starting to floor. In accordance with him, checks originating from establishments answerable for accountability and public service supply expose a community that he says consists of the LACC, LWSC and the LPRC.
Koijee insisted that greater than 1.3 million {dollars} was unlawfully disbursed to people related to the ruling institution. He argued that these actions occurred whereas civil servants go months with out salaries and important social providers proceed to deteriorate.
“The Unity Get together regime has decreased governance to organized chaos, corruption in full swing whereas our folks drown in hardship and despair. As we speak, I start releasing proof of this daylight theft in opposition to the Liberian folks. Checks from the very establishments meant to uphold integrity at the moment are being uncovered: LACC, LWSC, and LPRC—all complicit within the shameful diversion of public funds beneath the pretend banner of the so-called “December 6 Mobilization,” stated Koijee.
He painted a grim image of life beneath the present administration, saying moms give delivery on the streets, younger folks battle with out jobs, and the police allegedly brutalize residents with impunity. In his view, the nation is now bordering on institutional collapse. Koijee vowed to launch what he calls documentary proof of unlawful funds on a rolling foundation, noting that he’ll current every examine to the general public in order that Liberians and worldwide observers could choose the allegations for themselves. He insisted that the reality is not going to be buried and maintained that the CDC is set to reveal what he described because the rot on the heart of the present authorities.
In a swift rebuttal, the Liberia Anti-Corruption Fee dismissed Koijee’s allegations as baseless, inflammatory and politically pushed. The Fee stated it was deeply troubling {that a} former public official would, in its phrases, deliberately mislead the Liberian folks with claims missing any factual basis.
The LACC stated: “Mr. Koijee’s assertions relating to alleged “diversion of public funds” and funds purportedly made beneath the banner of “December 6 Mobilization” are solely false, reckless, and unsupported by any factual foundation. The LACC has made no such funds, has engaged in no such scheme, and has by no means participated in or endorsed any illicit monetary exercise as alleged. The Fee operates beneath strict authorized, administrative, and monetary procedures, all topic to inner controls, exterior audits, and the regulation. Any insinuation that the LACC is a part of a prison community or political patronage system is just not solely false however a deliberate try to tug the integrity establishments of the state into political theatre.”
The LACC categorically rejected the accusation that it performed any position in a December 6 Mobilization or approved any funds related to it. The Fee famous that its administrative and monetary operations are guided by authorized frameworks, inner controls and exterior oversight, making it unimaginable for any such illicit transaction to happen unnoticed.
The LACC argued that any try and painting the establishment as a part of a prison or patronage community was an effort to tug an integrity physique into partisan battle. It emphasised that it stays dedicated to investigating corruption with out concern or favour and urged the general public and worldwide stakeholders to depend on verified info moderately than unsubstantiated political claims. The Fee added that anybody with genuine proof of wrongdoing ought to comply with the suitable authorized channels to assist the reason for accountability and justice.
On the Liberia Petroleum Refining Firm, Managing Director Amos Tweh brushed apart the accusations with a short however blunt response, saying the entity had no intention of dignifying Koijee’s claims.
Tweh remarked that he had little interest in responding to what he referred to as garbage and urged that Koijee was solely searching for public consideration. His quick dismissal underscored LPRC’s rejection of allegations that it was occasion to any monetary irregularity. As of press time, the Liberia Water and Sewer Company had not issued an official response, although it stays one of many establishments accused by the CDC secretary normal.
Public Response and Requires Inquiry
Koijee’s allegations have sparked widespread debate, splitting public opinion. Some Liberians have referred to as on him to current concrete proof, whereas others are urging the federal government to fee an unbiased investigation to quell suspicions and shield public belief.
Transparency advocates warn that if unresolved, the claims may additional erode confidence in state establishments and widen partisan divisions.
Background to the Controversy
Even earlier than Koijee’s claims, the Unity Get together had been beneath public scrutiny following studies that it was buying the identical headquarters it beforehand vacated as a consequence of unpaid hire whereas in opposition. Final week, partisans carried out an enormous cleanup forward of a serious fundraising occasion.
The occasion, nevertheless, has strongly denied claims that authorities funds had been getting used for its headquarters venture, labeling such studies as “baseless propaganda.”
Talking at a current rally, Unity Get together Secretary-Common Amos Tweh—who additionally heads the LPRC—dismissed the allegations:
“The Unity Get together taking 6.7 million {dollars} to assemble our occasion headquarters is just false. We aren’t utilizing public funds,” he stated.
“We’re galvanizing assets from our pockets for the inspiration of the Unity Get together’s subsequent technology.”
Tweh stated the purpose of the fundraising drive is to determine a everlasting dwelling for the occasion—an effort he stated was ignored throughout earlier administrations however is now a precedence as a part of constructing a sturdy political establishment.
Senator Daba Varpilah, Chair of the Unity Get together Fundraising Steering Committee, additionally clarified that no formal buy or fee for the headquarters has but been made.
The continued marketing campaign, which the occasion describes as a “homecoming and nationwide mobilization effort,” seeks to boost funds for each its nationwide and regional headquarters.
What Comes Subsequent?
Koijee says he’ll reveal extra info within the coming days, calling on the worldwide companions and anti-graft our bodies and insisting the matter requires world scrutiny.
With allegations flying and denials mounting, Liberians now await whether or not Koijee will present genuine documentary proof—or whether or not the episode will probably be remembered as one other spherical of heated political theatrics in an already polarized setting.
