Gbarnga – Former Bong County Consultant and present Nationwide Chairman of the Nationwide Patriotic Celebration (NPP), Atty. George S. Mulbah, has expressed sturdy disapproval of President Joseph Boakai’s continued appointment of Officers-in-Cost (OICs) to go main public establishments, describing the apply as unconstitutional and a direct violation of the Liberian Structure.
By Selma Lomax [email protected]
Talking in an unique interview with FrontPageAfrica, Mulbah mentioned the President’s choice to keep up unconfirmed people in positions of authority for prolonged durations undermines the constitutional position of the Legislature and weakens Liberia’s democratic governance.
He careworn that whereas the Structure grants the President the authority to make appointments, such appointments are topic to affirmation by the Liberian Senate to make sure correct vetting and accountability.
Mulbah argued that the usage of the time period “Officer-in-Cost” doesn’t exist wherever within the Structure and that the President has no authorized foundation to permit such people to occupy vital public workplaces for various months with out Senate approval.
He famous that the apply erodes the precept of checks and balances and poses critical accountability dangers for the administration of public sources.
In accordance with Mulbah, “There is no such thing as a Officer-in-Cost in our Structure. The President has the fitting to make momentary appointments, however these appointments mustn’t exceed two or three months. Holding folks in such positions for over a yr with out affirmation undermines the position of the Legislature.”
He referenced a number of authorities establishments at the moment being managed by Officers-in-Cost, together with the Governance Fee, the Liberia Anti-Corruption Fee (LACC), the Liberia Agriculture Commodity Regulatory Authority (LACRA), the Liberia Drug Enforcement Company (LDEA), and the Monetary Intelligence Unit (FIU).
Mulbah questioned who holds such unconfirmed officers accountable in the event that they interact in wrongdoing, emphasizing that the absence of legislative oversight exposes these establishments to potential abuse of energy. He argued that the President’s choice to retain such appointees for lengthy durations contradicts the “natural and supreme regulation of the land” and is an try and bypass the constitutional affirmation course of.
“The Structure is the natural regulation of this nation. The President can not usurp the authority of the Legislature by appointing people who find themselves not topic to public scrutiny,” he said. He warned that if the state of affairs continues, he’ll write the Legislature to take motion and compel the President to adjust to the constitutional requirement for affirmation.
Mulbah added that Liberia’s democracy is constructed on the separation of powers, and any try by the Govt Department to train the authority of the Legislature poses a menace to good governance and accountability.
On the identical time, the previous Bong lawmaker praised the federal government’s ongoing efforts in combating drug trafficking and abuse, significantly commending the work of the interim management on the Liberia Drug Enforcement Company. He described their neighborhood engagement technique as efficient in discouraging unlawful drug actions.
“The conflict on medicine is progressing,” Mulbah mentioned. “You see fewer younger folks, particularly the so-called zogos, on the streets as a result of the DEA’s present management is participating the communities. That’s laudable, and I commend the President for that.” He, nevertheless, reiterated that whereas the interim LDEA management is performing effectively, the President ought to transfer rapidly to verify a everlasting crew by means of the suitable legislative course of.
Mulbah additionally commented on latest financial developments, significantly the discount within the costs of important commodities similar to rice and petroleum merchandise. He admitted that he initially doubted the federal government’s capability to decrease costs however later acknowledged that the reductions had been actual and must be appreciated.
“When the federal government mentioned the worth of rice would go down, I assumed it was a joke,” he mentioned. “However a number of days in the past, my son went to purchase rice, and we noticed the distinction. We should thank the federal government for that effort.” He added that contemplating the worldwide challenges brought on by conflicts in Ukraine and the Center East, the federal government deserves credit score for stabilizing commodity costs.
On diplomatic relations, Mulbah welcomed the latest choice by the USA authorities to increase the validity of visas issued to Liberians from one yr to 3 years. He described the transfer as a optimistic sign of renewed confidence in Liberia’s governance and worldwide picture. “That may be a good signal,” he famous.
“It exhibits that the worldwide neighborhood acknowledges our progress in sustaining democratic governance and the rule of regulation. We should commend the federal government for this diplomatic achievement.”
Nonetheless, Mulbah cautioned towards extreme partisanship and tribalism within the President’s appointments. He criticized what he described because the tendency of the ruling Unity Celebration to favor people from the President’s personal circle and county, urging inclusiveness in nationwide governance.
“The federal government shouldn’t be fashioned on the premise of tribe or occasion,” he warned. “If the President can not discover folks inside his circle, he can look throughout the nation. Liberia has competent residents in all places.”
Addressing infrastructure considerations, Mulbah mirrored on President Boakai’s marketing campaign promise that “no automotive will get caught within the mud” throughout his administration. He famous that whereas the assertion was possible figurative, there are nonetheless seen highway challenges in rural elements of the nation. He acknowledged, nevertheless, that the federal government has made progress in highway development, significantly in main corridors connecting counties.
“The President’s assertion was extra of a figurative expression,” Mulbah mentioned. “Automobiles nonetheless get caught within the mud, particularly in lowland areas, however there have been seen enhancements on main highways.”
In response to questions on his private political relationships, Mulbah downplayed speculations that his assist for Bong County Senator Prince Moye in 2020 has not been reciprocated by means of a authorities appointment. He clarified that there was no settlement between him and Senator Moye that assured him a place in authorities and that their relationship stays pleasant {and professional}.
“After I supported Senator Moye, there was no contract that mentioned when he wins, he should appoint me. Ours is a friendship primarily based on mutual respect,” Mulbah defined. He added that he stays impartial, self-sufficient, and never depending on political favors to maintain himself or his household.
Waiting for the 2029 elections, Mulbah mentioned his political selections will rely on the circumstances at the moment. He expressed no resentment towards anybody in authorities however emphasised the necessity for leaders to respect the Structure and act within the curiosity of all Liberians. “Politics is in regards to the folks, not private advantages,” he added.
