Monrovia – Eric B. Arkoi, the suspended Director of Procurement at the Ministry of Finance & Development Planning (MFDP), has called on the Minister of Finance & Development Planning, Mr. Boima Kamara, seeking intervention in what he claims to be an unfair suspension and flawed investigation process.
In a detailed letter, Arkoi outlined the sequence of events leading to his suspension. According to him, on March 5, 2024, he received a letter from Hon. Bill Mcgill Jones, suspending him for one month.
The suspension was based on an internal audit report concerning the procurement of buses for MFDP employees. Arkoi stated that he cooperated fully with the Internal Audit Unit, providing necessary documentation and explanations regarding the procurement process. However, he was not given the opportunity to review or respond to the audit report before his suspension.
He furhter claimed that after his initial suspension, he faced further investigation without access to the audit report, despite multiple requests. He eventually had to engage a lawyer to obtain the report. Upon review, he submitted a detailed response, clarifying the role of the Procurement Unit in the bus procurement process.
The buses in question were procured under a project managed by the Civil Service Agency (CSA) with funds from the Project Financial Management Unit (PFMU). Arkoi noted that after an initial approval process, a funding shortfall led to a renegotiation, reducing the purchase from three buses to two at a unit price of $70,598. Despite these efforts, the supplier, Duke Carmax, Inc., failed to deliver the buses on time. Both the Procurement Unit and the Legal Unit took action, demanding delivery and threatening legal consequences. The supplier eventually executed a Promissory Note, promising delivery by the end of April 2024.
Arkoi emphasized his long-standing service and dedication to the MFDP, highlighting his rise through the ranks based on merit and performance. He expressed concern that his suspension undermines his professional reputation and the ministry’s standards of professionalism.
He also questioned the involvement of Ibrahim R. Kiazolu in the investigation, stating that Kiazolu no longer works at the MFDP and lacks relevant expertise. Arkoi has therefore requested the establishment of an independent investigative team with appropriate expertise to review the matter.
He reaffirmed his commitment to the ministry’s goals and compliance with relevant laws and regulations, while firmly maintaining his innocence. He urged Minister Kamara to address the issue promptly and ensure a fair and transparent investigation.
