Monrovia – Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe has called on the Ministry of Justice and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) to swiftly investigate and prosecute those involved in the alleged bribery scandal within the 55th Legislature, which aimed at removing Speaker J. Fonati Koffa.
“I urge the Ministry of Justice and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission to promptly initiate a thorough investigation into this matter and prosecute those found culpable, including both the receivers and the givers, to the fullest extent of the law,” Cllr. Gongloe said.
By J.H. Webster Clayeh (0886729972) – [email protected]
On Thursday, October 17, 2024, chaos erupted in the joint chamber as opposing groups clashed. Several lawmakers had signed a resolution to oust Speaker Koffa, accusing him, among other things of serving as legal counsel for major concessionaires, a violation they claimed contravened the Constitution.
The petition, read by Rep. Nyan Flomo (District #2, Nimba County), was presented outside the Capitol Building after pro-Koffa lawmakers, led by Rep. Marvin Cole, shut down the chamber. However, the attempt to remove the Speaker took a dramatic turn when Rep. Luther Collins (Gbarpolu County) confessed that he and other lawmakers were bribed with US$25,000 each to support the resolution, with US$15,000 paid upfront.
Rep. Collins, who exposed the bribery scheme by displaying a large sum of cash in a video, stated that he had joined the group to expose their corrupt intentions, not to support the removal of Speaker Koffa.
Cllr. Gongloe commended Rep. Collins for his bravery in revealing the corruption, describing it as a step toward accountability.
“I want to commend the courageous lawmaker who exposed the unethical, unlawful, and criminal act of receiving US$15,000 in a conspiracy to remove the Speaker of the House of Representatives,” Cllr. Gongloe stated.
“This act of bravery by the whistleblower exemplifies integrity and accountability in public service, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to protecting the interests of the Liberian people,” he added.
Cllr. Gongloe emphasized that Rep. Collins’ actions align with the mission of the Broom Movement, which seeks to eradicate corruption from the Government of Liberia. He urged other lawmakers across Africa to follow Collins’ example in exposing criminal conspiracies.
He further stressed that the revelation demands swift action from the authorities.
According to Liberian law, Chapter 9 of the Code of Conduct for Public Officials and Government Employees and Chapter 12 of the Penal Law classify bribery as a second-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison.
“The law unequivocally prohibits any public servant from receiving, soliciting, or accepting bribes in exchange for official actions or neglecting their duties,” Cllr. Gongloe explained, adding that those involved in accepting bribes had undermined the principles of good governance essential for Liberia’s progress.
Gongloe cited Section 9.1 of the Code of Conduct, which forbids public officials from accepting bribes or gifts that could influence their professional responsibilities, as well as Section 12.50 of the Penal Law, which categorizes bribery as a second-degree felony.
“Bribery in government is not merely a crime; it is a profound betrayal of public trust. Moving forward, we must ensure that whistleblowers are both encouraged and protected, as they play a crucial role in exposing corruption and safeguarding our nation’s integrity,” Cllr. Gongloe added.
He reiterated that the fight against bribery and corruption is fundamental to building a transparent and accountable Liberia, urging collective action to defend the integrity of the nation’s institutions.
“This issue should not be ignored or concealed, as the betrayal of public trust has severe negative repercussions for our people. Consider that each of the 48 Members of the House of Representatives received US$15,000, totaling US$720,000 or LD 136,800,000 under this criminal conspiracy. Reflect on what this money could have achieved for our schools and clinics,” Cllr. Gongloe said.
He concluded by advocating for the elimination of graduation fees from Kindergarten to University levels in both private and public schools, stating that “government is a place to serve, not to steal.”
