Monrovia — The Secretary General of the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change, Jefferson Koijee, is calling on former officials appointed by former President George Weah to resist the Asset Recovery team set up by President Boakai, adding that the team lacks the moral rectitude to conduct such a task.
Koijee’s assertion comes after the former Minister of State, now Senator of Margibi County, Nathaniel Farlo McGill, welcomed the establishment of the Office of Asset Recovery Process. Senator McGill added that it is crucial for past and current government officials to be held accountable for their stewardship and any potential misuse of public resources.
According to Senator McGill, cooperating with the Office of Asset Recovery and any other investigative bodies demonstrates a commitment to upholding the rule of law and integrity in public service.
He added that through accountability and transparency, Liberians can rebuild trust in their institutions and ensure that the public interest is protected. Despite his commitment, the Margibi County Senator also called on President Boakai to include the 12 years of Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf’s administration, during which President Boakai was the Vice President at the time.
“I am fully supportive of the idea that past and current officials, including myself, should be willing to submit ourselves for scrutiny and accountability when called upon by the relevant authorities consistent with established laws,” Senator McGill posted on his social media (Facebook) page.
He added: “Transparency in the process is key to ensuring fairness and impartiality in the investigation and recovery of assets that may have been misappropriated. I call on President Boakai to show the courage, if he truly does not want to witch hunt, to include the past 12 years under Unity Party rule instead of limiting the process to the last 6 years.”
More than a week later, it seems that the Senator’s call has fallen on deaf ears, as President Boakai has gone ahead by naming members of the Asset Recovery team, who are mostly Unity Partisans or supporters of President Boakai’s 2023 election bid.
“Following the issuance of Executive Order No. 126, establishing the Office of Assets Recovery, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has announced members of the Assets Recovery & Property Retrieval Core Team. The Team is expected to lead the charge to ensure processes leading to the location, recovery, and retrieval of public resources and properties. Personalities named to the Core Team, who are to meticulously follow and implement the Executive Order,” a release from the Executive Mansion quoted.
However, CDC Secretary General Koijee, speaking during the announcement of former Controller General of Liberia Janga Augustus Kowo as the party’s newest chairman, said the team set up by President Boakai lacks the moral standing to do so.
“We want to state here in categorical terms that Mr. Boakai must know that the Coalition for Democratic Change has instructed that any attempt by Mr. Boakai to violate the constitution will be resisted with stiff resistance. And one such resistance is the Asset Recovery team; it’s nonsense and none of our officials will submit to it; tell Mr. Boakai we will take it to his doorstep, we will meet you at your doorstep Mr. Boakai. Tell Mr. Boakai not even a chicken can submit to that reckless arrangement,” he said.
The CDC Secretary’s assertion has generated mixed views on social media. Some party supporters endorse his call, while others criticize him for being too harsh against the sitting government that is trying to fight corruption and promote accountability.
Blessing Patrick posted: “If it were up to you (Koijee) alone, there would be war in Liberia by now; you are always challenging and inciting conflicts. Provide documents for what you acquired overnight. It’s simple.”
Eric Morgan wrote: “Let me just laugh at this other one and pass on your personal enterprise, my man. You guys need to find something different to say, but now I really understand that you guys don’t have this country’s best interests at heart at all.”
Foday McGill wrote: “Wonderful, at least we are getting there. All is not lost yet. Bravo.” Alex Saykor also posted: “Thank you, our Leader, we’re ready and waiting.”
