03/07/2024 – 11:03
— Bong Legislative Caucus Chairman, Sen. Prince Moye, says
The political situation in Bong County takes a troubling turn as the head of the County Legislative Caucus asserts that no intimidation tactics will shield Representative Josiah Marvin Cole from undergoing an audit for allegedly misappropriating county funds.
Senator Prince Moye said at a press conference in Monrovia on Wednesday that Representative Cole’s recent decision to resign from the caucus after trying in vain to instigate confusion within the group is a tactical move to shield him from being held accountable for a series of clandestine financial activities he has been involved in.
Moye made specific reference to a US$900,000 allotment made in the 2022 budget of the Bong County Technical College.
Cole’s recent resignation from the county caucus followed a series of accusations against the leadership of the county legislative caucus, particularly Moye, citing governance issues. Cole accused Senator Moye of engaging in divisive and unethical behavior that undermines the caucus’ integrity. He also resigned from the caucus, citing numerous concerns and alleged Senator Moye’s involvement in misappropriating the US$7 million allocated for the completion of the Bong County Technical College.
Senator Prince Kermue Moye, Chairman, Bong Legislative Caucus
Representative Cole additionally claimed that Senator Moye orchestrated political altercations with prominent individuals, including himself, hindering county development efforts. Moreover, Cole accused Senator Moye of instigating protests by students at the Bong County Technical College to oust Dr. Roland Massaquoi from his position as college president. Cole further alleged that Senator Moye consistently undermined the progress and leadership of individuals in the county, which he deemed detrimental to Bong County’s development. The lawmaker also accused Senator Moye of orchestrating defamatory actions against him during his prior role as Mayor of Gbarnga. Students from the Bong County Technical College staged protests regarding governance issues at the college, garnering the attention of the Bong County Legislative Caucus.
In response to Rep. Cole’s claims, Senator Prince Moye dismissed them as an attempt to avoid an impending audit regarding the US$900,000 allocated in the 2022 budget of the Bong County Technical College.
Moye emphasized that no one is above Liberia’s legal system and stated that Cole, despite being part of the college’s board when the funds were allocated, will be held accountable. Senator Moye highlighted the students’ demand for an audit and affirmed that there will be no tolerance for misconduct. He also suggested that unity within the caucus is paramount and implied that Cole should consider resigning if the allegations are serious.
