IPNEWS: Unimpeachable sources within diplomatic circles has hinted the authoritative Independent Probe Newspaper that Russian operatives are currently in consultation with high-profile members of the Liberian Senate, to stop ongoing ratification of the much publicized 800 Million mineral development agreement between the government of Liberia and Arcelor Mittal Steel Liberia Limited.

The Russian lobby group of companies led by a Russian firm, Solway Investment Group is allegedly dashing out huge sum to some members of the Liberian Senate through ‘chief negotiator’ Senator Jeremiah Koung of Nimba County to kill the Arcelor Mittal Steel Liberia Limited deal.

Other high-profile personalities involved with the ongoing Russian lobby include popular talkshow host Henry P. Costa, as chief propagandist against the passage of the Arcelor Mittal Steel Liberia Limited deal.

For time past it had been very rare that members of the Liberian Senate would agree to work on a project with  Henry P. Costa. However, sources informed IPNEWS that the daily talkshow host is on the same page with the Liberian Senate leading the media efforts while others including Senate Pro Tempore’,  Albert Chea are working on the Senate floor to ensure a blocking on the resumption Legislative duties.

A mouthwatering USD$150,000 is said to have been dashed out to Mr. Henry Costa for commencement of the negative propaganda on the 800 million mineral development agreement passage.

Senators allegedly into the Russian bribery web are Nimba County Senators, Jeremiah Koung, and Prince Y.  Johnson and few others that stand to benefit millions from the Russians if they kill the Mittal Steel deal.

Another Western Diplomat told IPNEWS on condition of anonymity, that the “Russian Solway Investment Group, Ivanhoe Liberia and HPX are breaking all kinds of laws to stop the deal.”

“Liberia also risk sanctions if they allow the Russian company use bribe to acquire Liberia’s natural resources.

A source within Arcelor Mittal Steel Liberia Limited, narrates to IPNEWS that if Costa, the lawmakers and the Russians get their way, at least 3,000 Liberians will lose their job opportunities.

The Government of Liberia stands to benefit $80million per year in revenue that could stabilize the economy and  reduce hardship.

Recently amidst uproar from some citizens of Nimba and Grand Bass a counties against the extension of the concession of Indian giant-steel company, ArcelorMittal, the Plenary of the Senate set up a specialized committee to conduct a fact-finding mission at the operational areas of the company as its sets to review the amended Mineral Development Agreement it signed with the Government of Liberia.

The six-member committee include the Chairman of the Senate committee on Executive, Senator Saah H. Joseph (Montserrado) as Chairman, Senators Jeremiah Koung (Nimba County) and Abraham Darius Dillon of (Montserrado County). Others members on the fact-finding committee are Senators Jonathan Boye Charles Sogbe (River Gee County) Augustine Chea (Sinoe County) and Boto Kanneh of Gbarpolu County.

The Agreement was forwarded to the Senate’s Joint Committee on Lands, Mines, Energy and Natural Resources; Concession and Investment; Ways, Means, Finance and Budget, and Judiciary were mandated by Plenary to review and scrutinize the proposed agreement for further actions.

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