—- As David Kolleh, Extends Public Apology Over Misrepresentation
IPNEWS: The General Service Agency-GSA) has exonerated Assistant Minister, Technical Services at the Ministry of Information Culture and Tourism, Hon. David B. Kolleh.
In a communication signed by Deputy Director-General, Edriss Bility, the GSA stated that after extensive investigation on allegations of missing public assets at the Ministry of Information Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT), it finds no trace of the looting of any government assets as reported by various media institutions.
The GSA stated that it records shows that all of the assets in question were personnel effects of the Assistant Minister for Technical Services, Hon. David B. Kolleh.
“Due to public sentiments associated with the allegation, we have however appealed with Hon. Kolleh return all of the assets in question to MICAT, and we respectfully appreciate him for his adherence.” The GSA communication concludes.
Meanwhile, Assistant Minister David Kolleh, has extended public apology over Monday’s alleged looting of his office.
In a dispatch from Beijing, China, stated that the alleged report of looting at his office was unfortunate news which was prematurely “cleared” by his staff.
“The social media went gay, as news outlets shared what was considered by many as an act of bad judgment on my part. However, following an in-house investigation with my staff, I realized that my office Assistant misinterpreted my instructions to collect my “personal effects” from my office ahead of the transition period, to be everything I bought for my office use.”
“In view of the aforementioned, I like to apologize to the Liberian people, professional colleagues, friends, family members and loved ones for the unfortunate incident, even though all of the items in question were personally procured by me. As a public servant, it is my responsibility to protect and defend public laws, as well as uphold the public trust at all times, regardless of the circumstances.”
“In this regard, I have instructed the team to return most of the items back to the office, aside from my personal effects. By 6:00 PM yesterday evening, it was confirmed that they had returned the items. Their action, I believe was due to over zealousness and inadequate knowledge about the internal procedures required in such matters.”
“As a young man, I like to restate, reaffirm and reassure the Liberian people of my continue commitment to upholding the principles of good moral judgment in keeping with high professional standards in leu of the incident. There is no right way to do the wrong thing. Please accept my humble apologies.” Assistant Minister David Kolleh stated.
On Monday, OK FM live feeds carried interview of several employees at the Ministry of Information alleging the looting of their office under cover of darkness by Assistant Minister David Kolleh.
The early Monday morning allegation by workers sparked uncertainties at various government Ministries and Agencies over a looming looting of their offices of all furniture, computers, laptops, desk, chairs, television and other items as reported at the Ministry of Information.
According to an eyewitness who is also an employee of the in conversation with Journalist stated that upon arrival at the Ministry of Information Monday morning for work, they noticed their office broken into with all office materials, equipment and other items taken away.
Boima K. Melyer another employee in the office of the Assistant Minister, Technical Services told reporters that the situation prompted him and others to make inquiries with security officers assigned at the Ministry who informed them that Assistant Minister David Kolleh came at the office overnight a parked all the items out of the office. He stated that since the incident staff of the office have tried to contact Assistant Minister David Kolleh to no avail.
Within minutes of the allegation, Assistant Minister, Technical Services, David B. Kolleh, posting on social media has denied involvement in the alleged looting of his office.
Kolleh stated that stated that he is taken aback to the allegation as an ‘utter shock to his reputation’.
“ I’m watching OK FM 99.5 live and I’m in utter shock as my reputation has come into question by people who have no idea about the kind of sacrifice, I made to the office of the Assistant Minister for Technical Services at MICAT.”
“Let me provide a quick clarification to the lies, falsehoods and misinformation that people are peddling with at MICAT and the media. When we took over in 2018, the office of the Assistant Minister for Technical Services was not a working environment. It was dirty, and very uncomfortable to work. There was a spoiled desk, broken chairs and no air conditioner, broken doors and so on. “
“The Director of Procurement Darlington Cheeks, Hon. Atty Daniel C. Gayedyu Jr. the Minister of Information then chief Eugene Lenn Nagbe are testament that I personally bought everything I had in my office from my pocket. From rug, new desk, office cabinet, coffee table, ice box, air conditioner, printer, television, guest chair, and I even bought chairs and desks for the New Liberia Newspaper for staff to work as they had nothing to begin work with. I even bought a four door Sedan for my New Liberia Staff to work with, because staff we’re working odd hours. Due to poor maintenance the car got damaged. Few months ago, I changed my air conditioner to a new unit as the old one was malfunctioning continuously. The Minister of information, Hon. Ledgerhood Julius Rennie and the entire administration from are in full knowledge of these facts! No one gave me a refund for the items I procured, therefore, it was just fair to take my items home. “Hon. Davis Kolleh exclaimed.
The young Assistant Minister Kolleh further upon taken up his assignment as Assistant Minister, Technical Services, the Government of Liberia has not given him a government vehicle, nor computers and other office equipment.
“Additional facts: I had no assigned government vehicle. Every vehicle I used came from my savings. If anyone thinks, I’m supposed to keep my properties there for them to work, that person must be dreaming. Have yourselves a blessed day family.” Assistant Minister Kolleh concludes.
However, in a swift reaction, the Ministry of Information says the action by Assistant Minister David B. Kolleh runs contrary to a transitional plan recently setup by the office of the Minister.
In a release issued Monday, the Ministry of Information stated it takes seriously public uproar surrounding the reported action of Assistant Minister David Kollleh to move furniture out of his office following the announcement of results of the runoff election.
“MICAT wishes to emphasize that this runs against the instruction of the Minister of Information, Legerhood Rennie, who had earlier communicated a mode of transition. It also breaches the established protocol of the General Services Agency. Minister Kolleh, who is on a study leave out of the country, has however informed the public through his social media platform that the materials in question belong to him.”
“He also told his colleagues following an inquiry that given the fact that he might not be back in country before the Administration transitions, he had given instruction to his staff to secure his personal belongings, but that his staff instead took away more than was allowed. But Minister Rennie has however emphasized that the action is wrong and not in keeping with the gracious manner in which the Weah Administration intends to usher in its successor. The Assistant Minister has therefore been informed to return the materials and wait for the period of transition, when all office equipment, including furniture, will be properly accounted for by the GSA.” The Ministry of Information release emphasized.
Police spokesman when contacted as to any ongoing investigation over the allegation of looting at the Ministry of Information, told IPNEWS that the LNP is yet to receive any formal compliant of looting at its offices.
At the start of campaign activities in Liberia, there were reports from several government Ministries of the looting of government assets including vehicles, computers, laptops, among others. Investigation continues.
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