—- Challenges President Boakai To Take Action Against Defiant Appointees, If…. 

IPNEWS: Even though the United States of America permanent Representative to the United Nations, Linda Thomas Greenfield has recently congratulated President Joseph Boakai on his efforts to combat corruption and impunity in the country but the practical reality on the ground appears to be on the contrary.

In the wake of debates surrounding the Assets Declaration saga, the ruling Unity Party led Government continues to come under strong criticisms from scores of Liberians , institutions and organizations following the disclosure by the Liberia Anti Corruption Commission that only seventy five out of five hundred appointed officials of government who have so far declared their assets.

Well the latest organization to add its voice to the many voices to condemn such defiance by Presidential appointees is ‘Info Quest Liberia’.

The non-for-profit , non-political civil society organization is a policy research and evidence based advocacy and social impact and governance institution.

Over the period, this CSO continues to champion the voices of the ordinary citizens for good democratic governance and adherence the rule of Law.

According to the Executive Director Matthias Yeanay, the failure on the part of President Boakai’s appointed officials to declare their assets undermines the same government fight against transparency and accountability.

Mr. Yeanay said President Boakai betrayed his promise of transparent and accountable government which he made during his campaign period.

Even though ‘Info Quest Liberia’, commended the Liberian leader for personally declaring his assets thereby setting an example of accountability and transparency as a good leader but at the same time stressed that it is deeply troubled that the President has not published details of his assets declaration despite campaign promises of promoting openness and public scrutiny in government affairs.

Mr. Yeanay therefore called on President Boakai to take immediate and decisive action to rectify said unacceptable situation .

‘Info Quest Liberia’, challenged President Boakai to publicly release the complete details of his personal asset declaration, setting an example of true transparency and accountability that he promised the Liberian people.

Additionally, the Civil Society organization urged the Liberian leader to issue a clear and unequivocal directive to all his appointees, mandating them to file their asset declarations within a specified timeframe, even though it is long overdue.

At the same Info Quest Liberia wants the LACC and other relevant agencies to be empowered and supported to enforce the provisions of the National Code of Conduct without fear or favor, including the authority to investigate and prosecute violators, regardless of their position or political affiliation.

“Initiating a comprehensive review of the asset declaration process and implementing measures to strengthen its effectiveness, transparency, and public accountability, such as regular audits, public reporting requirements, and mechanisms for citizen oversight and participation”, among others were recommended by INFO QUEST Liberia. 

“President Boakai’s inaction on this matter is a grave disservice to the principles of good governance and undermines the public’s trust in his administration’s commitment to ethical leadership and accountability”, he said.

It is time, Info Quest boss pointed out that the President to walk the talk on transparency and accountability, upholding the rule of law and setting a positive example for all public officials and employees across the three branches of government.

“We further call on the LACC to publish the names of those in violation of the code of conduct as prescribed in Section 10.1 as naming and shaming is an integral part of fighting corruption and fully implement the sanctions or penalties on violators of the Assets declaration”, he noted.

Additionally, the CSO group further remind the LACC of its prosecutorial power. 

He indicated that his organization remains committed to advocating for a transparent, accountable, and ethical government that serves the best interests of the Liberian people.

“We also call on President Boakai to seize this opportunity to demonstrate his commitment to these principles and restore the public’s faith in his administration’s ability to deliver on its promises of transparent and accountable governance”, he said.

Moreover, the Civil Society organization through its Boss described as fragrant disregard for the national code of conduct and a clear violation of the law, the failure on the part of over four hundred appointed government officials to declare their assets.

He maintained that violation of duty by President Boakai’s appointees undermines the focus of transparency and accountability that his administration vowed to uphold.

Mr. Yeanay making reference to the legal instructions stated that the National Code of Conduct, enacted by the Legislature on March 31, 2014, is unambiguous in its provisions.

Section 10.1 explicitly states that “Every Public Official and Employee of Government involved in making decisions affecting contracting, tendering or procurement, and issuance of licenses of various types shall sign performance or financial bonds and shall in addition declare his or her income, assets and liabilities prior to taking office and thereafter.”

He said that the Code further mandates in Section 10.2 that these declarations shall be lodged with the respective authorities in the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches, and critically, “such declarations shall be accessible to both the public employer and the general public upon a court order; as well as to the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) and the General Auditing Commission (GAC) for investigative purposes.

INFOQUEST Liberia, as an organization dedicated to advocating for the rule of law, transparency, and accountability in governance, is deeply concerned by such blatant disregard for the law and the

President’s alleged failure to ensure compliance within his own administration and remind him to do the needful for the betterment of the nation and its people.By: Julius Konton