IPNEWS: For nearly two months now the story of the yellow machines had gone quiet after members of the House of Representatives voted to summon top officials of President Joseph Boakai’s cabinet in early July 2024 to provide detailed information about the controversial earth-moving equipment the administration started bringing into the country.

Even though nothing was heard days after members of the House were locked into an Executive session over the refusal of President Boakai’s top cabinet members including Sylvester Grigsby, Minister of State for Presidential Affairs; Mamaka Bility, Minister of State without Portfolio; Retired General Geraldine George, Minister of Defense; and Col. Davidson T. Forleh, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia, to show up for the summons, little was heard further.

At a plenary hearing, Rep. Gizzie K. Kollince (District #4, Lofa County), who serves as Chairman of the House Committee on National Defense and Co-Chairman of the House Committee on National Security, wrote members of the House stating that the Executive’s decision to negotiate for such a large quantity of equipment without the Legislature’s approval was tantamount to abrogating the Liberian Constitution, thereby undermining Liberia’s democracy.

The Boakai administration has faced staunch criticism over its handling of the earth-moving equipment. It can be recalled that at the administration’s first cabinet retreat, Minister Bility announced that the government had procured 285 earth-moving equipment or “yellow machines” for road development in the country.

This announcement sparked outrage, with critics accusing the Executive of usurping the Legislature’s functions, which include initiating loan agreements.

On the heels of that, Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah denied that the government had purchased the equipment. However, a week later, Minister Bility paraded with several pieces of equipment released from the National Port Authority, which were reportedly taken to the EBK military barracks for storage.

In his communication, Rep. Kollince reminded his colleagues that Article 34(d)(i) mandates that all revenue and financial bills originate in the House, and Article 34(d)(iii) mandates that no loan shall be secured except by legislative enactment. He then called for the officials to appear.

“I, therefore, request the Honorable House of Representatives to invite, on Thursday, July 11, the Minister of State, the Minister of State without Portfolio (Hon. Mamaka Dukuly), the Minister of Defense, and Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia to appear before this Honorable body, testify, and adduce the following into evidence: the Bill of Lading of the subject pieces of equipment; the ownership and title documents for the subject pieces of equipment; the authority to take custody and store the subject equipment; the storage agreement for the subject equipment; and any relevant document that informs the House on the legal status of the subject equipment and their relationship to the government of Liberia.”

Investigation done shows that majority of lawmakers expressed support for the purchase of the yellow machines but noted that the machines were not procured in the right way.

As the controversy ensued further, President Joseph Boakai swiftly laid cold ice on July 11, stating that ‘no deal has been reached by the government to purchase yellow machines as being speculated’.

In a communication to the Legislature, the president said the initiative originated from a conversation between him and a long-time friend who shares a commitment to the ARREST Agenda.

This friend, he said, was moved by the spirit of solidarity and a strong desire to participate in the implementation, in the shortest possible time, of his government development agenda. “He offered to provide equipment in good faith and on a gentleman’s agreement,” the president said.

Excerpt of the President’s letter:

Dear Hon. Speaker:

Let me first and foremost assure you and members of the Legislature that we are scrupulously pursuing the acquisition process for these machines guided by the principles of transparency and good faith. The initiative originated from a conversation between me and a long-time friend who shares a commitment to the ARREST Agenda. This friend was moved by the spirit of solidarity and a strong desire to participate in the implementation, in the shortest possible time, of our development agenda. He offered to provide equipment in good faith and on a gentleman’s agreement.

The disbelief of many members of the Legislature and some in the public may be understandable, considering, nothing on this massive scale has been done before based on trust and confidence in the leadership of the country and certainly not in the last six years.

Please note the following:

 Negotiation Phase: We are currently in the negotiation phase. No formal agreement or contract has been signed with any party. The discussions are ongoing, and no financial commitment has been made by the Government of Liberia and not a dime paid.

No Public Funds Utilized: To date, no funds from the Liberian treasury have been expended on this project. The first batch of equipment that arrived in the country was shipped at the supplier’s expense. The GOL has not incurred any costs related to the transportation or acquisition of these machines. Contingency for Unsuccessful Negotiations: Should the negotiations fail to yield a mutually beneficial agreement; the supplier retains the right to reclaim the equipment. He may choose to sel them within the Liberian market or re-export them. This ensures that the GOL is not financially burdened or contractually bound.

Legislative Involvement: We recognize and respect the role of the National Legislature in ratification process. Once the negotiations are concluded and a formal agreement si being reached, we wil promptly submit the necessary documents to the Legislature for consideration/ratification. At that point, we welcome any request for clarifications or discussions to ensure the process remains transparent and accountable.

Maintenance Zones will be established in each county. Each county wil receive requisite numbers of machines for road construction a n d maintenance. This setup will guarantee the accelerated opening up of the entire country for speedy development.

In summary, there is no contract or agreement at this moment that requires legislative ratification. We are committed to maintaining open lines of communication with the Legislature throughout this process. Once we have a formal agreement and CIF value, we will engage the National Legislature consistent with our laws.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work towards enhancing our nation’s infrastructural development.

Two months running on, Grand Bassa Electoral District #3 Representative Matthew Joe has resurrected the conversation by sharply criticizing the Boakai’s government in its handling of the earth-moving equipment intended for infrastructure projects.

Joe has labeled the equipment’s arrival as “RIP,” interpreting it as “Rest In Peace.”

Appearing on the popular morning show  on Radio Gbehzohn, Representative Joe expressed concerns about the government’s silence on the equipment, stressing that the lack of updates implies the initiative has effectively “died perpetually.”

Earlier, Joe described the process surrounding the machines as “419,” a term he uses to imply fraudulent or deceptive practices.

His latest comments underscore ongoing frustrations and skepticism regarding the government’s transparency and effectiveness in managing public infrastructure projects.

Rep. Joe is a member of the opposition Congress for Democratic Change. Courtesy of Wroinbee Elton Tiah