-LEAVES MOST OF THEM HANGING IN THEIR RAGE AS HE EXPERTLY CALMS THE STORM REGARDING ACQUISITION OF 285 PIECES OF EARTH-MOVING EQUIPMENT, WHICH HAVE NOW BEING REFERRED TO AS ‘YELLOW MACHINES’
–As 𝗛𝗢𝗥 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝗶𝘇𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀. 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝗸𝗮𝗶 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗰𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗵-𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁
IPNEWS: President Joseph Nyuma Boakai seems to have somewhat expertly calmed the very angry storm that had been brewing in most quarters of his critics and within some sections of his supporters regarding the acquisition of 285 pieces of ‘yellow machines’.
The President’s action seems to have made the Executive to bypass (waiway local parlance), dodge the bullets and circumvent that tempestuous rage that had built up in lawmakers, who are not within his political lineage.
Some of the lawmakers had openly posted on some of their social media accounts bashing the President for his handling of the machines’ acquisition, some of which are now in the country. They have accused the President of flagrantly bypassing and or usurping their authority as lawmakers. Because of their rage, they invited four of the President’s lieutenants to appear before them to provide answers to qualms they had as it relates to the machines.
But in his letter to House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, President Boakai wrote:
“Dear Hon. Speaker:
Subject: Acquisition Process of the Yellow Machines
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 sell 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 is being reached, we will 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 will receive requisite numbers of machines for road construction and 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.
Sincerely,
Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr.
Meanwhile, the Honorable House of Representatives-HOR, has requested its leadership committee to take seizure of clarity provided by Liberian President, Amb. Joseph N. Boakai, regarding the acquisition of earth-moving equipment, or Yellow Machines, recently brought in the Country.
A statement issued by the House Press Bureau on Thursday, July 11, 2024, said plenary reached the decision based upon debate among lawmakers following the submission of a communication from President Boakai to the body.
President Boakai assured the House of Representatives that the Executive Branch is scrupulously pursuing the acquisition process for the 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 stated.
According to the Liberian President, his unnamed friend, 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”, he noted.
Commenting on the negotiation phase, President Joseph Boakai said, the Executive Branch is currently in the negotiation phase and that no formal agreement or contract has been signed with any party.
He added that 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 Pres. maintained.
The Liberian Leader also said the GOL has not incurred any costs related to the transportation or acquisition of the machines.
President Boakai added that should the negotiations fail to yield a mutually beneficial agreement; the supplier retains the right to reclaim the equipment. He may choose to sell 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 Legislature in ratification process. Once the negotiations are concluded and a formal agreement is being reached, we will 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”, he narrated.
The President said GoL intends to establish maintenance zones in each county.
“Each county will receive requisite numbers of machines for road construction and maintenance. This setup will guarantee the accelerated opening up of the entire country for speedy development”, he communicated.
Meanwhile, the leadership committee, is expected to further abreast plenary about the next course of action.
