By Perry B. Zordyu
Liberia-Concerned partisans of the ruling Unity Party (UP) have joined Liberians calling for tougher actions against two party officials, Commerce Minister Amin Modad and Chairman Luther Tarpeh for alleged complicity in acts of corruption and compromise.
Minister Modad is facing unfailing public condemnation and outcry for the acquisition of an expensive SUV said to have cost thousands of dollars, while Mr. Tarpeh, who chairs the Board of Directors of the National Port Authority (NPA), is said to be indulged in acts inimical to his status and the values upon which the party came to power.
Calling themselves ‘Concerns Supporters & Members of Unity Party & Alliance’ the group wants President Joseph Boakai uphold the standard and agenda of his campaign and suspend the duos.
Chairman Daniel Bassaboy Johnson, on behalf of the group said it was important they speak to the growing widespread allegation of corruption some members of his cabinet are involved in.
The group wants chairman resign as Board Chair of the NPA to be able to focus fully on advocacy for the party and create an environment where his actions do not conflict with his position.
“Those who loudly criticized others for bastardizing and using their office at the disadvantage of the people are now the very individuals doing the same they fiercely criticized which the group cannot remain silent,” the statement quoted Johnson as saying.
The concerned UP partisans expressed the need for Minister Modad to be subjected to an impartial investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) to ascertain the extent of his involvement in the vehicle fiasco.
“While thousands of rescue supporters struggle and the people of the Republic barely afford their kids’ school fees and rentals and put food on the table, is an affront to the suffering masses that someone has spent huge sum of money on vehicle,” Johnson decried, and termed such action painful and provocative.
At the same time, the concerned UP partisans have called on President Boakai to take appropriate actions against public officials who are yet to declare their assets.
The LACC recently said dozens of officials are non-compliant and defiant to the asset declaration requirements by public officials.
“If the necessary actions are taken, it will send a strong message about his fight to tackle corruption and strengthen a policy against bad governance,” Johnson said.
Johnson also reminded the UP political leader of the vision of the ‘Rescue Mission’ to liberate Liberia from corruption, poverty, and inequality, and this call can only be answered by the government’s non-negotiable efforts to wage war against corrupt elements regardless of who is involved.
He stressed that the government must hold fast to promises and fight for the future of a better Liberia.
“Our government owes it to the people of Liberia, and this is why we have stepped forward to echo their cries amid the prevailing unanticipated gang-rapping of the state’s treasury by some selfish element. Let us not begin on such a path, for we know it will not make no difference. Let the Liberian people enjoy the wealth and sweat of their labour,” Johnson noted.
The group reaffirmed commitment and support to President Boakai’s impacts and fruitful engagement on the global stage since his ascendency, mainly his administration’s relentless efforts to secure Liberia a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council.
Such move, according to them, reflects his vision of placing Liberia at the helm of international diplomacy as well as restoring the country’s ruined image in the international community, which is a testament to his unwavering patriotism and dedication to advancing the national interest of the Republic of Liberia and its people.
