Monrovia – The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), responding to increasing pressure from stakeholders, has confirmed receiving multiple complaints that have prompted an investigation. The probe centers around allegations that funds channeled through the Ministry of Transport and the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC) were used in a bribery scheme aimed at unseating Speaker J. Fonati Koffa.
Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected] and Edwin G. Genoway, Jr, [email protected]
In a statement, Cllr. Alexandra K. Zoe, Executive Chairperson of the LACC, underscored the importance of transparency, stating, “Bribery and corruption in any form undermine public confidence in elected institutions and disrupt the rule of law.” The LACC highlighted the seriousness of the allegations and the potential threat they pose to the integrity of legislative processes and democratic governance in Liberia.
According to the LACC, sources of funding totaling USD $750,000 were allegedly funneled through the Ministry of Transport and the LWSC to bribe lawmakers in a plot to remove Speaker Koffa. The Commission has launched preliminary assessments to gather evidence and ascertain the facts. The investigation is being conducted with the cooperation of the Ministry of Justice and the Financial Intelligence Agency.
The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has been made aware of serious allegations regarding the involvement of certain members of the House of Representatives in acts of bribery aimed at influencing the removal of the Speaker of the House. The LACC is also made aware of sources of funding in the total amount of US$750,000.00 (Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand United States Dollars) which was allegedly made available to the Lawmakers through the accounts of the Ministry of Transport and the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC) respectively.
Cllr. Alexandra K. Zoe, Executive Chairperson, LACC
The LACC assured the public that the investigation would be conducted with fairness and due process, stating, “The integrity of the investigative process remains a priority, and all parties involved will be treated justly.” The Commission reiterated its commitment to combat corruption, warning that individuals found guilty will face legal consequences, regardless of their position.
Cllr. Zoe emphasized the need to restore public trust in elected officials, asserting that any breach of this trust will result in firm action. She reaffirmed the LACC’s commitment to transparency and accountability, stating, “Any proven acts of bribery or corruption will be met with the necessary legal and administrative actions.”
Whistleblower Lawmakers Call for Action
The LACC’s statement follows a formal request by a group of pro-Koffa lawmakers, known as the “Whistleblower Representatives” of the 55th National Legislature. These lawmakers urged the LACC to investigate a bribery scandal involving 47 members of the House of Representatives. According to the whistleblowers, the plot was uncovered by Rep. Luther Sandy Collins of Gbarpolu County District #2, who revealed that the lawmakers were conspiring to remove Speaker Koffa in exchange for payments ranging from USD $15,000 to $25,000.
The whistleblowers have expressed their willingness to cooperate with the LACC, offering documentary, audio, and video evidence. They stated, “Under our law, bribery is a serious crime as both the receiver and giver can be held culpable.”
Ministry of Transport, LWSC’s Reactions
In response to the allegations, the Ministry of Transport denied claims that its accounts were used to fund the bribery scheme. In a statement, the Ministry described the accusations as “unfounded and malicious” and called on the public to be cautious of misinformation aimed at damaging the reputation of Minister Sirleaf Ralph Tyler and the Ministry. The statement stressed that Minister Tyler operates within the executive branch and holds no legislative authority.
The Management considers this allegation as grave and as such, realizing its magnitude and potential impact on the reputation and operations of the Corporation, we respectfully request the LACC to conduct an immediate and thorough investigation into the matter. To uphold the integrity of the Corporation and further demonstrate our commitment to transparency and accountability, we herewith provide bank statements of various accounts of the Corporation for review by the LACC. We also wish to grant full access to the LACC in relation to all bank accounts of the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation for review.
T. Wilson Gaye, Acting Managing Director, Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation
The Ministry reiterated its focus on revenue generation for Liberia’s development and called for unity in governance, urging citizens to seek credible sources of information.
Similarly, the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC) acknowledged the gravity of the allegations and requested a prompt investigation by the LACC. To demonstrate transparency, the LWSC has provided bank statements and granted the LACC full access to its financial accounts. The Corporation expressed confidence that the investigation will clear its name.
‘Negotiation Over Confrontation’
Amid growing tensions in the legislature, Speaker Koffa has called for dialogue to resolve internal grievances. Speaking to the press for the first time since the no-confidence motion against him was filed, Koffa emphasized negotiation as the path forward, aligning with the U.S. Ambassador’s advice that “negotiation is better than confrontation.”
The motion against Koffa stems from accusations of a lack of transparency and alleged conflicts of interest related to his consultancy roles. While Koffa acknowledged the disagreements, he assured the public that a resolution would be reached through dialogue and pledged to restore order and unity within the legislature.
“We are a little embarrassed by what transpired last week,” Koffa admitted, promising that it would not happen again. He emphasized that the lawmakers’ disagreements were tactical rather than principled and reassured that the legislature would emerge stronger from the situation.
CDC Mediates Between Koffa and Fallah
Meanwhile, the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) is reportedly working behind the scenes to ease tensions between Speaker Koffa and Deputy Speaker Fallah. On Monday, images surfaced of Koffa, Fallah, and other CDC officials in a meeting, signaling the party’s efforts to broker an amicable solution to the leadership crisis.
