Varfee Holmes, a senior official in the First Lady’s office, stands accused of soliciting thousands of dollars from Liberians under pretenses, promising scholarship opportunities that were never delivered.
Monrovia –The Office of First Lady Katumu Boakai is at the center of a growing fraud scandal that threatens to further erode public trust in the government, as allegations of exploitation and financial misconduct surface.
By Willie N. Tokpah/0777039231
Varfee Holmes, a senior official in the First Lady’s office, stands accused of soliciting thousands of dollars from Liberians under pretenses, promising scholarship opportunities that were never delivered.
At least two victims have come forward, claiming they each paid $2,000 to Holmes in exchange for guaranteed access to study programs in London.
However, these individuals report that after handing over the money, they received no further communication or assistance.
The scandal, which has sparked general irritation, is raising troubling suspicions about the integrity of the First Lady’s office and its involvement in the alleged fraudulent activities.
Holmes, during a radio interview, acknowledged collecting the money but stated that it was intended for a “partially funded scholarship.”
This contradicts the victims’ understanding that the scholarships would be fully covered.
Furthermore, Holmes initially denied that the First Lady had any knowledge of the scheme but later admitted that she had been “briefed on the surface.”
The funds, Holmes confirmed, have not been refunded to the victims, leaving many to wonder why no action has been taken to resolve the issue.
The scandal repeats the unresolved NEKOTEH controversy, in which youth were requested to pay huge fees for questionable scholars that Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti made President Boakai officially launch without a vivid explanation.
Despite repeated calls for accountability, the Boakai administration has failed to address the issue, allowing corruption to fester unchecked.
The lack of response to both scandals has led many Liberians to question whether corruption is becoming institutionalized under President Joseph Boakai’s leadership.
Public reaction has been one of shock and frustration, with civil society groups and ordinary citizens voicing concern over the apparent lack of governance and accountability within the administration.
The victims of the alleged fraud, primarily young professionals, seeking educational opportunities, have expressed feelings of betrayal and disillusionment.
Their trust in the government has been shattered, and they are demanding that those responsible be held accountable.
This scandal, along with the ongoing NEKOTEH case, underscores the wider governance crisis facing Liberia.
The fraud allegations surrounding Varfee Holmes and the Office of the First Lady stand out as not just a public relations disaster, they represent a deeper crisis in governance.
In combination with the unresolved NEKOTEH scandal, they paint a picture of an administration that has struggled to uphold the principles of transparency and accountability.
