The ruling Unity Party says the allegations against Commerce Minister Modad are grave, and he must be allowed to exonerate himself.
By Lincoln G. Peters
Monrovia, September 26, 2024: The ruling Unity Party (UP) has abandoned Commerce Minister Admin Modad in his battle with a US$150,000 corruption scandal, telling the accused that the public’s concern can’t be swept under the carpet.
UP chairman Rev. Luther Tarpeh addressed a major Press conference on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, assuring Liberians that the allegation against Mr. Modad will not be swept under the carpet.
Mr. Modad is accused of receiving a gift of US$150,000 from MedTech Scientific to purchase a vehicle.
MedTech, a business institution, is also accused of engaging in bribery and allegedly being granted duty free by the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA).
Meanwhile, Chairman Tarpeh argued on Tuesday that it would be a great disturbance to all the partisans across the nation to remain silent on issues of such nature.
He urged Minister Modad to speak to the public and clear his side.
“We do not question Minister Modad’s competence and ability to lead the sector that has been entrusted to him,” Tarpeh said.
“No, but the public is alarmed] over the issue that has to do with the purchase of a vehicle by a private company in the amount of US$150,000.”
On this issue, Chairman Tarpeh noted that the ruling party can’t sweep it under the carpet.
“Minister Modad played a very pivotal role in the UP, regarding the Unity Party’s loss in 2017 and our subsequent win in 2023. But he must speak,” Rev. Tarpeh stated further.
According to him, the issue of corruption, and the allegation against Minister Modad, MedTech Scientific sponsoring his luxurious vehicle, is concerning to the Liberian people.
He detailed that the UP will not hesitate to take action against its own if proven.
Rev. Tarpeh explained that the allegation is deeply concerning not only to partisans but Liberians as a whole who have been hoping that the UP government would lead the country’s local and international transformation.
As such, he insisted that Liberians should give Minister Moda the benefit of the doubt to exonerate himself.
As a leader himself, Tarpeh noted that in Liberia, people indict individuals before they can even prove their case in court.
He, therefore, urged all Liberians, especially UP partisans home and abroad, to allow Mr. Modad to defend himself in the way he thinks is possible.
“Today, of all the political institutions, the Liberian people chose the Unity Party for a reason in 2023 to once again, take over state power,” Rev. Tarpeh stated.
“The people did so because the ordinary people of our country wanted a responsible government. A government that would tackle the perennial issues of corruption, drugs, unemployment and fix our educational system, health and as well as infrastructure, especially roads,” he suggested.
Rev. Tarpeh believes that ordinary citizens want the government to address the issues that they are most concerned about.
As chairman of the ruling party, along with the leadership, Tarpeh assured the public that the quest of the Unity Party government against corruption and other social and economic vices will continue to be strong.
He vowed that the party would work harder for the Liberian people, adding that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai is crossing the world to ensure that Liberia is ready for business.
