A civil society movement, Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND) is requesting House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa to publish the budget tampering report and prosecute those found liable. According to STAND, the immediate release of the report on the recent ‘Budget Tampering’ investigation is crucial for restoring public confidence in the fight against corruption.
In a letter to Speaker Koffa on September 6, 2024, STAND through its Executive Director, Mulbah K. Morlu, said they have been closely monitoring recent controversies surrounding allegations of budget tampering, which have resulted in at least US$20 million in questionable reallocations.
The group told Speaker Koffa that findings from the investigation remain shielded from public scrutiny. “Altering an enacted law, such as the budget, without following proper legislative processes is considered forgery. Keeping the investigation’s findings secret creates an atmosphere suggestive of either a cover-up or collusion,” STAND frowns.
STAND indicated that there is rising public belief that the Speaker Koffa is trying to protect high-ranking officials from both the executive and legislative branches who may be implicated in the budget-related crimes.
“While STAND supports the investigative process and the creation of subcommittees to strengthen governance, these efforts will only be effective if they lead to meaningful checks and balances. Unfortunately, this cannot be guaranteed without first identifying, prosecuting, and holding accountable those responsible for tampering with the national budget in an attempt to steal US$20 million for themselves,” the civic group stressed.
STAND observes that given the low public approval ratings of the House of Representatives on matters of transparency and accountability, the budget tampering case presents an opportunity for the House to demonstrate its commitment to upholding the law.
Morlu and his group noted that failure for Speaker to act, risks undermining the House’s responsibility of providing checks and balances and further eroding its credibility. “Mr. Speaker, in light of the seriousness of these allegations, STAND strongly urges your leadership to take firm corrective measures, not only to punish those found culpable but also to send a strong message of deterrence against such actions now and in the future. These measures should include suspending the culprits from committee assignments while pursuing legal prosecution,” they maintained.
STAND calls for the dismissal and prosecution of implicated members of the executive branch involved in the budget manipulation scandal.
