The Liberia Council of Churches (LCC) has criticized the Legislature for allotting to themselves US$45,000 each for the purchase new vehicles every three years. The Legislature has 103 members with 30 senators and 73 representatives.
In a statement released over the weekend, Rev. Dr. Samuel B. Reeves, President of LCC asked “Is this not enough for them? Why should our lawmakers give unto themselves fees for constituent break, retreats and the purchasing of three vehicles within 9 years? This is waste and abuse and this has to stop,” he stressed.
Rev. Dr. Samuel B. Reeves, President of LCC said the function of the Legislature in the Churches’ view, has run contrary to its meaning and purpose.
Rev. Reeves said laws are made to greatly affect the lives of people and not to suppress the very people they should represent. He frowned that the national budget that should be used to benefit the people of Liberia has been used by a few to enrich themselves at the detriment of the already impoverish people.
“This is broad day corruption and it is time our lawmakers see themselves in the mirror of society and offer repentance to the people of Liberia,” he added. According to him, public office is not for anyone to enrich themselves but rather it is for public service.
He warned legislators against abusing Liberia’s resources that are intended for all Liberians. “This must stop if our country must be seen as a serious and responsible nation. There have been mounting outcries about budget manipulations at the Legislature,” Rev. Reeves noted.
The LCC President further indicated that some senators are currently on sanctions because of the very budget manipulation where lawmakers gave unto themselves a huge chunk of the national cake. He said a lawmaker makes more than US$10,000 in both benefits and salaries and when taxes are deducted they take home more than US$ 7,000.
Meanwhile, LCC President Rev. Reeves congratulate President Joseph N. Boakai for taking the bold step to establish a once dark horse that has been permeating social and human life as Liberians.
He said LCC welcomes this bold step on the part of President Boakai and would provide the needed support to ensuring that the court is formally established. “This issue has been lingering in our body politics where government after government has played politics with the people, but today we are witnessing the birth of a new day in our human life as Liberians,” he said.
He said LCC believes the creation of these courts would provide both the victims and perpetrators the opportunity to prove their case and exonerate themselves. He indicated that LCC called on the International Community to join efforts with the Government of Liberia to ensuring the formation of these powerful instruments that will serve as a deterrent to those who believe that violence is the only pathway to solving their grievances.
LCC President said the Council of Churches remains committed to working with Government to ensure that the peace is protected for the good of the nation.
