The former ruling National Patriotic Party (NPP) has endorsed the Unity Party-led government’s prosecution of former officials from ex-President George Weah’s administration allegedly involved in corruption, but calls for the process to be holistic and non-selective.
Recently, several senior ex-officials of the Weah-Taylor administration were indicted, including ex-Finance Minister Samuel Tweah, former National Security Advisor Jefferson Karmoh, former Solicitor General Cllr. Nyenati Tuan, former Comptroller of the Financial Intelligence Unit (now FIA) D. Moses P. Cooper, and former Director General of the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA) Stanley Ford.
During their first appearance at the Monrovia City Court, Cllr. Tuan, Karmoh, and Cooper were imprisoned after failing to present a criminal appearance bond, as they could not afford the amount required for economic sabotage.
But addressing a news conference yesterday in Monrovia, NPP Chairman Atty. George Mulbah, whose party was a constituent member of the Coalition for Democratic Change, said the procedure initiated by the Boakai-Koung administration to address alleged corruption would bolster governance accountability, but must not be done selectively.
Mulbah: “Those involved in alleged corruption must be prosecuted holistically and not selectively. If an individual from the past government or any other role is involved in corruption, they must also be brought to book. Shielding some while prosecuting others for the same crime suggests nepotism and could lead to revolt.”
He also emphasized the NPP’s deep concern about the slow payment of government workers, noting that delays would lower the morale of the Boakai-Koung administration and undermine the government’s effectiveness.
The NPP Chairman stressed the need to address salary disparities and pay gaps, stating that serious efforts to rescue Liberians must start with properly compensating civil servants. He added, “Civil servants in the country are underpaid and often targeted for dismissal. Salary disparities are frequently based on favoritism rather than tenure. The Boakai government must correct this and ensure that salaries are paid on time.”
Atty. Mulbah urged the UP-led government to be mindful in implementing headcounts in government agencies, stressing that the process should not be politically motivated but intended to eliminate ghost names. He also advised against the harmonization policy introduced by the Weah administration, warning that it could exacerbate poverty in the country.
He highlighted the need for justice for those allegedly responsible for the deaths of four auditors and other individuals who have been murdered without receiving justice.
“The NPP welcomes the government’s initiative to investigate and bring perpetrators to justice. This investigation should not be limited to the auditors but also include other murder cases that have yet to see justice,” Mulbah said.
