On October 30, 2024, the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) made a significant appeal for the Ministry of Justice to work with the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) to address corruption among lawmakers. This call was catalyzed by disturbing reports alleging that members of the House of Representatives offered a US$25,000 bribe to support the removal of Speaker J. Fonati Kofa. Anderson Maimen, CENTAL’s executive director, emphasized the urgent need for accountability, insisting that it is time for the public to recognize that lawmakers must adhere to the law, just like any other citizen. This press conference highlighted the pervasive issue of corruption in the government and underscored the vital role of transparency and accountability in public service.
Maimen lamented the entrenched belief that legislators might escape prosecution for their actions, which does not align with the corruption-free public expectations of the Liberian populace. He expressed hope that development partners would engage more robustly with the government to promote greater accountability within the public sector. The executive director noted that a significant portion of voters voiced their discontent during the previous elections, resulting in the defeat of many incumbents viewed as corrupt and ineffective. In fact, during the recent October 2023 elections, only 43% of the representatives seeking re-election were retained, alongside a mere 25% success rate for those who aimed to transition from the House to the Senate.
The significant turnover among lawmakers signals a shift in public sentiment, as voters clearly demonstrated that they would not tolerate corruption or underperformance from their elected officials. Maimen further pointed out that the allegations of bribery and corruption have persisted through numerous election cycles, affecting public perception and behavior at the ballot box. As the sentiments surrounding accountability gain traction, he urged current lawmakers to be mindful of their decision-making, ensuring their actions reflect the interests of the public rather than self-serving agendas.
CENTAL’s statement came amid ongoing concerns of integrity within the legislature, and the organization called for LACC to investigate not only the bribery related to Speaker Kofa but also various allegations of budget mismanagement and corruption within the House of Representatives. Maimen requested that lawmakers uphold standards of transparency and integrity, as the public continues to demand good governance. He reiterated the importance of auditing and reviewing the financial dealings of the Legislature and urged collaboration with established auditing institutions to ensure thorough examinations of the lawmakers’ financial activities and legitimacy.
Moreover, Maimen conveyed that the current climate offers a prime opportunity for the LACC to decisively tackle these issues and provide the public with transparent updates on their findings. He stressed the need for the legislature to welcome audits and positive scrutiny to bolster public trust in governance. By disclosing detailed reports of financial dealings over the years, the Legislature can demonstrate its commitment to accountability and responsible stewardship of resources.
In closing, CENTAL called for a broad and inclusive approach to addressing the issue of corruption in Liberia’s political landscape. Maimen encouraged the involvement of various stakeholders, emphasizing that a holistic effort would reinforce the principles of good governance and restore public confidence in leadership. As the people of Liberia await the outcomes of these investigations and audits, the expectation is clear: that their leaders will prioritize the public trust and commitment to integrity in all aspects of governance.
