In a significant political development in Liberia, former presidential candidate Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe has called for a five-year imprisonment sentence for lawmakers implicated in accepting bribes of US$15,000 each to orchestrate the removal of House Speaker Jonathan F. Koffa. Cllr. Gongloe made his remarks during a press conference at his law office in Central Monrovia, praising the lawmakers who bravely uncovered the bribery scheme. He characterized the conduct of those who received the bribes as unethical, unlawful, and criminal. Emphasizing the urgency of addressing the situation, Gongloe deemed the actions as an affront to good governance and public trust, which are essential for Liberia’s development.
Cllr. Gongloe is well-versed in the legal framework surrounding bribery in Liberia and highlighted the pertinence of Chapter 9 of the Code of Conduct for Public Officials and Government Employees, along with Chapter 12 of the Penal Law. According to these legal guidelines, bribery is classified as a second-degree felony, punishable by a maximum of five years’ imprisonment. He reiterated that public servants are strictly prohibited from accepting bribes that could influence their official actions or lead to neglect of their duties. The case in question exemplifies a severe breach of trust and a blatant violation of the law, compromising the foundational principles necessary for the nation’s governance.
The former president of the Liberia National Bar Association urged the Ministry of Justice and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission to launch immediate investigations and pursue prosecutions against those responsible, including both the legislators who accepted bribes and the alleged individuals who provided the funds. Cllr. Gongloe described bribery as a profound betrayal of public trust, calling for robust mechanisms to protect whistleblowers who play a vital role in unveiling corruption and maintaining the integrity of the government. He stressed that the fight against such corrupt practices is crucial and must be collectively championed by the citizens to promote transparency and accountability within governmental institutions.
Gongloe also lamented the socioeconomic repercussions of such corrupt activities, urging citizens to consider what positive initiatives could have been funded with the money involved in the bribery scheme, particularly in areas like education and healthcare. He expressed a personal commitment to promoting the elimination of graduation fees from kindergarten to university level in both private and public educational institutions as part of broader reforms aimed at improving people’s lives. The implications of the bribery incident resonate beyond mere legal punishment, raising questions about the ethical conduct of public officials and the allocation of national resources.
In a broader context, Cllr. Gongloe commended Representative Luther Collins for bravely exposing the conspiracy, viewing this as a critical step toward creating a corruption-free government. He likened Collins’ actions to a beacon of hope, encouraging other lawmakers throughout Africa to adopt similar stances against dishonest practices. Gongloe believes that each member of the House of Representatives received a total of US$720,000 under this illegal conspiracy, illustrating the gravity of the situation and the immense loss to the nation. The financial implications are substantial, with a total of LD 136,800,000 involved, emphasizing the need for accountability at the highest levels of governance.
Ultimately, Cllr. Gongloe’s advocacy highlights an urgent call for introspection within Liberia to foster more ethical governance practices. His recommendations and insights signal a collective responsibility among citizens, lawmakers, and government officials to defend institutional integrity and resist the entrenchment of corruption. Reflecting on the broader vision for a better Liberia, Gongloe urges comprehensive actions against unethical behavior while reinforcing the theme of public trust as a cornerstone for national development. This political episode serves as a stern reminder of the ongoing challenges Liberia faces in eradicating corruption and achieving true governance that prioritizes the welfare of its people.
