Paragraph 1: Accusations of Conspiracy and Election Manipulation
Jefferson Tamba Koijee, Secretary General of Liberia’s opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), has launched a scathing attack on the ruling Unity Party (UP), accusing them of orchestrating a “criminal conspiracy” within the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC). Koijee alleges that this scheme aims not only to defraud the nation but also to manipulate the 2029 elections. The accusations, posted on Koijee’s official Facebook page, have ignited a political firestorm, raising concerns about transparency and accountability within the government.
Paragraph 2: Alleged Procurement Violations and Secret Deals
At the heart of Koijee’s accusations are claims that Amos Tweh, the Managing Director of LPRC and Secretary General of the Unity Party, has bypassed public procurement laws to secretly import petroleum products without an international tender. Koijee contends that this action violates the Amended and Restated Public Procurement and Concessions Act, which mandates that all government procurement involving public funds must go through the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC). He questions the legality and transparency of the petroleum importation contract, demanding answers regarding its value, duration, the company awarded the contract, and whether the necessary PPCC “No Objection” was obtained.
Paragraph 3: Accusations of Corruption and Self-Enrichment
Koijee portrays the alleged actions as a deliberate attempt to “rob the nation” and enrich a select group of Unity Party loyalists. He accuses Tweh and the UP of using the LPRC as a “private bank,” looting public funds for personal gain while the majority of Liberians struggle with economic hardship. The severity of the accusations paints a picture of “organized economic gangsterism” disguised as governance, raising alarms about the potential misuse of public resources.
Paragraph 4: Allegations of Election Funding and Public Outcry
The accusations extend beyond immediate financial impropriety to encompass allegations of election manipulation. Koijee asserts that the UP plans to use the LPRC funds as a “war chest” for the 2029 elections, essentially using public resources to finance their political ambitions. This claim, coupled with the accusations of corruption, has sparked public outrage and fueled concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. Koijee’s rhetoric calls for public resistance against what he describes as a “cartel of greedy men” who view state power as a business venture.
Paragraph 5: Call to Action and Demand for Accountability
In a rallying cry to the Liberian people, Koijee calls for action, urging citizens to expose, challenge, and reject the alleged corruption within the Unity Party. He emphasizes that the country belongs to all Liberians, not just a select few, and calls for a united front against those who would abuse their power. The call to action resonates with a sense of urgency, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency within the government. Koijee’s message seeks to empower citizens to demand justice and a government that serves the people’s interests.
Paragraph 6: The Need for Response and Investigation
As of the initial reporting, Amos Tweh and the Unity Party had not yet responded publicly to Koijee’s accusations. The absence of a response leaves a void of information and underscores the need for a thorough investigation into the matter. The allegations, if substantiated, could have significant implications for the political landscape of Liberia and erode public trust in the government. A transparent and impartial investigation is crucial to determine the veracity of the claims and ensure accountability for any wrongdoing.
