Former Liberian presidential candidate, Cllr. Taiwan Saye Gongloe, has vehemently denied allegations of campaign finance corruption leveled against him by expelled members of his party, the Liberia People’s Party (LPP). He characterized the accusations as baseless and stemming from disgruntled individuals seeking to tarnish his reputation. The allegations centered on claims that Cllr. Gongloe failed to provide a campaign finance report and mismanaged donated funds. Cllr. Gongloe addressed these accusations during a public forum at the Center for the Exchange of Intellectual Opinion in Monrovia, emphasizing his long-standing commitment to integrity and transparency.
Cllr. Gongloe clarified the sources of his campaign funding, stating that the majority came from personal contributions, his wife, and friends. He explained that the LPP, like all political parties, is mandated by the National Elections Commission (NEC) to submit a comprehensive campaign finance report after elections, a requirement he asserts the LPP duly fulfilled. He expressed disappointment that some of the individuals now accusing him had previously demonstrated a lack of accountability in handling even small sums of money within the party. He specifically mentioned Abraham Kollie, a former employee in his law office, as the source of the allegations, questioning the credibility of someone who, according to him, has consistently failed to provide financial reports when entrusted with party funds.
He further questioned the specifics of the allegations, asking why those making the accusations haven’t disclosed the amount of money supposedly mismanaged. He highlighted the existence of an LPP branch in America, suggesting that if there were any truth to the claims, they would have been raised through that channel. He reiterated that the party meticulously documented and reported all received funds. Cllr. Gongloe underscored the success of his campaign despite limited resources, emphasizing the efficient use of funds for campaign activities. He described his campaign as frugal and effective, reaching a wide audience despite financial constraints.
The individuals behind the allegations, according to Cllr. Gongloe, were initially suspended by the LPP Executive Committee and urged to cooperate with an internal investigation. Their subsequent refusal to participate led to their expulsion from the party. Cllr. Gongloe recounted his experience during the campaign, mentioning inquiries about his connections to wealthy individuals in Nigeria and other parts of Africa, which he denied. He elaborated on his trips to the United States during the campaign period, where he was hosted in expensive hotels despite his preference for more economical accommodations. He explained that he wanted to conserve funds for campaign activities, but his hosts insisted on providing upscale lodging, citing the practices of other Liberian political leaders visiting the U.S.
He also addressed concerns about his continued accessibility to the public, assuring attendees that his leadership style would remain unchanged even if elected president. He recounted examples of former presidents, including Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who prioritized direct engagement with the public, even against security advice. He affirmed that his age and experience, including his roles as Minister of Labor and Solicitor-General, have solidified his commitment to accessibility and responsiveness to the people. He encouraged those who believed in his leadership style to support his candidacy and hold him accountable to his promises.
Cllr. Gongloe concluded his remarks by emphasizing his commitment to transparency and accountability, inviting further scrutiny of his campaign finances and reiterating his dedication to serving the Liberian people. He expressed confidence that the truth would prevail and that the baseless allegations would not detract from his commitment to public service. He positioned himself as a candidate who prioritizes the needs of ordinary citizens and pledged to remain accessible and responsive to their concerns. He invited the public to judge him based on his track record of integrity and his unwavering commitment to a better Liberia.
