Liberian NewsUncategorised

CENTAL Rejects Weah’s Nomination of Cllr. Edwin Martin To Head LACC

(Last Updated On: March 27, 2020)

PHOTO: Cllr. Edwin Martin, LACC boss designate

President George Weah’s latest nominee to head the LACC has been been rejected by a leading anti graft watchdog group in Liberia, the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL).

CENTAL has called on President Weah to rescind the appointment of Counselor Edwin Kla Martin as the Executive Chairman of the Liberia Anti Corruption Commission (LACC), who currently serves as County Attorney of Montserrado.

The Center’s Executive Director, Anderson Miamen, said investigation conducted has shown that Counselor Martin and Commissioner Aba Hamilton-Dolo are from Maryland County in violation of the law of Liberia.

Anderson Miamen

Addressing a press conference in Monrovia recently, Mr. Miamen noted that President Weah has failed to involve stakeholders’ input in the sector and he should do the prudent option by withdrawing Counselor Martin’s nomination.

According to Miamen, the continuous act of unilateral appointments at these delicate and sensitive institutions does very little to sustain and increase stakeholders’ confidence in the fight against corruption in Liberia.

CENTAL Executive Director noted that it is far more disappointing that after almost two years, government continues to investigate scandals despite previous reports highlighting wholesale discrepancies .

Mr. Miamen cautioned the government to be opened and accountable in the fight against corona virus in Liberia; adding:” Updates to the public must include resources received and expanded so that the citizens are clear about the circumstances surrounding the fight.”

“Previous allegations and confirmed incidences of mismanagement of the Ebola resources,” he went on, “which was never accounted for or accused prosecuted must not be repeated.”

“Many are already disappointed in low support by the government to anti graft institutions and corresponding limited result been shown by these entities , which has seen lingering for years,” he said.

According to the CENTAL Executive Director,  President George Weah’s removal and replacement of individuals at these institutions, at will, sends a bad message and signal to the citizenry and international partners.

Miamen: “Because it undermines the sanctity of all these entities and effectively lower stakeholders’ confidence in their operations and activities.

 Section 6.2 of the LACC Act provides that when nominating commissioners to the LACC, “the President may consult the civil society organizations pursuant to the partnership between the government and said CSO in the fight against corruption.”

“Regrettably,” the CENTAL Executive Director went on, “this evinces an acknowledgement by the national legislature of the critical role civil society organizations can play in such processes, being mindful that the nomination to the commission is sole prerogative of the president.”

“We are therefore disillusioned by the repeated exercise of the presidential appointing power without any civil society organizations involvement and further urge President Weah to improve relations with the CSOs particularly when making decision to appoint the leadership of public integrity institutions,” CENTAL says. Report by Augustine Octavius

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