PHOTO: Executive Chair, Cllr. Edwin Martin
By William Selmah,wselmah@gmail.com
The Executive Chairperson of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), Cllr. Edwin Kla Martin has assured that all of the cases will be followed to a logical conclusion, expressing satisfaction over latest promise of support giving by the United States Embassy to the anti-corruption fight.
He told a news conference in Monrovia on Monday, August 16, 2021 that besides those cases, his administration inherited 73 others including ones from audit reports.
On reports that some of those on travel ban have already absconded, Cllr. Martin said in the event they discover that some people indicted through their investigation have left the country, they will use their international connections and foreign missions to have said person(s) extradited through due process in order for them to appear before court and exonerate themselves.
“The LACC is privileged to have United States Ambassadors at its offices. During our discussions the United States Ambassador pledged the United States Government’s full support to the LACC,” the new LACC boss said.
He said the anti-graft commission will use America’s goodwill to also apprehend culprits that may be residing in the Americas.
On asset declaration compliance, the LACC boss said only 59 public officials have so far declared their assets.
He said a two month extension has been given to enable those who have not done so to comply.
At the moment, the Enforcement Division of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission is investigating four corruption cases involving several public officials at four state entities.
Cllr. Martin told Journalists that the institutions include the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC), National Transit Authority (NTA), National Port Authority (NPA) – Buchanan branch and the Roberts International Airport.
It can be recalled that the Justice Ministry on August 13, 2021, issued a writ of Ne-Exeat Republica barring key officials from those entities from leaving the country.
They include Bishop John Allen Klayee, former Managing Director Liberia Aviation Authority, George D. Yuoh suspended Chief Financial Officer Liberia Aviation Authority, LWSC Managing Director Duannah A. Kamara, suspended NTA Managing Director Herbert McCauley and the Manager of the Buchanan Port Charles D. Gull.