Some Officials Demand President’s Resignation, Amid Claims Of Financial Misconduct, But He Dismisses The Allegations
PHOTO: The Head office of the Federation Motorcycles and Tricycles Unions in Grand Bassa County situated in the Fairground Community in Buchanan
By King Brown, sarwahking@gmail.com
BUCHANAN, Liberia-Several executive officials of the Federation of Motorcycles and Tricycles Unions of Liberia (FOMTUL), Grand Bassa Chapter have expressed no confidence in their county coordinator, Isaac Paye, demanding his resignation.
A press release issued on Monday was signed by key officials, including Joseph Maye, Vice President of Administration; Francis David, Vice President for Operations; David Jackson, General Secretary; Jarvis Cleon, former Financial Secretary; and Roosevelt Gaye R.C.
The disenchanted officials accuse President Paye of alleged financial malpractices, lack of accountability, and poor leadership.
But when contacted, the embattled county coordinator Isaac Paye dismissed the allegations as untrue.
Dismissing the allegations against him, he announced the suspension of three key officials from the union: Joseph Maye, Francis David, and David Jackson, though they claim not to have received any suspension letters.
The officials claimed Paye misused nearly LRD 253,000 and USD 1,000 without the consent of other executive members.
Additionally, they allege he sold the union’s black exhaust TVS motorbike for USD 500 and a black Bajaj motorbike, donated by Senator Gbehzohngar Milton Findley during the dedication of the Sinoe Parking lot in October 2023, without proper authorization.
The motorbike, intended for the union’s operational use, was allegedly used privately by Paye before being sold, which they described as a severe breach of morality, integrity, transparency, and accountability.
The officials detailed several instances of unaccounted funds, including LRD 110,000 from union susu money, USD 250 from a businessman named Jacob Bestman, and LRD 13,000 intended for a raffle draw that was never conducted.
They also cited the sale of 100 motorbike registration stickers worth LRD 53,000 and LRD 80,000 generated from printing motorcyclist ID cards.
According to the aggrieved officials, Paye is running the institution with no bank account and no treasurer, effectively putting the union’s funds in his pocket.
They are calling on the government of Liberia, civil society organizations, the leadership of Grand Bassa County, and the national leadership of FOMTUL to halt all activities in Grand Bassa until Paye steps down from the presidency. They are demanding his immediate replacement.
Embattled County Coordinator of FOMTUL in Grand Bassa, Isaac Paye
Paye stated that the suspensions were due to misconduct.
National president of the Federation of Motorcycles and Tricycles Unions of Liberia John Kenyor
Addressing recent grievances from Grand Bassa County, national president John Kenyor stated he was not previously informed of these issues and urged all concerned parties to follow the proper channels.
He emphasized that the National Leadership, through its grievance and ethics committee, is the body designated to handle all grievance matters within FOMTUL.
Kenyor called on those with allegations against the county coordinator to compile their evidence and submit it formally.
He reassured that the institution does not make decisions based on sentiment and that due process will be followed to ensure justice and stability.
Kenyor emphasized that the institution operates strictly according to its laws and constitution, and no individual is above these regulations.
Reacting to the national president’s statement, Joseph Maye expressed frustration with the ongoing issues involving Isaac Paye.
Maye stated that the grievance committee has resolved numerous cases, but accountability problems with Paye continue to surface.
He criticized the national president’s poor communication habits, stressing the need for his presence in the county to address these persistent issues.
According to Maye, FOMTUL in Grand Bassa will remain in disarray until the national president and other union officials conduct a thorough investigation.
Maye urged the national leadership to take the grievances from Grand Bassa seriously, pointing out that they have evidence to support their claims against Isaac Paye.
He insisted that only a thorough and impartial investigation by the national leadership could restore order and confidence among union members in the county.
Maye called for immediate action, suggesting that without it, the union’s integrity and functionality in Grand Bassa would be compromised.
Kenyor responded by reiterating that all complaints must be directed through the proper channels.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability within the union and the county.
Kenyor assured the members in Grand Bassa that their concerns would be addressed if they followed the established procedures, including submitting written complaints to either him or the grievance and ethics committee.
He called for unity and cooperation among all members to resolve their issues constructively.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on the national leadership to see how they navigate these allegations and restore order within the union.