-But the friend remains anonymous
President George Manneh Weah has personally confirmed that he has access to a private jet but says the plane, which is worth millions of US dollars, is a gift from a friend in Burkina Faso.
The Liberian leader over the weekend dispelled growing criticisms and public insinuations concerning the alleged purchase of a private jet by the government.
The President clarified that claims that the plane has been bought by the government are far from reality, as the government has greater priorities to better the lives of the Liberian people than to commit $30 million (Thirty Million United States Dollars) to purchase a private jet.
An Executive Mansion press release said President Weah made the clarification was made last Friday at the Foreign Ministry when he presented two buses to the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs for use by employees.
“The airplane issue is causing problem. We don’t have a bus, how will we buy a $30 million plane? Where do they get this kind of news from? It is not possible for us to buy a plane for $30 million; we are just coming to office,” the President quipped.
“The airplane they are talking about is for my friend, who is the manager of a big company in Burkina Faso. He told me to use it anytime I want to travel because he has seen me use planes owned by Ivory Coast and others. He wants me use a plane that is not labeled to boost my moral too,” the Liberian President added.
However, President Weah failed to neither name the friend or the company he manages. Neither did he say what the terms and conditions of the arrangement are.
The head of the CDC-led government also made no reference to public criticism that receiving such a multi-million dollars gift was in contravention of the National Code of Conduct law, which discourages public officials from receiving gifts.
Article 9.1 of the Code of Conduct Act says:
“Public Officials and Employees of Government shall not receive nor encourage the giving of any form of bribe or casual gift in connection with the performance of his or her official duties, whether for himself or herself or members of his or her family or any other benefits that could have any influence on his or her professional approach to issues and the discharge of his or her official duties. This shall not include gifts given during traditional ceremonies and celebrations, and fees paid for Lobbying. The Legislature shall enact laws for the regulation of lobbying activities,”
According to the President, buying plane for the country will not be a bad idea, but such plane will be for commercial purposes to take Liberians to and fro the country, stressing “But the first plane will not be private.”
He reminded Liberians that he is a celebrity who has so many friends that are willing to help him in whatever way they can, adding that when someone decides to help him should not be an issue; as in the case of the private jet.
President Weah said there are ongoing talks to make Liberia a hub for the region where it becomes a transit point for people traveling across the continent.
The Liberian Leader noted that he and others of his generation will not be blamed for the country’s woes but added that his overwhelming concern is to fix the problems.
“In recent time, there has been public outcry on various media outlets concerning the alleged purchase of a private jet, with many taking to social media to emit invectives,” the Executive Mansion said over the weekend.