As Former Nimba County Rep. Candidate Paye-Layleh Urges UP Supporters To Be The “Loudest Voice In Speaking Out Against Corruption”
PHOTO: (L-R) LACC boss Cllr. Alexandra Zoe and Jonathan Paye-Layleh post against corruption in UP gov’t
By Our Reporter
One of the red flags that has been raised that potential acts of corruption may be going on in the more than eight-month-old Unity Party government is serious allegation of off-budget spending totaling US$15 million.
We take these allegations seriously, as they touch on matters that are core to our institutional objectives. Off-budget expenditures, if confirmed, can undermine public trust in governance, weaken fiscal discipline, and pose risks to the country’s financial integrity.
The regime of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai came to power on the rescue mantra, vowing to fight corruption, promote accountability and transparency and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has vowed to get to the bottom of the alleged scandal.
In the wake of the latest multimillion US dollars alleged corruption scandal, a staunch supporter of the Boakai regime, former Nimba County Representative candidate, Jonathan Paye-Layleh has taken to his Facebook page calling on UP supporters “to be the loudest voice in speaking out against corruption and calling for stern presidential actions to fight the menace”.
Mr. Paye-Layleh is a former Journalist who used to be the BBC and Associated Press Correspondent in Liberia for many years, but he resigned from Journalism to go into politics during the 2023 elections.
Since taking office, the Liberian leader has been criticized for being slow to crack down on people in his regime who are believed to be breaching the principles of accountability, transparency and good governance.
But in a press statement issued on Monday, September 30, 2024, the LACC sais “we take these allegations seriously,” vowing that the anti-graft commission “remains steadfast in its mission to combat corruption in all forms”.
See full text below:
OFFICIAL STATEMENT ON ALLEGED OFF-BUDGET SPENDING BY GOVERNMENT
September 30th, 2024
The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has been made aware of allegations regarding off-budget spending by the government of the Republic of Liberia, amounting to a total of $15 million. In light of these claims, we wish to address the matter in a manner consistent with our mandate to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance.
- We take these allegations seriously, as they touch on matters that are core to our institutional objectives. Off-budget expenditures, if confirmed, can undermine public trust in governance, weaken fiscal discipline, and pose risks to the country’s financial integrity.
- We wish to assure the public that the LACC has commenced a preliminary review of the allegations. This will be followed by a comprehensive investigation to determine the accuracy of the claims, establish accountability, and ensure that proper legal procedures are followed.
- We are committed to conducting this investigation with utmost transparency and independence. Throughout the process, we will engage with relevant stakeholders, including the Ministry of Finance, and other oversight institutions, to ensure a thorough and fair inquiry.
- As an institution charged with safeguarding public resources, we assure the public that we will leave no stone unturned in this investigation. If evidence of wrongdoing is found, we will take the necessary legal actions, including recommending sanctions, prosecutions, and other corrective measures.
- We urge the public, media, and all stakeholders to allow the investigation to proceed without undue speculation or assumptions. Let us collectively uphold the principles of due process, ensuring that all findings are based on verifiable facts and evidence.
- The LACC remains steadfast in its mission to combat corruption in all forms. Any allegations of financial mismanagement will be met with the full force of the law, as part of our broader efforts to promote accountability and safeguard public funds.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
Cllr. Alexandra Zoe
EXECUTIVE CHAIRPERSON