To Reclaim Hundreds Of Millions Of Dollars Lost To Corruption
PHOTO: Nimba County District #7 Rep. Musa Hassan Bility
The alleged arson may cost this country one or two million dollars to repair, but what of the millions, perhaps hundreds of millions, lost through abuse and misappropriation within the Legislature itself?
An Open Letter to His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr.,
President of the Republic of Liberia
Mr. President,
Let me begin by acknowledging that the events leading to the commencement of the trial of our fellow lawmakers, accused in the alleged arson at the Capitol, have been stormy, disturbing, and marked by abuse of power, violations of individual rights, and the denial of institutional respect due to government officials and a former Speaker of the House.
Yet, despite the trauma, here we are, finally at a point where the case will now be heard on its merits, in full view of the public, through what we hope will be a free, fair, and transparent trial.
This is a step in the right direction. The pursuit of justice must never be selective, and the truth of what transpired during the seven months of legislative conflict must be uncovered. However, Mr. President, let us not pretend that this is the only fire that has engulfed the people’s House.
The alleged arson may cost this country one or two million dollars to repair, but what of the millions, perhaps hundreds of millions, lost through abuse and misappropriation within the Legislature itself?
For months, while this investigation was pursued, the national budget was misused. Funds meant for development were repurposed for political expediency. Millions of dollars, under the 2024 budget, were diverted, far more than the damage from the fire. Yet no similar urgency has been shown in investigating that crime.
We support a full and fair trial. And if any of our colleagues are found guilty of arson, they must face the full weight of the law. We equally affirm their right to pursue redress through civil litigation if they are unjustly targeted. But justice, Mr. President, must not be one-eyed. If your administration seeks the truth about one crime, it must not ignore the other.
We have tried to bring a motion for the audit of the House of Representatives. We have failed. We’ve raised it multiple times. We have failed. Clearly, the Legislature will never muster the courage to audit itself. But you, Mr. President, are empowered under the law.
The Revised Act establishing the General Auditing Commission gives you the authority to mandate the audit of any public institution, including the Legislature. This is your constitutional and moral responsibility. And this is your moment.
If you truly believe in accountability, if your government is committed to ending corruption and abuse, then let it begin at the very heart of our democracy. Order a comprehensive audit of the House of Representatives and the Senate, particularly from 2011 to the present. Let the people see how their money has been used, misused, and abused.
This should be your legacy, Mr. President. Not just the prosecution of a few alleged arsonists, but the bold decision to clean the system from within. Yes, it will hurt. Yes, it may expose allies and discomfort friends. But Liberia deserves it. Our people deserve it. History will honor you not for your silence, but for your courage.
We cannot continue to beg the world for aid while squandering our own resources through unchecked legislative corruption. Our international partners will never truly respect us until we show that we respect ourselves.
This is your chance to restore the bleeding dignity of the people’s House. Do it for the homeless mother, the out-of-school child, the hungry elder, and the countless citizens watching a trial while their government refuses to account for far greater crimes.
If you prosecute lawmakers over a $2 million fire but turn a blind eye to the systemic theft of public funds within the Legislature, then you confirm the fears that this trial is political. Then it will appear not as justice, but as vengeance.
You have the authority. You have the responsibility. Now, summon the courage.
Audit the House. Audit the Legislature.
History is watching.
Musa Hassan Bility
Representative, D 7
Nimba County