Seltue Karweaye
Like a gripping soap opera, Liberians are witnessing a distressing surge in bribery allegations within the National Legislature. This crucial arm of the Liberian government, entrusted with shaping the country’s political landscape and policymaking, has unfortunately become a breeding ground for corruption and a haven for former warlords and government officials. This has given rise to self-centered politicians and individuals of questionable character.
The widespread bribery within the National Legislature not only poses a significant threat to democratic principles and governance effectiveness in Liberia but also hinders socio-economic development. Despite being responsible for legislative duties, many members of the National Legislature have been implicated in various bribery practices, eroding public trust and confidence. Of particular concern is the alleged plot to remove Speaker J. Fonati Koffa through a scheme that reportedly offered US$15,000 to each of the 48 House members to endorse a resolution for Koffa’s removal.
How Legislative Bribery Was Legitimized in Post-Conflict Liberia
Liberia’s first elected post-conflict government set the stage for a concerning trend of legislative bribery and budget padding. The Legislature’s budget skyrocketed from $9.4 million in 2007 to over $57 million in 2024. Several concession agreements, amassing a total of $16 billion in foreign direct investment, were signed into law amidst allegations of bribery (“brown envelopes”) being exchanged to secure legislative passage.
In 2007, during the negotiation of the Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) between the Liberian government and ArcelorMittal, the company donated 100 Toyota Hilux DXD4 double cabin pickups to members of the 52nd National Legislature. President Sirleaf staunchly defended Arcelor Mittal’s gesture toward the National Legislature. Following the distribution of the 100 Toyota Hilux DXD4 double cabin pickups to the National Legislature, the Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) between ArcelorMittal was officially ratified by the Liberian Legislature in May 2007.
The ousting of Edwin Snowe as Speaker of the House of Representatives in 2007 for Unity Party, Alex Tyler, was marred by bribery. Two lawmakers at the time confessed to receiving money to facilitate the removal of Speaker Edwin M. Snowe, Jr. from office. According to a statement from the then-Representative Samuel Bondo of Bong County and Representative Saah Gbollie of Margibi, they each received US$5,000 with the request that they execute a resolution to remove Speaker Snowe from office.
Koffa’s Saga
The recent reports alleging that some members of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia received bribes of $15,000 each to orchestrate the removal of Speaker J. Fonati Koffa raise serious legal and ethical concerns. The alleged misconduct took place while both Speaker Koffa and President Joseph N. Boakai were in Rome, Italy.
While I have tried to remain within the ethical and moral boundaries by refraining from attacking individuals and personalities, the House of Representatives at this point needs to heed the word of wisdom and throw in the towel. The public sentiment has never been this volatile against them. This bribery scandal came after the Legislature allotted US$45,000 for each of the 103 lawmakers to purchase expensive new vehicles, and an additional US$100,000 for each of the 73 Representatives for the so-called district development funds, despite the extreme hunger in the country, which is comparable to that in Gaza, Syria, and Sudan. In the 2023 Global Hunger Index, Liberia ranks 117th out of the 125 countries with a score of 32.2.
What is most disturbing is the level of impunity and audacity with which this bribery is being perpetrated. Only in Liberia will a sitting representative (Luther Collin of District #2 of Gbarpolu County) go live on Facebook and display over $15,000 in cash, which he claimed was part of a bribe to remove Speaker Koffa. Collin claimed he was offered $25, 000 as part of a larger conspiracy to impeach Speaker Kofa, reportedly spearheaded by Vice President Jeremiah Koung and Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah. How these reprobates and scalawags sleep at night, knowing full well that 52.3% of Liberians (2.7 million people) are multidimensionally poor as a result of their actions and inaction, is baffling.
The impact of legislative bribery goes far beyond financial mismanagement; it significantly undermines governance effectiveness and perpetuates systemic inequalities, leading to agitation and calls for breakup and self-determination. Injustice breeds protest and chaos, serving as a recipe for disaster. The current political unrest in Haiti serves as a stark example. Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe of the Liberian People’s Party (LPP) is right in calling for the Ministry of Justice and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) to swiftly investigate and prosecute those involved in the alleged bribery scandal within the 55th Legislature, which aimed at removing Speaker J. Fonati Koffa.
The fact that these ethically and morally tainted legislators cut across religion, tribe, and political party underscores our collective complicity, culpability, and, most unfortunately, our hypocrisy. Believing that only someone from a particular political party or region is fit for an elective position only highlights our nauseating political immaturity. It is appalling that the preferences of voters for the Unity Party (UP) and the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) are driving the tradition of reusing criminals and rogues at the expense of our collective future and patrimony. When Representatives or Senators prioritize personal gain over the public good, essential services will suffer, and socio-economic development will stagnate. It’s no surprise that the House of Representatives has not passed a single meaningful bill (except the budgets) since its composition 9 months ago.
Corruption in Liberia is rampant —145th out of 180 countries in the 2023 Transparency International Corruption Index. Corruption distorts policymaking processes, with the decisions of representatives influenced by the personal interests of a few, rather than the needs of the poor masses. We failed to realize how the lack of accountability in the legislature exacerbates social inequalities. It allows a privileged few, who are supposed to represent us, to divert funds meant for infrastructure development and poverty alleviation for their benefit. This has led to resentment and anger among the people, causing disillusionment with the political establishment.
The prevalence of legislative bribery poses a serious threat to Liberia’s democratic principles and socio-economic stability, hindering the nation’s progress towards prosperity and inclusivity. The public must be vigilant and actively engage in all political processes in Liberia to hold elected officials accountable and promote integrity within our democratic institutions. Unfortunately, the public’s reaction to the numerous corruption scandals involving senators has not been characterized by outrage and demands for accountability. Liberians, tired of pervasive corruption and its negative impact on society, need to unite and call for thorough investigations and swift prosecution of implicated lawmakers, as Cllr. Tiawan Gongloe recently mentioned.
Civil society organizations, the media, and ordinary citizens need to mobilize and lead efforts to hold legislators accountable by organizing protests and advocating for transparency and accountability within the legislative process. In response to public pressure, representatives or senators involved in bribery scandals should face consequences, including removal from legislative duties followed by legal proceedings. The goal is to ensure that justice is served and corrupt practices are eradicated from our legislative system and our nation as a whole. I rest my pen
