The National Civil Society Network of Liberia disagrees with media report that links Minister of Finance and Development Planning Samue D. Tweah and Deputy Minister for Fiscal Affairs,Samora P.Z. Wolokollieto secret attempt to withdraw Five Billion United States Dollars (US$5billion) from Government of Liberia’s offshore accounts.
The Network notes that to the extent the report failed to judge the facts available before comingpublic, it is against procedures of journalistic professionalism and has caused harm to the reputation of both officials.
In a press release, it argues further that in the process of publishing such incoherent information, the report makes connection of false claim with a situation involving one LarmieKoiboi, who was caught by states security operatives on the alert of Deputy Minister Wolokollie while attempting an unauthorized withdrawal from the off shore accounts of Liberia under the pretense of doing legitimate business with the country.
The NCSNL describes the publication as a distraction from the important issues of finding permanent solution to the economic problems confronting the country, pleading with Minister Tweah and Deputy Minister Wolokollie to remain tightly focused on their service to the state and avoid giving into such falsehood.
The National Civil Society Network of Liberia says it has taken interest in the issue because of its likelihood of scaring investors away at the time when the economy is so bad and needs assistance from investments that could expand revenue through tax compliance and provide jobs to especially youth, who now languish in a state of unemployment, making ends meet through difficult means
NCSNL continues that the alleged leaked letter quoted by the publisher is a make-up brought forward to add essence to the false and unfounded story-
“The LarmieKoiboi Saga is currently in court and those involved are being investigated, so it is unthinkable that such an unbalanced and false alarm will be brought to the public without concern for the reputations of the persons named as doers”, the release reads.
The Network condemns the practice by some media persons allowing politics to interfere with their professional responsibility to the public, giving rise to the publication of injurious and damaging stories, and urges the affected officials to remain calm and undistracted. Press Release
