LACC invites Speaker Tyler, Deputy
Despite earlier request from the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission or LACC for Speaker Alex Tyler to help with investigation of the misapplication of US$25,000 from the National Oil Company of Liberia or NOCAL, authorities of the LACC have also summoned Deputy Speaker Hans Barchue to help with investigation of the US$1.2 Million expended on the nationwide oil consultation by the lawmakers.
A communication read in the plenary of the House of Representatives Tuesday in Monrovia states, “The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) presents its compliments and is pleased to inform you that the commission has launched an investigation into the US$1.2 million given to the House of Representatives by the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) to enhance the Legislature’s nationwide consultation on the New Petroleum law. In view of the aforementioned and given your position as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman on Oil Consultation, we believe you could provide the investigation with useful information and a comprehensive expenditure report. You are also requested to bring alone copy of the US$1.2 million budget, vouchers and other relevant documents. You may also come with your legal counsel.” The LACC’s communication dated January 20, 2015 addressed to Deputy Speaker Barchue is and under the signature of Commissioner J. Augustine Toe.
Recently, the House of Representatives went amok when some members demanded that Speaker Tyler submit himself to the investigation and that he should not preside until the investigation is concluded.
Based on the arguments, Speaker Tyler without any delay removed those lawmakers behind the call from key statutory committees including Representatives Edwin Snowe, Henry B. Fahnbulleh of Montserrado, Emmanuel Nuquoi of Margibi, George Mulbah of Bong, Robertson Siaway and Mary Kawor of Grand Bassa Counties, respectively.
Due to the Speaker’s action, the aggrieved lawmakers have threatened to protest against his ( Tyler) presiding during President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf’s Annual Message on Monday.
By E. J. Nathaniel Daygbor
