Weah, Jewel must declare their assets
Ahead of official inauguration next Monday, the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission or LACC is urging President-elect George Weah and his Vice, Jewel Howard Taylor, to declare their assets to the Liberian people.
LACC Acting Commissioner Cllr. Augustine Toe, who made the call Tuesday, 16 January when he appeared on a local radio talk show, stresses that it is necessary to let the Liberian people know what officials of the new government have before coming to their respective offices.
He welcomes commitment expressed by President-elect Weah to fight corruption and promote transparency and accountability in government.Cllr. Toe further emphasizes that asset declaration is a constitutional responsibility that all those leaving and coming into government must complied with, explaining that the Code of Conduct for Public Officers provides for this.
He discloses that the LACC has withdrawn eight corruption cases previously submitted to the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) for prosecution, adding that the Commission would during the February Term of Court prosecute those cases to ensure accountability.
He appeals to President-elect Weah to strengthen the law on corruption, if his resolve to fighting corruption should receive the desire outcome.
The Acting Commissioner says the ACC was constrained to withdraw the cases from the Justice Ministry due to delay to try individuals recommended for prosecution.
He maintains that the Commission would press charges against officials of government who were involved in corruption during the February A.D. 2018 Term of Court in line with its statutory mandate.
Cllr. Toe expresses frustration over the Ministry of Justice’s apparent delay in prosecuting corruption cases due to lack of will power. He also calls on members of the 54th Liberian Legislature to as well declare their personal assets before taking their respective seats.
Officials at the Ministry of Justice in Monrovia declined to comment on the LACC’s claim of delay, terming the matter as very delicate.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]
By Emmanuel Mondaye-Editing by Jonathan Browne
