The Liberian Senate has come under criticism for wastefully spending thousands of United States dollars at its just-ended Buchanan Retreat, which lasted for four days, Thursday—Sunday. According to information, the Senate spent over US$275,000 on feeding, accommodation, allowance security and facilitation, leaving the public to wonder whether the retreat was actually in the interest of the citizenry or was meant to full the pockets of the senators in addition to their merriment.
Spoon FM, one of four media entities invited to cover the retreat, released a document that suggests that the Liberian Senate spent US$125,000 on senators’ allowance, US$25,000 on facilitators, US$75,000 on feeding, US$25,000 on accommodation and US$25,000 on staff, security and drivers.
According to Spoon, each senator was given US$10,000 to facilitate their participation in the retreat, amounting to a whopping US$290,000 for the 29 senators. Also, the media house reported that, right before the retreat, each senator was given US$5,000 to furnish their office on Capitol Hill, which amounted to another US$145,000 for the 29 senators.
It was alleged that the senators spent approximately US$700,000 to exhaust the four-day retreat in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County.
However, members of the Liberian Senate have taken serious exception to the allegation, claiming that the amount was overstated.
According to Gbarpolu County Senator, Amara Konneh, the allegation that “the Senate spent US$700,000 of taxpayers’ money on a two-day retreat in Buchanan is inaccurate. Doing so would’ve been unconscionable”.
Senator Konneh claimed that the cost of the Buchanan retreat was US$50,000, and that all the money went into the Buchanan economy.
Also, Montserrado County Senator, Abraham Darius Dillon, claimed that it is hilarious that some people or any sound mind would believe that they would be so insensitive, reckless and don’t-care to spend such amount on and for a four-day retreat.
“Regarding the Senate retreat…no ‘$700K’ was spent as is being falsely alleged and deliberately spread around. The budget for the retreat, as far as I know, was put at $50K; yes, $50K…for 4 days (Thursday to Sunday)…on logistics, media, lodging, feeding, etc…for 108 persons…including senators, staff, facilitators, security, drivers, etc.” Senator Dillon responded in a Facebook post.
However, appearing on Spoon Talk on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, Bong County Senator, Prince Moye, made a startling revelation—that each of the senators received US$10,000 for constituent visits at the retreat. Senator Moye stated that the amount is intended for engaging with constituents.
Senator Moye stated that the funds are important to support communities effectively, defending the allocation for bolstering senatorial outreach and engagement.
His revelation is in complete contrast to the claims made by senators Konneh and Dillon—that the total budget of the retreat was US$50,000. Unfortunately, he, too, fell short of accounting for other items, including transportation, logistics, feeding, accommodation, allowance, etc.
Critics have meanwhile expressed dismay in the unbecoming attitude of the senators, especially Senator Konneh, whom they say has been “vocal” about the happenings in the Senate, wondering if his voice can only be heard on matters that do not meet his political consent and not financial inducements.
They blasted the Senate for wastefully spending taxpayers’ money at a retreat that yields no fruit for the growth and development of the country, but only meant to fill the pockets of individuals who are paid thousands of dollars monthly to work in the interest of the citizenry.
