The US$40 million alleged bogus contract for digital software work permit offered to two strange companies by the ministers of Labor, Finance and Justice is said to be facing serious challenges by the original printer of work permit and residence permit in the country.
According to Activist George Sam, the situation is growing out of proportion and needs serious attention by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC). He said the LACC needs to speedily intervene in a bid to bring to booked all government officials allegedly aiding and abetting corruption in the system.
George explained that the Minister of Labor, Charles Gibson, is the alleged mastermind of the two new companies, Contec Global and Celtics, to introduce the printing of work permit through digital software, while a contract exists between a local printing press and the Government of Liberia (GOL).
In so doing, Sam disclosed that the Labor Minister and other government officials allegedly linked to the US$40 million bogus digital software deal that did not meet legislative approval must be brought to book and prosecuted under the laws of Liberia.
He also pointed accusing fingers to the Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Samuel Tweah, for his alleged signing of documents that did not meet legislative approval.
Because of this, George Sam said he wants all those connected to Contect Global and Celtics to be apprehended and prosecuted under the laws of Liberia for their alleged complicity.
It can be recalled that some time ago the government entered into a credible contract with a local printing press for the printing of work permit and residence permit for the Ministry of Labor and the then Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization (BIN), now the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS)—to print several books for the two entities.
However, Sam noted that the attitude of the Labor Minister and others is intended to smear the image of government by unilaterally bringing in two little-known companies to perform the job of a company that already has a contract with the government.
He further stated that he will not hesitate to inform the US embassies around the world to take note about alleged rampant corruption in Liberia.
Meanwhile, Sam explained that at the moment 25,000 booklets of work permit are stockpiled at the Liberia Bank for Development and Investment (LBDI), which were not paid for prior to the ushering in of the two new companies.
Because of this, the local printing press is threating lawsuit against the minister of labor and all others connected to the US$40 million allegedly bogus contract.