Critics are questioning the leadership ability and 42-year public sector experience of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai after he shockingly informed the Liberian public that the 285 earth-moving equipment (yellow machines) are being acquired on a gentleman’s agreement, and not on any legal bound or financial obligation.
On Saturday, July 6, 2024, the government paraded several pieces of earth-moving equipment, describing them as the first batch of an expected 285 earth-moving machines to help the government in its road pillar of the ARREST agenda. The machines were later parked in the EBK barracks, awaiting the arrival of the remaining ones.
However, the custody of the machines at the barracks raised huge concerns, especially from members of the first branch government, including Representative Musa Hassan Bility and Senator Amara Konneh, who then requested that the National Legislature thoroughly looks into the matter to ascertain the real deal behind the machines.
Consequently, on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 the House of Representatives invited several individuals involved with the acquisition of the yellow machines, in order that they may explain, in detail, the information surrounding the procurement, bill of lading and parking of pieces of earth-moving equipment procured and brought into the country by the government.
The House’s decision, triggered by a communication from Lofa County’s district #4 Representative, Gizzie K. Kolliance, requested the appearance of the Minister of State, Sylvester Grigsby, Minister of Defense, Geraldine George, Minister of State Without Portfolio, Mamaka Bility, and the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), Brigadier General Davidson Fayiah Forleh, on Thursday, July 11, 2024 to provide clarity on the matter.
However, the appearance of the officials of government was overshadowed by an official communication from the office of President Joseph N. Boakai, dated July 9, 2024 and addressed to the Speaker of the House, Cllr. Jonathan Fonati Koffa, providing information on the acquisition process of the yellow machines.
In his letter, President Boakai claimed that the initiative originated from a conversation between him and one of his long-time friends who shares a commitment to the ARREST agenda. He however felt short to mention the “friend’s” name or what the “friend” hopes to achieve from Liberia, but astonishingly claimed that there is no contract or agreement at the moment; as such, it does not require legislative ratification.
President Boakai said, “Let me first and foremost assure you and members of the Legislature that we are scrupulously pursuing the acquisition process for these machines guided by the principles of transparency and good faith. The initiative originated from a conversation between me and a long-time friend who shares a commitment to the ARREST agenda. This friend was moved by the spirit of solidarity and a strong desire to participate in the implementation, in the shortest possible time, of our development agenda. He offered to provide equipment in good faith and on a gentleman’s agreement.”
The President further claimed that the acquisition process is at the negotiation phase, as no formal agreement or contract has been signed with any party and no financial commitment has been made by the government, and not a dime paid. “To date, no funds from the Liberian treasury have been expended on this project. The first batch of equipment that arrived in the country was shipped at the supplier’s expense. The GOL has not incurred any costs related to the transportation or acquisition of these machines,” the President observed in his letter to the Speaker.
He pointed out that, should the negotiations fail to yield a mutually beneficial agreement, the supplier retains the right to reclaim the equipment, and that he may choose to sell them within the Liberian market or re-export them, which ensures that the government is not financially burdened or contractually bound.
The President’s statement is being interpreted as “Win-lose” situation, which critics have argued is not possible for any businessman to yield to. “How is it possible for a businessman to agree to transport his goods across oceans to another country without any formal agreement between him and the customer? Is the President not aware that our laws provide for bidding when the government decides to procure such equipment or is there something he’s not telling us?” the critics wondered.
The critics analyzed the President’s letter as a “flimflam” that cannot be bought by even an adolescent child, but wants the National Legislature to accept the information without further query. They say if the lawmakers buy into such an explanation then they do not mean well for the respect of the rule of law and good governance of the country.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has requested its leadership committee to take seizure of President Boakai’s clarity (letter) regarding the acquisition of the earth-moving equipment. The decision was reached based upon debate among lawmakers following the submission of a communication from President Boakai to the body. The committee is expected to abreast plenary about the next course of action.
President Boakai also extended the letter to the Liberian Senate. The plenary of the Liberian Senate has meanwhile mandated the Senate Executive Committee and Senate Pro-tempore, Nyonblee K Lawrence, to be in contact with the Executive Branch of Government while the negotiation process is being completed for the notification of the Liberian Senate.
Reacting to the letter on his official Facebook handle, Gbarpolu County Senator, Amara Konneh, descended on the content of the letter, pointing out that the letter gives them more to reflect on. “We must thoroughly examine the content of the President’s letter, which emphasizes the need for careful and thoughtful engagement with our friends and private individuals on matters of national importance to prevent conflict of interest and unnecessary noise. The letter also urges us to carefully consider the reasoning behind the possession of the machines at the Freeport of Monrovia by the government, led by a Cabinet Minister in the President’s office, while negotiations are underway and the decision to store them at our national security facility even though they are privately owned. Furthermore, it is crucial to address whether it is appropriate for the President to enter into informal agreements with a close associate on behalf of the nation,” Senator Konneh observed.
Senator Konneh wondered who is the “friend”, and what exactly is his relationship to the President. According to him, understanding this is important for transparency, good governance, and the President’s anti-corruption agenda. “Depending on how he handles the transactions, these yellow machines could define President Boakai’s legacy. His advisors don’t seem to be helping him,” he noted.
Nimba County’s district #7 Representative, Musa Hassan Bility, has also vowed not to support the “yellow machine” deal, especially now that he has seen President Boakai’s letter. “Now that I have seen the President’s letter, I can assure you that I will never support this yellow machine scandal,” he vowed.
Also critiquing the letter, the former Auditor General and a staunch supporter of President Boakai, John Morlu, said, “Once you take custody, the risks and ownership have passed to you. Why can’t Uncle Joe simply say we made a mistake, apologize, and ask the Legislature to regularize the situation?”
He stated that President Boakai’s letter will send shockwaves internationally, as he cannot conduct government business based on friendship and gentleman’s agreements. “Someone has, once again, misled our dear and beloved Uncle Joe.
“Here is the simple fact: A Liberian government official took ownership from the port, transported yellow machines from the NPA, and parked them in your garage (military barracks). Liberia is 100% on the hook for this transaction. This is simple Accounting 101 and Contracts with Customers 101,” Morlu averred.
“This letter puts the government in a bad light. I am now even more annoyed. Some selfish individuals want to destroy Uncle Joe’s government,” he maintained.