The Executive Director of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), Cllr. Edwin Kla Martin, has re-awakened the fight against corruption and, just in a few weeks since his induction as head of the entity, has provided updates regarding the anti-graft institution’s effort in bringing individuals accused of corruption to book.
Cllr. Martin, in his update on Monday, August 16, 2021, said the Enforcement Division of the LACC is conducting investigations into corruption matters surrounding the National Transit Authority (NTA), Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC), Roberts International Airport (RIA) and the Port of Buchanan.
He clarified that, contrary to media report, the NTA Managing Director, Herbie T. McCauley, was never arrested or handcuffed, but was only invited. He disclosed that McCauley and his team are cooperating with the investigation.
According to him, due to the situation of the COVID-19, the LACC has granted an additional two-month grace period for all officials of government to declare their asset, and the new addendum begins September 1, 2021. He noted that the commission anticipates that all public officials will adhere to the grace period and respond accordingly. However, he failed to inform the press what would be the LACC’s next course of action for those who would not adhere to the asset declaration mandate in the upcoming two months, but said when the grace period is over the public will be notified in due course.
The LACC boss disclosed that the total number of asset declaration, as of 2021, is 59 (fifty-nine), representing 16% females and 84% males.
He also disclosed that there has been voluntary restitution, in the amount of US$18,000, being made through the court regarding the case of Munah Sieh and other defendants involved in the misapplication of funding for police uniforms.
The total judgment sum for the five defendants in the police uniform case is US$199,800, and each defendant is to pay US$39,950.
Cllr. Martin noted that, including audit reports already before the LACC, a review of the records shows that there are 73 (seventy-three) corruption reports on the LACC desk, assuring that all these reports will be investigated.
He called on the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), civil society organizations and the general public to aid the commission in driving its mandate through, announcing two hotline numbers to be used by the public to provide information on any acts of corruption. He said such information will aid the LACC in its fight against corruption.
The LACC boss emphasized that the commission will use the Whistleblower Act to ensure that whistleblowers are fully protected from dismissal, punishment, administrative harassment, violence, etc., and that whistleblowers will remain undisclosed for their safety.