The plenary of the House of Representatives has cited the Commissioner General of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), Dorbor Jallah, to appear before the august body over serious allegations bordering on salary disparities, misappropriation of funds, underreporting of revenues, and inconsistencies in the reconciliation of Government of Liberia (GOL) accounts operated by the LRA.
Plenary’s decision Thursday, during its 8th Day sitting of the 3rd session followed a communication from Bong County’s electoral district #3 Representative, J. Marvin Cole, who brought to the attention of his colleagues a number of concerns surrounding the operation of the country’s revenue collection authority.
In his communication, Representative Cole alleged that the issues at the LRA include, but are not limited to, significant salary disparities, alleged misuse of public funds, underreporting of national revenues, and a lack of consistency in reconciling accounts belonging to the Government of Liberia (GOL) but operated by the LRA.
According to Representative Cole, plenary should invite the Commissioner General and his principal technicians to provide clarity on reports of an alleged US$40,000 monthly compensation package, including salary and benefits, awarded to the Commissioner General.
He further raised concerns over the reported purchase of a vehicle valued at over US$100,000, as well as the payment of substantial salaries and honoraria to consultants and individuals of interest.
In view of these allegations, Representative Cole also requested plenary to mandate the General Auditing Commission (GAC) to conduct a comprehensive audit of the Liberia Revenue Authority.
The proposed audit is to include, but not be limited to, a review of all LRA-operated accounts, payroll and salary structures, asset acquisitions, and other financial transactions, with the aim of either substantiating or dispelling the allegations.
Following extensive deliberations on the floor, plenary voted to have the LRA Commissioner General appear next Thursday before the House, alongside the General Auditing Commission (GAC), to provide explanations and authenticate information that will be submitted by the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA).
The House of Representatives reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability, and prudent management of public resources, underscoring that the exercise is in keeping with its Constitutional oversight responsibility to act in the best interest of the Liberian people.
