THE HOUSE OF Representatives has reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability, and prudent management of public resources in what looks like serious allegations bordering on salary disparities, misappropriation of funds, underreporting of revenue, and inconsistencies in the reconciliation of Government of Liberia (GOL) accounts operated by the LRA involving the Director-General of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), Dorbor Jallah. The House has underscored its Constitutional oversight responsibility to act in the best interest of the Liberian people.
THE PLENARY OF the House’s decision on Thursday, during its 8th Day sitting of the 3rd session, was in response to a communication from Bong Countyβs electoral district #3 Representative, J. Marvin Cole, involving a number of concerns surrounding the operation of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA). 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, as well as over the reported purchase of a vehicle valued at over US$100,000 and 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.
CONSEQUENTLY, 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 the 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.
