This Could Be The Beginning Of The Fight Against Corruption Taking Shape In The Liberian Society
THE 24TH PRESIDENT of the Republic of Liberia strengthened the moral authority of his government and, by doing that, regained the public’s trust during his fourth State-of-the-Nation Address recently, when he said, “The year under review has shown our commitment to continue to improve governance and our determination to fight against corruption. In September 2020, integrity institutions convened an anti-corruption conference, which deliberated and presented a clear anti-corruption roadmap. The roadmap recommends that the government amends the Act of 2008 creating the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission, to give the LACC top-rate prosecutorial powers and the mandate to administer the Asset Declaration regime across the three branches of government.”
PRESIDENT WEAH MAINTAINED, “With this amendment, the LACC will no longer need to await the Ministry of Justice to take cases under investigation to court. The amendment relating to the asset declaration regime would also give LACC the authority to ensure compliance.”
THE PRESIDENT SPOKE exactly one week in advance of the resignation of the leader of one of the foremost integrity institutions in the country, Cllr. Ndubusi Nwabudike, Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), which gives the President’s address and his government the foreshadow of integrity and moral capacity. Now that Cllr. Nwabudike has willingly or unwillingly tendered in his resignation this could be the beginning of the fight against corruption taking shape in the Liberian society.
IN PRESIDENT WEAH’S speech, he said, “The roadmap further recommends amending the Judiciary Law to create a dedicated Corruption and Related Financial Offences Court, to be known as Criminal Court “F”. Finally, the roadmap stresses the importance of passing both the Whistleblowers and Witness Protection Acts.
“MR. SPEAKER, THESE are the key recommendations that came out of the stakeholder consultations on the fight against corruption. I appeal to the Honorable National Legislature to endorse these recommendations and act swiftly. These actions and legislation will advance the institutional fight against corruption to which our administration remains fully committed.”