Monrovia – Credible reports reaching this newspaper indicate that the Senate has launched an investigation into an allegation of bribe solicitation from a businessman by one of their colleagues, Senator Sando Johnson of Bomi County. The senator was allegedly secretly recorded as he tried getting the inducement.
Report by Henry Karmo, [email protected]
According to an official document obtained from the Senate, in the recording, their colleague is trying to solicit a bribe from the businessman.
Businessman James Cooper officially filed a complaint with the Senate leadership regarding the department of their colleague.
According to sources, Senator Johnson’s probe is being chaired by Senator Marshall Dennis of Grand Gedeh County, who is the Senate’s Committee Chairman on Banking and Currency.
Since the revelation of the secret recording, the Bomi lawmaker has refused to comment on the matter.
His silence on the matter is making many to conclude that “where there is smoke, there is fire;” as he is one person who is very vocal on issues, especially when it has to do with his reputation.
In businessman Cooper’s complaint addressed to Senate Pro-Tempore Albert Chie, he urged the Senate to consider impeaching Senator Johnson for “bringing shame and disgrace to the Senate.”
In count seven of Cooper’s complaint, he alleged, “In compromise of this matter, Senator Johnson has demanded the amount of US$500,000 as compensation to (Johnatte Stewart) to be received from the US$7.2 million loan request from LBDI and that he will employ all efforts to prevent said loan if his demand is not met.”
According to him, “Honorable Sando Johnson has shown that he is not a patriotic citizen, a true representative of the people of Bomi County who elected him.”
“He is bringing shame and disgrace to the Senate and needs to be impeached and replaced by someone who cares for his citizens,” he further stated.
Cooper claims to have in his possession pieces of evidence and witnesses to prove his claims against the Senator.
The local businessman, who deals in rubber, further complaints that Senator Johnson instead of supporting him as a Liberian to move from rubber processing to manufacturing, elected to “publish a false, misleading and malicious story on a local and international media against him.”
According to him, Sen. Johnson’s alleged “false publication” has not only paralyzed his business, but also damaged his good name, reputation and character.
He added: “I must say worst of all the false publication has driven away key investors and partners who have sought to assist me and many other Liberians in our endeavor to encourage in manufacturing in the rubber sector.”