Liberia: LACC New Officer-in-Charge Ordered to Ensure Former Corruption Chief Declares Assets

MONROVIA – The Minister of State Nathaniel McGill has instructed Commissioner Charles Gibson to serve as Officer-in-Chief of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) with a strict order to ensure that Cllr. James Verdier, whose tenure as Chairman of the Commission expired over the weekend, declares his income, assets and liabilities.

In a February 26 communication to Cllr. Gibson, Minister McGill wrote:

Dear Commissioner Gibson:

In consideration of the current situation at the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), the President has instructed that you serve as officer-in-Charge of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), and mandates you to take charge of the tasks and functional responsibilities of the Office thereof, until further notice.

You are to ensure that your predecessors adhere to Section 10.1 (d) of the National Code of Conduct which states: “Every Public Official and Employee of the Government involved in decision making affecting contracting, tendering or procurement, and issuance of licenses of various types shall sign performance or financial bonds and shall in addition declare his or her income, asset and liabilities prior to taking office and thereafter: (d) upon retirement or resignation.”

His Excellency expresses his trust in your ability to make a meaningful contribution in your area of responsibility.

Kind regards.

Sincerely,

Nathaniel McGill

Minister & Acting Chair of the Cabinet.