Monrovia – Presidential Press Secretary Isaac Solo Kelgbeh says former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf will be persecuted if she is found liable in any financial malpractice in Liberia.
Report by Willie N. Tokpah, [email protected]
Kelgbeh was responding to an inquiry about what would be the government’s position if the former Liberian leader or any of her relatives family are found liable of corruption.
“She declared corruption public enemy number one and the president is not targeting ordinary people, but any other person that will be found guilty of using the Liberian people money, they will be found behind bars,” Kelgbeh said Tuesday in Monrovia during a regular press briefing.
President George Weah, during the 2017 political campaign, promised to protect the Ex-President Sirleaf and family.
But Mr. Kelgbeh noted that the former Liberian leader is no exception to any penalties that would be leveled against those who will be booked for any form of financial malpractice by the special taskforce on corruption charges.
He said the President’s pronouncement about protecting Sirleaf and family does not suggest that they will go with impunity if their hands are cut in corruption web.
“There is nobody above Liberia and protecting the president does not means if she committed any hideous crime that she has to face justice, she won’t be prosecuted,” Kelgbeh stated.
“Liberia is one of the countries that is not bless with showcasing a former president. There are so many ways a president can be protected, nobody will want to promote impunity; so, let the committee do its work.”
He added that the establishment of the taskforce by the Ministry of Justice is part of President Weah’s move to regulate the country’s financial system without favor fa or particular group of people.
According to him, regulating Liberia’s financial system is important in strengthening the economy.
Kelgbeh said the National Economic Dialogue is also key to strengthening Liberia’s economy, which President Weah has accordingly committed himself to achieving.
However, he said the time frame set for carrying out this dialogue might be push to a later date due to several factors including having all the three branches of government fully participating.
“I am not certain that the time frame set for the dialogue might hold as a result of other activities that may interplay, which might not make it possible for all three branches of government to participate,” the Press Secretary said.
In a related development, Mr. Kelgbeh disclosed that preparations are underway for the celebration of Liberia’s 177 independence in Monrovia and other parts of the country.
He said heads of states of Nigeria, Senegal, Ivory Coast Guinea and Sierra Leone will attend the occasion.
According to him, some projects including the newly constructed terminal at the Roberts International Airport in Margibi County and the Ministerial Complex in Congo Town will be dedicated.
This years’ independent celebration will be held at the Executive Pavilion in Monrovia and Amb. Leymah Gbowee has been selected orator for the occasion.