Monrovia – Hastily addressing the media, Lands Mines and Energy Minister Patrick Sendolo rubbished news reports about his alleged role in extorting US$3 Million from ArcelorMittal.
“Over the past two weeks, some media institutions and individuals, for purpose best known to themselves, have launched a campaign to defame me and tarnish my good reputation,” Minister Sendolo said.
The Lands Mines and Energy Minister added that some media institutions have concocted stories based on what he is terming as diabolic lies and malicious untruths, about a recording of meeting in which he allegedly demanded payment from ArcelorMittal in return for to perform his statutory duties.
“Let me state unequivocally and without reservation that I, Patrick Sendolo, have never, did not and will never request any sum, much less US$ 3million, from ArcelorMittal in return for me not performing my statutory duties,” Sendolo said.
Sendolo continued: “I challenge the publishers and broadcasters of these stories, the rest of the national media and International media to produce the evidence- the recording and a picture of the meeting which are supposedly the basis of these scurrilous allegations.”
The Lands Mines and Energy Minister threw out an open challenge to anyone who will present the alleged recording adding that an offer of US$ 5,000 cash price will be given to the person who will present the alleged recording.
“My friends, who have unqualified confidence in me and what I stand for, are offering a US$ 5,000 price, payable on demand, for any person who present this alleged recording and photograph,” Sendolo added.
Sendolo explained: “I have worked professionally for a good number of years, including the last nine years, during which I have served, I believe, with distinction and honesty, in positions of exceptionally high trust and responsibility in this administration. There will, therefore, be consequences for any attempt by anyone to destroy what I have worked so hard for over the years.”
Minister Sendolo noted that despite bad media reports on his person there are many good, responsible and ethical journalists in Liberia.
“Let’s be clear, there are many good, responsible and ethical journalists in this country. Unfortunately, however, there are some who intend to impose a tyranny of the media. We, patriotic, peace-loving Liberians will not accept this and will resist it with deliberate ruthlessness that the law allows,” Sendolo added.
The Energy Minister furthered that his legal counsel has formally written the New Democrat Newspaper demanding an apology and seven publications approved by the legal team.
“To demonstrate our seriousness in this regard, my legal counsel and my legal team are already mobilized and fully engaged in respect of taking all measures deemed necessary and appropriate to demolish this tower of lies which they have erected and correct the injustice, which I have suffered as a consequence of their malicious and irresponsible publications and broadcasts lies,” he said.
Sendolo added: “My legal counsel and team have already sent out letters to several offending media institutions, including the New Democrat, which I will now read, in relevant parts, as it sets forth the stance that we are taking on this matter.”