MONROVIA — Grand Kru Senator and Senate Pro Tempore Albert Chie has vowed to utilize all legal means available in the United States of America to ensure that his name and that of his family are removed from the visa restriction list.
The Senate Pro-Tempore made this statement on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, during the Senate’s extended session, a day after he, along with Samuel Tweah, Liberian Minister of Finance and Development Planning, and Emmanuel Nuquay, were placed under restriction.
In his response, he categorically denied allegations of soliciting, accepting, and offering bribes to manipulate legislative processes and public funding, including legislative reporting and mining sector activities.
“The allegations are misleading and false. I haven’t taken a dime from any lawmaker or chambers to manipulate any legislative process. We will take advantage of the legal process available to remove our names and those of our families from the visa restriction list.”
He also accused the US government of choosing the wrong time for the sanctions, especially just a few weeks before the Senate leadership elections, something he said is a concern worth noting.
“The timing of the action on two senators calls for concern, especially a few weeks before the Senate elections process. The allegations against Tweh, Nuquay, and me of taking bribes to influence legislative work impugn on your integrity as senators, no matter how you look at it. The attack is on you, whether in the ruling position, opposition, or no position.”
Pursuant to Section 7031(c), the United States is publicly designating Tweah, Chie, and Nuquay for their involvement in significant corruption by abusing their public positions through soliciting, accepting, and offering bribes to manipulate legislative processes and public funding, including legislative reporting and mining sector activities.
As part of this action, their immediate family members are also designated, including their spouses Delecia Berry Tweah, Abigail Chie, and Ruthtoria Brown Nuquay, and Tweah and Nuquay’s minor children.