CAPITAL HILL, Monrovia – The House of Representatives of the 55th Legislature has expressed apprehension regarding the controversial US$365,000 disbursed to the 73 electoral districts across Liberia for the inauguration celebrations of President Joseph Boakai and Vice President Jeremiah Koung.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh – [email protected]
Before the inauguration, each electoral district received US$5,000 to host individual events, allowing citizens outside Monrovia to partake in the celebration. This disbursement was in fulfillment of President Boakai’s pre-inaugural promise to lawmakers.
However, widespread allegations and complaints have surfaced, suggesting misappropriation of the funds. The matter gained prominence during the recent plenary session when lawmakers questioned whether the funds were intended for entire districts or solely for Unity Party supporters. Additionally, there is uncertainty about the source of the money and whether it was part of the inauguration budget.
Lawmakers emphasized the need to investigate the US$365,000 saga, particularly in districts where it was alleged that funds were given directly to lawmakers for inauguration celebrations.
The issue came to the forefront during the fifth day sitting of the first quarter of the first session of the 55th National Legislature, following communications from Representative Momo Siafa Kpoto of Lofa County District #3 and Representative Michael M. Thomas (District #4, Montserrado County).
Representative Kpoto stated in his communication: “It has come to my attention that the executive, through the office of the president, gave USD$5,000.00 to each electoral district for the inaugural ceremonies.” He highlighted concerns raised by constituents and called for clarification on the purpose of the money.
Similarly, Representative Thomas raised concerns about misleading information associating members of the House with the receipt and expenditure of the US$5,000 intended for inauguration preparations. He urged the House leadership to address the issue promptly to uphold the integrity of its members.
Rep. Thomas also expressed dissatisfaction with the organization of the inaugural program, citing flaws in protocol arrangements, seating capacity, and technical issues with the PA system. He requested the appearance of the National Transitional Team leadership to clarify the disbursement of the funds and provide an expenditure report for the overall program budget of US$600,000.
Following a heated debate, House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa pledged to take charge of the matter and engage with the leadership of the Unity Party to address the inquiries raised by the lawmakers.
In the weeks preceding his inauguration, President Boakai met with some lawmakers to discuss the reflection of the ceremony in their respective districts. Despite not all lawmakers attending the meeting, the President fulfilled his promise by providing US$365,000 to the Unity Party for distribution to each electoral district.
However, reports of misappropriation emerged after the inauguration, with district coordinators alleging that each district received US$4,000 instead of the intended US$5,000. Some accused the UP Chairman, Rev. Luther Tarpeh, of instructing the deduction of US$1,000 from each district’s allotted funds. Rev. Tarpeh has since denied the allegation.