MONROVIA — Mr. Matthias Yeanay, executive director of InfoQuest Liberia, a not-for-profit Think – Tank and social impact organization that promotes participatory Governance and social transformation, has expressed dissatisfaction over the Judiciary branch of Government for not declaring their assets in keeping with the new Liberia Anti-Corruption Act of 2022.
By Francis G. Boayue
Mr. Yeanay, speaking at a news conference on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, said he was shocked to have heard that only two hundred two officials of the government have so far declared their assets, with no member from the Judiciary, following a successful partnership meeting with the Liberia Anti-corruption Commission, something he described as inappropriate.
“The number which represents those from the Executive and Legislative branches of government is not encouraging and as such, we call on duty bearers to do the needful”, he said.
According to him, as a key branch of government like the Judiciary, it is imperative that it sets good examples and abide by the rule of law, as they continue to interpret the laws of the country, and one of the best ways to do so is to declare their assets.
“We are surprised that key officials of the Judiciary are yet to comply with the said instrument”, he added.
Mr. Yeanay told reporters that under the obligation to file an asset declaration statement, The LACC shall issue assets declaration forms that shall be completed, signed, notarized, and filed following Section 10.1 and 10.2(h) of the National Code of Conduct by all persons occupying the following positions under the Judiciary.
He stated further that there are five categories or groups of people under the Judiciary who are yet to comply with the declaration of their assets, including the chief justice and associate justice of the Supreme Court, judges of circuit courts, and circuits – level specialized courts.
Others are stipendiary and associate magistrates, clerk of the Supreme Court, Circuit-level specialized courts and court administrators, comptroller, procurement officers, developmental directors, and project managers respectively.
According to the “Regulations for the Administration, monitoring, receiving and Implementation of the Asset Declaration per the National Code of Conduct for all public officials and employees of the Government of the Republic of Liberia” the Judiciary is under obligation to file an assets Declaration statement. Still, none of them complied, “This is troubling and worrisome”, he reechoed.
At the same time, the head of InfoQuest Liberia used the occasion to call on President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to take drastic action against appointed officials of government who have failed to declare their assets but have begun work already.
The Unity Party-led government, he said, has come to power under the mantra of fighting corruption and being accountable and transparent to its people and as such they should live by their slogan “No Business as Usual”.
“InfoQuest thinks the “R” in the Arrest Agenda that stands for the RULE OF LAW is being hijacked as such, The Judiciary, the legislature, and Executive must act to protect and uphold the Rule of Law”, Matthias maintained.
“We remain resolved and will continue our advocacy until the needful is done in the interest of the people and the state”, the Civil Society group through its Executive Director lamented.
It can be recalled that InfoQuest Liberia, through its boss, challenged President Boakai to declare and publish his assets. Following consistent advocacy, the Liberian leader subsequently did the needful, something Mr. Yeanay assured the public that they would do for the betterment of the society.