Monrovia – Representative Solomon George, a staunch stalwart of the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), popular for his outspokenness, has frowned on the government for concealing information of the alleged missing L$$16 Billion, which was firstly exposed by media investigations.
Report by Henry Karmo, [email protected]
George described the situation as “financial insecurity” and warned the Liberian Government to address the situation quickly.
“Why this government didn’t inform the Liberian people that we are having security problem? Why should we wait for the press to come out with the story of missing money and we step on the press and misuse words on the press then we find out that what was being said is the truth,” said Montserrado County District #7 lawmaker.
“I am saying to us leading this country, we need to be sincere to the Liberian people. By now people should be behind bars. We are not talking about a wallet [been] stolen; we are talking about containers full of money and we joking here?”
The lawmaker made the comments when he appeared on a local radio talk show in Monrovia, before the government later announced that it has requested the help of the United States government to further the investigation. The Ministry of Justice also announced that it has asked the International Monetary Fund to assist it with the investigation.
The Government has also barred several individuals from travelling out of the country as investigation takes a new twist this week.
And Information Minister Lenn Eugene Nagbe told the BBC on Wednesday that the money was noticed to have been missing between November 2017 and August 2018, adding that 98% of the money was brought into the country during the transitional period and President George Weah was not “made aware”.
But Representative George is unimpressed with the government’s approach, adding: “I think administratively we have erred and they should bring back the Liberian people’s money. I will not back anyone for this.”
‘Urgently Recall Sessions’
At the same time, Representative Vicent Willie of District #4, Grand Bassa County has called on the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Pro-Tempore of the Liberian Senate to “urgently recall all members of the legislature to resume active duties for a month so as to launch a speedy investigation into this matter as it is of high national interest.”
Willie said although the Legislature is curently on Constituency Break, it is now even more pressing for lawmakers to explain to their constituents the prevailing situation about the “missing” billions.
“In my mind, our people will like to know what happened to the ‘missing billions’ if we go to brief our various town halls meetings in our respective districts,” he said. “We might not have any answers to their question as it is the most urgent concern of our people.”
‘These People are Joking’
Representative Yekeh Kulobah, another outspoken lawmaker of District #10 Montserrado County, wants President George Weah to call-off his trip to the United Nations General Assembly and address the issue of the ‘missing’ billions.
“These people are joking; they know everything about this money then they say they looking for people. What are they looking for?” he asked rhetorically.
“I don’t think the President should go to the UN; it will be baseless because we have a national crisis.
“We will not be dumb lawmakers. We are saying, ‘Mr. President you know where the money is, please bring the money so the Liberian people can be in peace.’ We went out to beg for small money when we have huge sum of money getting missing.”
For his part, Representative Adolph Lawrence described the situation as “shocking” and hopes the investigation solves the mystery.
“I am shock and hope it’s is not true because if it is I would be disappointed. It’s like I am in a different state of mind. I can’t believe this because money of such amount should be tracked. Those responsible should make statement because the people are asking questions somebody has to say something,” Representative Lawrence said.
Senate to Recall Session?
Meanwhile, there are reports that the Liberian Senate is now considering the resumption of session to investigate the disappearance of the money, which is claiming concerns from Liberians and the international community.
According to legislative sources, the Senate Banking and Currency Committee is considering holding a public hearing on the issues with authorities of the Central Bank of Liberia. This is aimed at further investigating the saga and findings from the investigation will be made public with recommendations forwarded to the Executive.
In an attempt by FrontPageAfrica to inquire from Senate Pro-Tempore Albert Chie about the saga via text message, he refused to comment further, however, confirmed that the Senate is concerned and the committee will hold hearing on the matter with relevant institutions.
“The Committee on Banking and Currency has scheduled a meeting with the CBL tomorrow. Please speak with the Chair on tomorrow after the meeting,” Pro-Tempore Chie said.
In a separate social media posts on her Facebook page, Senator Nyounblee Karnga Lawrence of Grand Bassa County, who is also the political leader of opposition Liberty Party (LP), she promised to call for the reconvening of the Legislature if the Central Bank of Liberia fails to provide answers to the question of the ‘missing billions.’
“If the Central Bank of Liberia does not come out with a statement on the missing container by Friday, the Legislature will have to reconvene and summon the Central Bank,” Senator Lawrence wrote.
“The Central Bank is in charge of monetary matters and must make a statement on the issue of the missing money before investigations and AUDITS are carried out.”
House’s Committee to Hold Hearing
On Tuesday, September 18, Representative Zoe Pennue of Grand Gedeh County District #1, who is also Chairman on State Enterprises at the House of Representatives, announced that his committee would hold hearing with relevant institutions on Friday, September 21.
Representative Pennue assured Liberians that he and other members of the legislature would ensure full investigation and discovery of the ‘missing’ money.
“Even if Jesus’ nephews [nieces] are involved, they will be held liable, no joking about this. And to other officials of government let’s stop filibustering and politicking with the Liberian people. We know how to get the information about this money.”
The Grand Gedeh County lawmaker said, the Friday hearing will be public and the committee will invite institutions including, the National Port Authority (NPA), APM Terminals, the Roberts International Airport (RIA) and other institutions involved.
Representative Pennue blamed the political fight that ousted former Speaker Alex Tyler as a distraction that allowed members of the Executive to do what they wanted to do as they went contrary to the legislature’s instruction to print new bank notes.