Monrovia – In a letter addressed to His Excellency Ambassador Joseph N. Boakai, President-elect, controversial lawmaker Yekeh Y. Kolubah, Representative of Electoral District #10 in Montserrado County, has raised concerns about transparency and adherence to the Code of Conduct on the part of the incoming President.
By Lennart Dodoo, [email protected]
Rep. Koluba’s communication appears to be a formal follow-up to his demand in knowing where the President-elect got the L$10 million and 200 bags of rice from to donate to the victims of the Totota gas tanker explosion.
In the letter, Representative Yekeh Y. Kolubah acknowledged the credibility of President-Elect Boakai but stressed the need for transparency and adherence to the rule of law, especially given the influential position of the presidency in the investment sector.
The controversial lawmaker who campaigned for Amb. Boakai during the elections, while expressing understanding and empathy for aiding the victims, emphasized the importance of starting the practice of transparency even before assuming the official seat.
According to Rep. Koluba, the call for adherence to the Code of Conduct is framed as a crucial step in setting an example for the nation, promoting accountability, and discouraging corrupt practices in governance.
President-elect Boakai has yet to respond to the concerns raised by Representative Yekeh Y. Kolubah.
Rep. Koluba referenced specific sections of the Code of Conduct, including Sections 1.3.2, 1.3.3, 9.1, and 9.2, which are designed to prevent corruption within the governance system of Liberia.
Section 1.3.2 focuses on bribery, defining it as any reward or inducement paid to a public official or government employee for performing or abstaining from performing any duty within the scope of their official responsibilities. It emphasizes the prohibition of anything promised, offered, given, accepted, or received by a public official for favors related to their official duties.
Section 1.3.3 outlines the guidelines for casual gifts, allowing unsolicited presents of a modest scale to public officials or government employees, not exceeding US$200.00 in value. However, this provision excludes gifts given during cultural and customary celebrations.
Section 9.1 addresses the prohibition of bribes and gifts in connection with the performance of official duties, emphasizing the importance of maintaining professional integrity and avoiding any influence on decision-making processes. Exceptions are made for gifts during traditional ceremonies and celebrations, as well as fees paid for lobbying.
Section 9.2 requires the declaration of token gifts received by public officials and government employees within seven (7) days to the appropriate authority, which will decide whether the item should be retained or surrendered to the government.
