Monrovia – The Youth Congress of the governing Unity Party says unlike the immediate past administration when young people formed defense teams to defend corruption and bad governance, they are committed to supporting transparency and accountability in the Rescue government.
The UP-Youth Congress has meanwhile welcomed the resignation of Commerce & Industry Minister, Amin Modad.
Mr. Modad stepped down Wednesday, October 9, 2024, following huge pressure from within his own Unity Party and its alliance, as well as the public due to his controversial purchase of over US$98,000 vehicle.
In a statement issued Thursday, October 10, 2024, the National Chairman of UP Youth Congress, Togar Melvin Cephus expressed gratitude to Mr. Modad for his service to the Unity Party and Liberia, and wished him all the best in his future endeavors.
“While I am saddened to see you leave so early, from a worthy mission we all embarked upon a little over six years ago, I hope that your departure under these circumstances, will mark a turning point for you and would possibly shape your would-be public life anytime in the future. May your monumental exist set a new thought-oriented stage for your individual disposition and your future approach to public life, and may it erect a flourishing pillar in our learning curve,” Cephus stated.
He said amid this latest development involving Mr. Modad’s name, it is imperative that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai remain fully alert, and take swift and decisive actions against those allegedly involved in acts of corruption or whose actions appear to run contrary to the core values of the Rescue Mission, and not just cases of misjudgements.
Mr. Cephus called on the President to institute an investigation in the involvement of Mr. James Dorbor Jallah, the current Commissioner General of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), in approving the purchase of what he termed as unimaginably luxurious vehicle at the cost of over $98,000USD, noting that Mr. Jallah’s actions were or are a blatant disregard for the rescue mantra and a flagrant show of insensitivity towards the needs of the poverty-stricken Liberian masses they (Rescue Mission) came to rescue.
Additionally, Cephus expressed confidence that President Boakai will also address the allegations of corruption against Mr. Abdullah Kamara, the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Liberia Telecommunication Authority (LTA), citing the findings of the General Auditing Commission’s most recent report on the LTA which, according to him, clearly indicate Mr. Kamara’s involvement in corrupt practices in a very troubling fashion.
He emphasized that the LTA Boss must be made to account for whatever his role was in the transactions and dealings as audited and reported by the GAC.
“As President Boakai has constantly espoused, it is time for government to prioritize the needs of its citizens over the interests of a few officials, and we have no iota of doubt that the President will take the necessary and immediate actions to hold those responsible accountable and restore public trust in our governance system,” Mr. Cephus maintained.
He however boasted that partisans and members of the Unity Party and its alliance, particularly the youths, will continue to hold their own officials accountable for acts incompatible with their Rescue dreams, visions and programs, contrary to the immediate past dispensation (administration) when supporters, especially young people organized themselves to defend corruption and other acts inimical to the growth and development of Liberia.
“We also reiterate the compelling need for former officials of government to account for their stewardship because by demanding accountability, transparency, justice, and participation, we can build a more prosperous and equitable nation for all. Let us work together to create a Liberia where the rule of law prevails and the voices of its citizens are heard,” he concluded.