Monrovia – Liberians on Monday took to major streets in the country’s capital demanding from the Weah’s administration a clear understanding on the whereabouts of LD$ 15 billion reported to be unaccounted.
By Willie N. Tokpah, [email protected]
Citizens who spoke with FrontPage Africa Monday in Monrovia were requesting accountability and transparency in the missing L$15 billion saga.
The protesters expressed fear that over future financial malpractice if nothing is done to checkmate the current embarrassment caused by the alleged misappropriation of billions of dollars in the country.
They expressed lack of confidence in the George Weah administration to independently investigate the country’s financial fraud and at the same time called for the international community’s involvement in the process.
The protesters in separate statements maintained their stance to remain resolute in knowing the whereabouts of the money until a transparent and accountable finding is provided on the missing Liberian money.
Rufus D. Neuville, Executive Director of the People’s Action Network a local organization in Liberia said:
We are fighting for transparency and accountability from the Weah’s administration on the missing 16 billion.
All we want is a comprehensive investigation, an investigation that will be independent. All the people involved should not be part of the investigative team because we are fighting for transparency and accountability in this process.
We are not against the government and we are not for the government, we are mutual but all we want is the money. Young people in this country want opportunities, the youth want vocational schools, they want scholarships, they want money to make business. One man cannot take all the money or one woman take all the money, it’s not fair, that’s the reason we are here to advocate for transparency and accountability.
For this reason, we want an independent committee that will be from the United Nations, the Americans that will help us.
Darius Dillon, Liberty Party Vice Chair for Political Affairs told newsmen:
“The protest was of grave concern not only to the struggling massive in Liberia but international organizations.
“It will be very ugly for investors to be pumping in huge money into our economy and we are here joking with huge amount of money. We talking about 16 billion that is supposed to help our people, this is why we are here to motivate the guys.
Jannie Sumohood Malikabu, Executive Director, Sister for Sisters International expresses lack of confidence in government to investigate the matter
We heard that they are carrying out an investigation but we need a clear result, so we want international partners to get involved.
We don’t trust this government because the President is saying one thing, the Finance Minister is saying one thing, the Minister of Justice is saying one thing and the Information Minister is saying another thing. Even the past government is contradicting the President and they cannot speak to it, so we are in a state of confusion right now.
I am constrained to be here this morning. I am here because it is a national issue and it is not just about political parties. We cannot be living in a country where people are living in abject poverty and 16 billion is getting missing. Our children are out of schools, we don’t have good hospitals, no good infrastructures, so we need this money to be found. We need a clear and transparent investigation.
I am not going to leave this rain, I have been here since 7am will continue to be as one of the protesters until we get a result.
Dean S. Tuodee, a Protester
We have come as Liberians to call on our international partners, to add their voices to our voices in demanding our government to give a comprehensive account of the missing 16 billion dollars.
What is bothering me has to do with the contradiction cumulating from the angle of the government.
We are not certain that this money got missing. We are of the belief that the money was stolen. And that those responsible to seal this money should be brought to booked and restitute the Liberian people’s money. That’s why we are mounting the necessary pressure to ensure that the government does what is right in the interest of our country because there had been lots of report and investigations in the past that have been swept under the carpet.
This is why you are seeing Liberians for the first time, outside political parties’ affiliation, religious affiliations to assemble outside political campaign to express their dissatisfaction on how the government is handling the missing 16 billion matter.
