The once cherished and unbothered relationship between Senate Pro-Tempore Albert Chie and Nimba County district # 7 Representative-elect Musa Hassan Bility appears to be sinking following the sanctions imposed on the Grand Kru County lawmaker by the United States government for his alleged involvement into acts of corruption.

By Obediah Johnson

On Monday, Pro-Tempore was among three prominent figures from the outgoing government sanctioned by the US.

He was banned from entering the US along with, Finance and Development Planning Minister Samuel Tweah, and Senator Emmanuel Nuquay of Margibi County, and their spouses and minor children.

The visa restriction is being imposed under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2023, highlighting the U.S. commitment to combating corruption on a global scale.

The designations come in response to allegations that Tweah, Chie, and Nuquay abused their public positions by soliciting, accepting, and offering bribes to manipulate legislative processes and public funding, including activities in the mining sector. The immediate family members of the designated individuals, including spouses Delecia Berry Tweah, Abigail Chie, and Ruthtoria Brown Nuquay, as well as Tweah and Nuquay’s minor children, are also included in the sanctions.

Over the weekend, Mayor of Monrovia, Jefferson Koijee, was designated by the U.S. Department of the Treasury pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13818. The order targets individuals engaged in serious human rights abuses and corruption. Koijee, in addition to human rights abuses, has been accused of corrupt acts such as bribery and misappropriation of state assets. He is alleged to have pressured anti-corruption investigators to cease all corruption investigations.

But speaking when he appeared as guest on Voice of Liberia 104.1FM on Tuesday, December 12, Mr. Bility challenged the incoming Unity Party (UP) led-government of Joseph Nyuma Boakai to prosecute the outgoing public officials and lawmakers, including his friend, Pro-Tempore Chie .

According to him, the allegations levied against the accused are “grave” and as such, President-elect Boakai should ensure that they are investigated and those found culpable are prosecuted in keeping with the laws of the country.

Mr. Bility emphasized that the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP) and others have vehemently recognized that Ambassador Boakai remains the choice of the Liberian people and the one best suited to lead the country, and as such, he should not relent on prosecuting those indicted by the US government.

He said “every civilized or decent government” will immediately act when its officials are accused of committing “grave allegations” against the state and its people, but the Weah led-administration has failed to take any actions up to present.

“The allegations of sanctions are very grave and I hope to see this government reviewing them and taking the appropriate actions. What the US government does is to give you an indication; the government must have the courage to follow it up and take appropriate legal measures to prosecute. If people in your government are accused like this, you must act immediately.”

“As a Representative I will make sure that the Minister of Justice will take action to at least review what the United States is saying. You cannot assume that the Americans have not presented facts to the government. Maybe it’s on the contrary or they have presented facts and the government has failed to act on it and they have come out (in public)  because of frustration.”

Mr. Bility maintained that the investigation is important to afford those accused the opportunity to clear their names.

“Some of these allegations on the sanctions are based on what the Americans have seen and they have evidences on. America is a very meticulate country; they don’t just get up and make allegations. They based it on information that they have.”

US willing to provide evidences?

He stressed that the US government should be contacted by the current or incoming government to provide the evidences that would lead to the prosecution of the accused.

He said the US government release of the sanctions against the accused Liberian government officials clearly shows that they will be willing to provide any evidence to inform the conduct of any investigation.

“Let the government go to the process; if there is any reason to review the evidence and find reasons to indict, they should. It is unfair that people have been sanctioned for years and there’s no investigation. It’s not correct.”

Mr. Bility claimed that the delay in the prosecution of those sanctioned shows that the government has not supported the Minister of Justice to do the right thing in bringing the accused to book.

The sanctions against the Liberian officials, according to the United States Department of State underscore the United States’ commitment to holding accountable those involved in corrupt practices and human rights abuses globally. The actions were announced on the occasion of the opening of the Conference of States Parties to the UN Convention Against Corruption, emphasizing the international effort to combat corruption.

As part of the broader initiative, the U.S. Department of State is designating over 30 individuals under Section 7031(c), while the Department of the Treasury is designating two individuals and 44 entities pursuant to E.O. 13818. The Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, upon which E.O. 13818 is built, enables the U.S. to target individuals and entities involved in corruption and human rights abuses.

Section 7031(c) mandates that foreign government officials with credible information linking them to significant corruption or gross violations of human rights are generally ineligible for entry into the United States. The officials must be publicly or privately designated under the provision.

These sanctions, according to the U.S. Department of State, serve as a stern warning to officials engaging in corruption, emphasizing that the international community is united in its commitment to combating corruption and promoting transparency and accountability.

Conduct an audit

Mr. Bility further urged the incoming government to conduct a thorough assessment and audit of the outgoing government of President George Manneh Weah.

He said the Boakai led-administration should avoid making similar mistakes made by the Weah government.

“The mistake that George Weah made by not assessing the performance of the government that he inherited, I pray that Ambassador Boakai will not make that mistake.”

Mr. Bility said though the assessment of the state and government was prudent following the ushering in of a new government in 2018, President Weah failed to adequately inform citizens what he inherited from Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

He noted that President-elect Boakai should conduct an audit and inform the nation and its people what was inherited, what is wrong with the system and how do they intend to change it.

The powerful toothless bulldog

Speaking further, Mr. Bility observed that the National Legislature remains the most powerful branch of the Liberian government, but the body has failed to execute its constitutional responsibilities for the benefit of the citizens for several decades now.

“The Legislature has let this country down; it has betrayed this country. I am not going there to make money but to turn things around. The real problem with our country is the Legislature.”

He attributed the failure of the country’s national budget to have a positive impact on the citizenry to bad governance and corruption and the failure of the lawmakers to checkmate the executive.

“The Legislature must not be a dungeon for the executive. The Liberian people have decided to make us their Representatives and Senators. But overall, they have decided that all of us should be led by Ambassador Joseph Nyuma Boakai. It is fair and patriotic that we support his mission and agenda.”

Mr. Bility further stressed the need for outgoing lawmakers to account for their stewardship during their stay at the Legislature.

Bigger ambition

Mr. Bility further disclosed that he is aiming at a bigger political ambition in the future.

He added that though he wanted to become a Vice President for Liberia, he has taken a decision to relinquish his quest and begin from the National Legislature.

According to him, the election of Senator Jeremiah Koung from Nimba as Vice President-elect of Liberia has also compelled him to suspend his presidential ambition.

Mr. Bility promised to “stand by and support” Vice President-elect Koung if he decides to contest in 2029.

“I have a bigger ambition. I wanted to be Vice President but I realized that if you want to change this country, not everybody will be President. And so, I put my president ambition on hold for a short or medium term. If you read the constitution, the Legislature is the most powerful body in the country and.”

On speakership

Mr. Bility is one of those contesting for the speakership of the 56^th National Legislature. The remaining contenders include: Representative Fonati Koffa and Richard Koon of Grand Kru and Montserrado counties respectively.

He disclosed that his decision to contest for the top seat is to provide leadership and dignify the first branch of government.

“I am not a novice to legislative politics. I know what it requires. As head of the Legislature, that building is going to be sanctified. It (building) has been turned into a hustling ground.”

He indicated that a cordial relationship will also be established between lawmakers and assigned reporters at the Capitol Building-the official seat of the National Legislature-to avoid disputes and confrontations in their workings under his leadership, void of any compromise or twisting of news stories to please anyone.

“The Legislature has been totally denigrated. We will bring the credibility of the institution back so it can’t be serving as a police officer going everywhere or intimidating other public officials.”

Bility called for mutual respect and coordination among lawmakers.

He, however, vowed not to compromise the interest of Liberians in his workings at the National Legislature.

MONROVIA — Grand Kru Senator and Senate Pro Tempore Albert Chie has vowed to utilize all legal means available in the United States of America to ensure that his name and that of his family are removed from the visa restriction list.

The Senate Pro-Tempore made this statement on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, during the Senate’s extended session, a day after he, along with Samuel Tweah, Liberian Minister of Finance and Development Planning, and Emmanuel Nuquay, were placed under restriction.

In his response, he categorically denied allegations of soliciting, accepting, and offering bribes to manipulate legislative processes and public funding, including legislative reporting and mining sector activities.

“The allegations are misleading and false. I haven’t taken a dime from any lawmaker or chambers to manipulate any legislative process. We will take advantage of the legal process available to remove our names and those of our families from the visa restriction list.”

He also accused the US government of choosing the wrong time for the sanctions, especially just a few weeks before the Senate leadership elections, something he said is a concern worth noting.

“The timing of the action on two senators calls for concern, especially a few weeks before the Senate elections process. The allegations against Tweh, Nuquay, and me of taking bribes to influence legislative work impugn on your integrity as senators, no matter how you look at it. The attack is on you, whether in the ruling position, opposition, or no position.”

Pursuant to Section 7031(c), the United States is publicly designating Tweah, Chie, and Nuquay for their involvement in significant corruption by abusing their public positions through soliciting, accepting, and offering bribes to manipulate legislative processes and public funding, including legislative reporting and mining sector activities.

As part of this action, their immediate family members are also designated, including their spouses Delecia Berry Tweah, Abigail Chie, and Ruthtoria Brown Nuquay, and Tweah and Nuquay’s minor children.

MONROVIA – Liberia’s crucial October elections are fast approaching, accompanied by dynamic developments in the lead-up to the polls. One such development is the recent announcement by United States Secretary of State Anthony Blinken regarding a visa restriction policy aimed at individuals involved in “undermining democracy” in Liberia, both leading up to and following the October elections.

By: Gerald C. Koinyeneh – gerald.koinyeneh@frontpageafricaonline.com

In a statement released by the U.S. State Department on Wednesday, Secretary Blinken invoked section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, announcing that the United States will impose visa restrictions on those believed to be responsible for or complicit in undermining democracy in Liberia. This includes individuals engaged in manipulating or rigging the electoral process, using violence to obstruct freedom of association and peaceful assembly, employing measures to hinder political parties, voters, civil society, or the media from disseminating their views, or participating in any activity designed to improperly influence election outcomes.

Secretary Blinken clarified that certain family members of these individuals may also face these restrictions. Those who undermine democracy in Liberia, spanning the lead-up, during, and after Liberia’s 2023 elections, may be deemed ineligible for U.S. visas under this policy.

 “The visa restriction policy announced today will apply to specific individuals and is not directed at the Liberian people or the Government of Liberia. The decision to impose visa restrictions reflects the commitment of the United States to support Liberians’ aspirations to have free and fair elections that demonstrate the will of the people and strengthen democracy and the rule of law,” Secretary Blinken announced.

Meanwhile, as the U.S. Secretary of State was making his announcement, Deputy Assistant Secretary for West Africa at the Bureau of Africa, Michael Heath, was landing in Liberia to hold discussions with stakeholders, including Liberian government officials, the National Election Commission (NEC), political parties, and civil society representatives.

Addressing the Liberian media after his meetings, Heath expressed his appreciation for the open and focused discussions on ensuring the upcoming elections’ success. He commended the candor displayed by government officials, civil society leaders, political parties, and the NEC, highlighting the strong bond between Liberia and the United States and the commitment to a free, fair, and peaceful election process.

Heath also applauded President Weah for pledging his government’s commitment to ensuring a “free, fair, transparent, peaceful, inclusive, and credible election” at the UN General Assembly.

He said the U.S. government fully supports this commitment and encourages Liberia to honor the 2023 Farmington River Declaration, promoting a nonviolent electoral process.

Who Are the Targets?

The U.S. visa restriction policy, as outlined by Secretary Blinken, has generated extensive public reactions. Blinken clarified that the policy focuses on specific individuals and does not target the Liberian people or the Government of Liberia.

Deputy Assistant Secretary Heath further explained during a press conference at the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia, saying: “The 3C Visa Restriction Policy covers anybody who undermines the democratic process of the elections, and this can be pretty much anybody who engages in activities that could undermine that process. Some examples could be if somebody is trying to steal a ballot box or somebody who tries to access computer servers that contain data that was uploaded, if someone incites violence against journalists, or against election observers or poll workers, that will be considered undermining the electoral process.”

The visa restriction announcement comes amid escalating tension leading up to the elections, characterized by heightened concerns and vocal claims from various political figures, particularly officials and supporters of the opposition Unity Party. Notably, Senator Prince Y. Johnson, a former warlord and prominent ally of Unity Party’s candidate Joseph Boakai, made statements that sparked widespread condemnation, although he later clarified his intentions.

Amb. Boakai, former vice president and the UP-standard bearer warned it would be the end of Liberia if the ruling CDC steals the election. “…that’s why you need to protect it. If they think they’ll steal this election, you will not allow it because if they do it, that’s the end of this country,” said the 78-year-old former Vice President on his campaign trail.

They both later said their statements were not associated with violence, and affirmed their commitment to a peaceful process. However, the UP has taken the NEC to the Supreme Court over its failure to publish the final registration roll.

President Weah, reacted to allegations of potential vote-rigging in the forthcoming election during a thanksgiving service held for him upon his return from the UN General Assembly, said he is willing to step aside should he lose the election.

However, he warned that the country would not return to days where rebel checkpoints were erected, while at the same time cautioning his political counterparts to desist from threatening war.

Announcement garners reactions

The visa restriction policy, as announced by Secretary Blinken, has sparked widespread reactions in the public space.

Isaac Jackson, a supporter of the CPP and former official of the UP-led government said the visa restriction announced by US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, is in response to the threats emanating from UP Standard Bearer, Joseph Boakai and Prince Johnson.

“I was bewildered to have heard Oldman Boakai – the man who takes absolute delight in abrogating to himself the title of ambassador – issue threats recently to subvert Liberia’s democracy when he asserted that “Liberia will end if the elections were rigged against him,” Jackson said.

In response to the U.S. visa restriction policy, the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) expressed its support, urging Liberians to prioritize national interests over political affiliations. The PUL warned both the Liberian government and opposition political parties to refrain from making inflammatory statements that could jeopardize peace. It reminded journalists affiliated with politically owned media outlets that they are not exempt from the visa restriction policy, particularly those using their platforms to attack opposing candidates.

While Liberia boasts a vibrant media landscape, some media institutions and journalists have openly aligned themselves with political parties, using their platforms to advance partisan agendas.

Mr. Philipbert Brown, publisher of the Hot Pepper Newspaper, raised controversy by suggesting that foreign interventions had influenced past presidential elections in favor of the Unity Party, sparking discussions on the role of foreign actors in Liberian politics.

Government Welcomes Announcement

The Government of Liberia welcomed the U.S. visa restriction policy as “reinforcement of President George M. Weah’s commitment to building a democratic society grounded in respect for the rule of law, free expression, and fair elections.” The government said it believes the U.S. statement will help ease public anxiety surrounding the upcoming democratic exercise, particularly in light of recent incendiary political rhetoric.

With less than two weeks until Liberia’s elections, experts anticipate that the U.S. visa restriction announcement may contribute to reducing heightened tensions and inflammatory rhetoric that have characterized the lead-up to the polls.