By Elbie Sebleh
MONROVIA: The Minister of Commerce and Industry, Amin Modad, has been charged with contempt by the House of Representatives for impeding legislative functions.
According to the Legislature, Minister Modad lied to members of the Lower House that he had earlier planned to travel. The Legislature said gave the response the first time he was summoned to appear before the House Plenary to answer questions relating to the increment of price of rice in the country.
The Lawmakers said, the response obstructed and impeded their functions.
According to Rule 4.1 of that body, “Contempt Shall consist of actions which obstruct the Legislative functions in discharge of its functions and is punishable to a fine of not less than US$5,000 or one month imprisonment.
Minister Modad was expected to appear before plenary on Tuesday(May 28, 2024) to provide further information concerning the increment of the 25kg bag of rice, but later wrote a communication to the House of Representatives, asking for an appeal due to his engagement on a government related trip to the Gambia.
However, the Lawmakers said, contrary to his communication, the Minister later appeared before House on Thursday (May 30, 2024) and disclosed to the Honourable House and disclosed that his planned trip was cancelled and he never travelled out of the country.
At the same time Minister Modad has been asked to appear before plenary on Tuesday (June 4, 2024) by 10:00 am with his lawyer and necessary documents of his trip cancellation.
It can be recalled that weeks ago, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry announced a pending increase in the price of rice due to several factors.
In that release, the minister stated that based on continued discussion with the importers and other stakeholders, it was agreed that adjustments would be made after reviewing other cost drivers that would necessitate further engagements.
Subsequently, the President, His Excellency, Joseph N. Boakai, met with the rice importers and other stakeholders; predicated upon evolving possibilities, he took a decision that there will be no increase in the price of rice on the market.
Meanwhile, the government and rice importers still remain engaged in addressing their concerns, particularly regarding the increasing costs of doing business and bottlenecks as raised by them.
