MONROVIA: Tough-talking Senator of Gbarpolu County, Amara Mohammed Konneh, who is Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, says depending on how President Joseph Nyuma Boakai will handle the transaction of the 285 earth-moving equipment, the Yellow Machines transaction will define his (President Boakai’s) legacy.
Senator Konneh made the statement via his Facebook Page on Friday, July 12, 2024, following President Boakai’s official communication that he sent to the Senate, the Upper House of the Legislature, on the acquisition of the ‘yellow machines.’
President Boakai on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, submitted a letter to the Senate, under the subject: “Acquisition Process of the Yellow Machines.”
President Boakai, in his letter, told the Senate that he recognizes and respects the role of the Legislature in the ratification process, and as such, will do nothing to undermine its authority.
The President further explained that the Executive Branch of Government is “scrupulously pursuing the acquisition process for the machines, guided by principles of transparency and good faith.”
The President further informed the Senate that the initiative of acquiring the machines “originated from a conversation between him and a longtime friend,” who shares the commitment to the ARREST Agenda as such, his “friend was moved by the spirit of solidarity and strong desire,” to participate in the implementation of the development agenda of the country.
The President revealed that his friend, therefore, offered to provide the equipment in “good faith and on a gentleman agreement.”
President Boakai, in his communication, also assured the Senate that he will submit the necessary documentations for the machines to the Senate as soon as the negotiation is completed.
He informed the Senate that no financial commitment has been made by the Government of Liberia and “not a dime” has been made on the machines.
“To date no funds from the Liberian Treasury has been expended on the project, the first batch of the equipment that arrived in the Country was shipped at the expense of the supplier,” the Liberian leader said.
According to the President, if the contingency for successful negotiation fails to yield a mutually beneficial agreement, the supplier maintains the right to reclaim the equipment either to sell them within the Liberian Market or re-export them.
According to President Boakai’s letter, “if the negotiation is successful, maintenance zones will be established in each county while the county will receive requisite number of machines for road construction and maintenance, thus guaranteeing the accelerated opening up of the entire country for speedy development.”
However, Senator Konneh, who is also former Minister of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), on his Facebook page wrote that the President’s letter has given more to reflect on, as it emphasizes that the Senate must thoroughly examine the content of his letter.
The Senator also underscored the need for careful and thoughtful engagement “on matters of national importance to prevent conflict of interest and unnecessary noise.”
According to Senator Konneh, the President’s letter also urges them (Senators) to “carefully consider the reasoning behind the possession of the machines” at the Freeport of Monrovia by the government led by a Cabinet Minister in the President’s office while negotiations are underway and the decision to store them at a national security facility even though the equipment are privately owned.
Additionally, the Gbarpolu Senator highlighted that “it is crucial to address whether it is appropriate for the President to enter into informal agreements with a close associate on behalf of the nation.”
Senator Konneh:” Who is the friend, and what exactly is his relationship to the President? Understanding this is important for transparency, good governance, and the President’s anti-corruption agenda.”
“Depending on how he handles the transactions, these yellow machines could define President Boakai’s legacy,” Senator Konneh stated.
According to the Gbarpolu Lawmaker, the President’s advisors do not seem to be helping him on the matter.”
He, however, expressed sincere appreciation to President Boakai for the communication to the Senate and assured the President that his (Boakai’s) “transparent and open communication is greatly valued.”
Meanwhile, the Plenary of the Senate has mandated the Senate Executive Committee and Senate Pro-tempore, Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, to be in contact with the Executive Branch of Government while the negotiation process of the machines is being completed and thereafter have the Senate notified on the matter. Writes Linda Gbartie
