MONROVIA: Nimba County Representative, Musa Hassan Bility, says President Boakai’s decision to audit the previous government shows his commitment to be held accountable for his government’s actions, which is commendable.
He said the preliminary reports of the Senate’s system audit reveal that people must be held accountable for their actions.
In his Facebook post early Friday August 2, 2024, The Nimba County lawmaker said it is essential that those accused prove their innocence before the law.
“Otherwise, six years from now, we will be right here pointing to this very moment and calling it a witch hunt. We can’t continue like that the law must take its course because doing otherwise is simply not to be considered
He also noted that, when President Weah took office in January 2018, there was hope that the fight against corruption would begin as he had promised during his inaugural address.
According to him, many people, including those who believed the previous government was corrupt and those who felt unfairly accused in the outgoing government, were excited.
Representative Bility however said on his Facebook page that, a year later the Weah government decided against conducting a comprehensive audit of the previous government without providing a clear explanation for the change of mind.
“Now, six years later, the Boakai Government has decided to prosecute members of the previous government based on the Auditor General’s reports, alleging acts of corruption. As an official of government, I have had access to some of the audit reports covering the last six years, and as a Liberian, I am deeply troubled by the amounts” he said.
He further said that, any ways in which money was allegedly taken from national coffers. If these allegations are true and the government ignores them it would be failing the people who suffer due to lack of medical attention, food, shelter, and education.
“Concerning the arrest of former officials and the former president’s reaction, I believe that the timing was inappropriate” he said.
He stressed that, given the seriousness of the allegations, he expected the former president to call for a swift and transparent adjudication of these matters.
“Terming the process flawed at the beginning seems disingenuous and appears to politicize a legal process He noted.
He said those accused have legal options to address any violations of their rights or legal procedures.
“We must be intentional about fighting corruption to prevent our country from sliding into a circle of impunity,” he indicated.
