Home EconomyCorruption Gongloe Blasts Lawmakers …Says Bribe Givers, Recipients Deserve Prosecution

Gongloe Blasts Lawmakers …Says Bribe Givers, Recipients Deserve Prosecution

by News Manager

MONROVIA: Renowned Liberian Human Rights Lawyer, Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe, has urged the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) to promptly initiate a thorough investigation into the allegations of bribery in the House of Representatives.

Cllr. Gongloe blasted that all Lawmakers who are alleged to be involved in acts of bribery should be promptly investigated, and if found liable, prosecuted within the ambit of the laws of Liberia.

Gongloe, former President of the Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA), asserted that both the giver and recipient of bribes, if found culpable, should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

The renowned human rights lawyer said “Bribery in government is not merely a crime; but it is a profound betrayal of public trust.”

“Moving forward, we must ensure that whistleblowers are both encouraged and protected, as they play a crucial role in exposing corruption and safeguarding our nation’s integrity,” he stressed.

According to him, the fight against bribery and corruption is fundamental to building a more transparent and accountable Liberia.

“Together, we must steadfastly defend the integrity of our government institutions,” he said.

Addressing a news conference over the weekend at his office in Monrovia, Cllr. Gongloe indicated that, this issue should not be ignored or concealed, as the betrayal of public trust has severe negative repercussions for our people.
Consider the fact that each of the 48 members of the total of 73 lawmakers in the House of Representatives received US$15,000, totaling US$720,000 or LD 136,800,000, it is tantamount to “criminal conspiracy,” he indicated.
He reflected on what such amount of money could have achieved for the Liberian schools and clinics.

“This is one of the reasons I am advocating for the elimination of graduation fees from Kindergarten to the University level in both private and public schools. Government is a place to serve, not to steal,” he reiterated.

Gongloe, a former Presidential candidate in the 2023 Presidential and Legislative elections, used the occasion to commend a courageous lawmaker, Luther Collins, who exposed the “unethical, unlawful, and criminal act of receiving US$15,000 in a conspiracy” to remove the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

The prominent lawyer noted that, this act of bravery by the whistleblower exemplifies integrity and accountability in public service, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to protecting the interests of the Liberian people.

He said Representative Collins’ actions align with the ‘Broom Movement’s Mission’ to eradicate corruption from the Government of Liberia, setting a commendable example for other lawmakers across Africa to follow in exposing such criminal conspiracies wherever they occur.

He stressed that, the revelation of this conspiracy necessitates immediate and decisive action.

Under Liberian laws, specifically Chapter 9, of the Code of Conduct for Public Officials and Government Employees, and Chapter 12 of the Penal Law, bribery is classified as a second-degree felony, punishable by up to five years of imprisonment.

The law unequivocally prohibits any public servant from receiving, soliciting, or accepting bribes in exchange for official actions or for neglecting their duties.

“In this case, the individuals involved in accepting bribes have directly undermined the principles of good governance and integrity essential for our nation’s progress. Section 9.1 of the Code of Conduct explicitly forbids public officials from accepting bribes or gifts that could influence their professional responsibilities,” he added.

Cllr. Gongloe also said similarly, Section 12.50 of the Penal Law of Liberia categorizes bribery as a second-degree felony. If proven, these actions constitute a grave breach of public trust and a blatant violation of the law.

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