By: Frank P. Martin
MONROVIA: Liberia’s leading political commentator, Henry Pedro Costa, has again joined the many voices to alarm over a possible international sanction, targeting some members of Liberia’s 55th National Legislature.
Costa, known for his critical stances on national issues, announced during his Podcast on Saturday, November 2, 2024, that based on sources within the U.S. Treasury Department, several Liberian lawmakers may be sanctioned in December for their alleged involvement in corruption, embezzlement, and “pay-for-play” schemes.
Costa: “Vice President Koung is part of the plot to remove the Speaker. Jeremiah Koung is a dangerous man. Mark my words: On December 9, 2024, don’t be surprised when some lawmakers are sanctioned by the United States for corruption and pay-to-play practices. Some might mock this warning, but only a fool would ignore it. This is the same thing we warned the CDC folks about before, when we told them sanctions were coming, and they brushed it off as a lie. It’s embarrassing that elements within the CDC continue to disregard former President George Weah. This needs to stop,” he expressed.
If confirmed, he added, these sanctions would represent a significant intervention by the U.S. in Liberia’s political landscape, shining an international spotlight on alleged misconduct within the Legislative Branch of government.
According to Costa, the U.S. Treasury has compiled a list of lawmakers accused of misappropriating public funds and engaging in unethical practices. He averred that the list reportedly stemming from prolonged investigations into the activities of certain Liberian politicians.
The anticipated sanctions would come amidst a deeply divisive and volatile effort within the Lower House (House of Representatives) to remove House Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa, a move which has divided lawmakers into rival camps, intensifying political tensions.
Currently, there are some 44 lawmakers who have aligned against Speaker Koffa, challenging his authority and calling for his removal. However, 29 members of House of Representatives are backing the leadership of the Speaker, and have urged Koffa not to resign.
The minority bloc amidst claims that the Speaker is conflicted, accused those in the ‘majority bloc’ of receiving bribes to unseat Speaker Koffa.
Allegations have surfaced that members of the anti-Koffa bloc were offered up to US$25,000 each, with an initial US$15,000 payment already delivered.
Costa: “”The fight against the Speaker is destined to fail. Every attempt to remove the Speaker or the Pro-Temp has traditionally been orchestrated by the Presidency, but this time, the Presidency isn’t involved—I speak with authority on this. This is precisely why Fonati will survive. This entire ordeal is being driven by the CDC and certain elements within the Unity Party.”
Moreover, to further complicate the situation, Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah last Thursday joined the anti-Koffa bloc, drawing from Koffa’s supporters and creating tension within the opposition political party, Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), to which both Fallah and Koffa are executive members.
The bribery allegations have ignited widespread public outcry, with citizens decrying what they perceive as a betrayal of trust by their elected representatives.
In particular, Rep. Marie Johnson of District #2, Grand Gedeh, has faced significant backlashes from her constituents, led by local activist, James P. Karmee Jr., who has called for an investigation into her alleged involvement in the bribery scheme.
Karmee has voiced frustration over the perceived erosion of Liberia’s democratic principles, emphasizing that bribery is a felony under Liberian law and condemning Rep. Johnson’s alleged acceptance of funds to support the removal of Speaker Koffa.
“We, the people of Grand Gedeh, will not stand by while our representatives use their positions to enrich themselves at our expense,” Karmee stated in a public address.
“This behavior is an embarrassment to the democratic values we hold dear, and it violates both our trust and the law,” Karmee emphasized.
Karmee and other local leaders have organized a petition to gather signatures from District#-2 voters, aiming to initiate impeachment proceedings against Rep. Johnson.
Meanwhile, the potential U.S. sanctions are expected to coincide with celebrations of International Anti-Corruption Day on December 9, 2024, symbolically reinforcing the international community’s commitment to combating corruption worldwide.
Analysts note that these sanctions, if enacted, could have severe implications for Liberia, including increased scrutiny from foreign governments, possible restrictions on U.S. aid, and heightened pressure on President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s administration to address corruption within the government.
Notably, Pedro Costa, a prominent whistleblower credited with revealing prior corruption within Liberia’s governance system, has corroborated the reports of impending sanctions.
Following the alarming bribery allegations against the lawmakers, coupled with public pressure, the State-owned Liberia’s Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has launched an investigation into the bribery accusations against the lawmakers involved in the campaign to unseat Speaker Koffa.
LACC Chairperson, Alexandra Zoe, stated that under Liberian law, public servants are prohibited from accepting bribes, and that any lawmakers found guilty of engaging in such activities will face prosecution.
“This is a serious offense against the state, and we are committed to uncovering the truth and holding those responsible accountable,” Zoe declared.
“No one is above the law, and the Liberian people deserve a government that serves them with integrity,” Zoe told the Voice of America recently in an interview.
