In a recent development that has stirred the political landscape, the Commissioner General of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), Dorbor Jallah, admitted before the Senate that he has not yet declared his assets.
This admission came during a Senate hearing on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, confirming a report by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) highlighting the widespread non-compliance of government officials with asset declaration laws.
Appearing before the Senate, Jallah, along with other LRA commissioners, faced scrutiny over their compliance with asset declaration mandates. When questioned, Jallah stated, “I have not declared my assets, but I am in the process.” This statement is particularly concerning given that Jallah has been in his position for nearly four months since his appointment, confirmation, and commissioning into office.
Dorbor Jallah, who has garnered public support for his advocacy for transparency and accountability, now finds himself on a tightrope, potentially facing criticism under the Code of Conduct for Public Officials, which strictly mandates asset declaration.
The LACC recently disclosed that only 45 out of over 500 government appointees who have complied with asset declaration requirements, representing a meager 15% compliance rate. This revelation has sparked significant controversy and a war of words between government officials and the LACC.
Deputy Information Minister for Technical Services, Daniel Sando, responded vehemently to the LACC’s report. He criticized the anti-graft body’s handling of the matter, accusing LACC Chairperson Cllr. Alexandra K. Zoe of politicizing the issue by announcing the findings on a radio talk show rather than through formal government channels.
Sando suggested that the LACC’s report lacked accuracy and could be politically motivated.President Joseph Boakai has made the fight against corruption a cornerstone of his administration, emphasizing the importance of asset declaration.
Despite this, the delay by high-ranking officials, including Jallah, undermines these efforts and raises questions about the government’s commitment to transparency.
Sando argued that the delays in asset declarations are partly due to the LACC’s failure to provide clear and detailed guidance on the procedures.
However, Jallah’s admission contradicts Sando’s defense, indicating that non-compliance might be more widespread and systemic than previously acknowledged.
The President and his administration may need to take stronger measures to enforce asset declaration laws. This could include issuing a presidential order setting a firm deadline for all officials to comply.
Such a move would demonstrate a serious commitment to accountability and could restore some public trust in the government’s anti-corruption efforts.
In light of these events, it is clear that the LRA and other government bodies must prioritize transparency and adherence to the rule of law.Dorbor Jallah’s situation serves as a critical reminder of the importance of asset declaration in promoting accountability and combating corruption within the government.
