Monrovia, Liberia– In a damning report, former Auditor General John S. Morlu sheds light on the alleged $1.23 billion “stolen” during the 12-year administration of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, a period marred by accusations of rampant corruption.
According to Morlu, the document reveals not just the extent of financial mismanagement under Sirleaf but also the subsequent cover-up by the previous administration led by President George M. Weah.
The Corruption Scandal
As the narrative unfolds, it becomes apparent that the Weah administration, despite its initial outcry against Sirleaf’s mismanagement, opted to maintain the status quo rather than launch a thorough investigation into the alleged financial misconduct.
The refusal to audit Sirleaf’s administration, despite mounting evidence of fraud, has placed the Weah government in the crosshairs of public criticism.
Morlu’s account paints a picture of a government paralyzed by internal conflicts and power struggles.
Morlu asserts that, Weah, initially keen on investigating Sirleaf’s tenure, was reportedly swayed by key figures within his administration, including Emmanuel Shaw, Archie Bernard, Lenn Eugene Nagbe, and Archie Bright, to avoid pursuing an audit that could have potentially unraveled a web of corruption.
The Role of Justice Minister Dean
The former GAC boss disclosed that ex-Justice Minister Frank Musa Dean failure to push forward with critical fraud investigations further complicates the narrative.
“Despite initial support for these investigations, which could have recovered up to $600 million for Liberia, Dean’s reluctance to act decisively has drawn sharp criticism. His perceived weakness and avoidance of responsibility underscore a broader issue of impunity that has plagued Liberia for decades,” Morlu asserted.
The Asset Recovery Team: A Missed Opportunity
Morlu recounts an offer from President Weah to lead an Asset Recovery Team, tasked with tracing and recovering stolen assets.
However, Morlu’s insistence on transparency—specifically, a demand for Weah to publicly disclose the sources of funding for his 40-unit complex—resulted in the proposal being shelved.
The lack of political will to tackle corruption head-on has left many Liberians disillusioned with their leaders.
The Fallout and Public Sentiment
As accusations continue to fly, with CDC members now expressing regret for not holding the previous administration accountable, Liberia stands at a critical juncture.
The revelation of the $1.23 billion stolen and the subsequent cover-up by Weah’s government represents a significant breach of public trust.
The implications are profound, as Liberians, both at home and abroad, grapple with the reality of a nation deeply entrenched in corruption.
The allegations against both the Sirleaf and Weah administrations highlight a broader systemic issue that transcends individual leaders.
The call for a revolution against the deep and corrupt state resonates with many Liberians who are tired of seeing their country exploited by a select few.
As Morlu and others in the diaspora demand accountability, the pressure mounts on President Joseph Boakai to take decisive action against corruption, not just within his administration but across the entire political spectrum.
Liberia’s future hangs in the balance as the nation faces its most significant corruption scandal in recent history.
The onus is now on President Boakai to restore public confidence by addressing the allegations head-on and ensuring that those responsible for looting the state are held accountable.
