Mounting public pressure over his luxurious quest for US$96K has led Liberia’s Commerce and Industry to resign less than a year after taking office.
Amin Modad suffered from public backlash after it was revealed and established that he requested US$96,000 and bought a luxurious 2024 Chevy Suburban vehicle for himself.
Modad’s action sparked weeks of controversy as many Liberians viewed his action as a glaring indictment of public waste, corruption, and an impediment to national development.
National stakeholders, including activists, talk-show hosts, opposition politicians, officials of the ruling Unity Party, where he once served as Chairman, lashed out and turned their back on him, demanding that the former Minister clarifies how and what led to his acquisition of such a luxurious vehicle.
Some members of the Rescue Mission, a political slogan popularly used by the Unity Party and pro-Boakai supporters, could not support their colleague as a cross-section of the party leadership criticized Modad’s quest for luxury as a Former Minister of Commerce and Industry.
Minister of Commerce and Industry Amin Modad is now the first high member of the Presidential Cabinet to leave the stage of national leadership since the inception of the Unity Party-led government by filing a letter of resignation after being pressured by the public and reportedly compelled by President Boakai.
The Unity Party (UP) government under the presidency of Joseph Boakai continues to be confronted with calls to take steps to minimize corruption.
A day before Minister Amin Modad filed his letter of resignation, Verity News witnessed a scene at the seat of the Presidency where civil society actors had gone, demanding the President to take drastic measures against corrupt officials.
Civil Society groups demanded President Boakai either dismiss officials who refused to declare their assets or demand them to do so.
The resignation of Amin Modad align with calls that President Boakai takes action against his cabinet for acts unbecoming of a public servant.
Upon his arrival from the UN General Assembly, President Joseph Boakai made a bold statement: “I can ride a wheelbarrow to the Executive Mansion, I Don’t Care”.
He made the statement to highlight his stance on his fight against corruption even at his detriment.
Even though Minister Modad has resigned while there were speculations about his dismissal, pundits see this as welcoming and believe it will send a message to other government officials to take heed. But the question being asked is that what will also happen to Mr. Dorbor Jallah who dished out said cash to Modad? Will there be any thorough investigation as the public is requesting? Many Liberians are still watching to see what the president will do.
