Margibi County Senator Nathaniel F. McGill is calling for a swift investigation into allegations of fraud, abuse of power, and corruption involving Commerce Minister Amid Modad.
Senator McGill announced that on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, his office will submit a formal communication to the Senate Plenary, urging the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) to launch an immediate investigation into the allegations involving the Minister of Commerce.
The Margibi Senator highlighted that this investigation will determine how the minister, who served as a board member, allegedly failed to settle a debt of US$400,000 owed to the former FIB (now SIB), which contributed to the bank’s bankruptcy, yet was able to acquire a yacht comparable in cost to one purchased by former President Tubman.
He further disclosed that the investigation must address the Liberia Revenue Authority’s (LRA) alleged unauthorized purchase of a vehicle for the Minister of Commerce, as the LRA, being a revenue collection agency, has no mandate to buy vehicles for any government official.
McGill stated, “He who comes to equity must come with clean hands.”
In response, the Minister of Commerce took to his Facebook on Sunday, September 22, 2024, stating that his integrity is intact and his commitment is unwavering.
“My integrity is intact and my commitment is unwavering. I was a successful businessman for more than 25 years. Public records show that I have owned boats, a beautiful home, and luxury cars for decades before becoming a Minister,” Minister Modad stated.
According to Minister Modad, his assets were declared on April 11, 2024, including his boat, which is not a yacht, as being reported.
“My assets, as declared on April 11, 2024, include a boat (not a yacht as being deceptively propagated). In fact, for the last 20 years, I have purposely published and posted on Facebook any new investment and all my projects so that no one could one day accuse me of acquiring them illegally or after assuming public office,” he highlighted.
He said, “No vehicle was purchased in my name or for me as an individual; all documentation linked to the vehicle purchased to support the revenue-generating functions of the ministry bears the name of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry and is owned by the Government of Liberia.”
Continuing, he said, “For transparency, when I do make a change, because I can afford it and I have nothing to hide, I’ll update my assets. I don’t need anyone or any business to buy my personal needs or a personal vehicle,” he highlighted.
According to the Commerce Minister, he did not risk his investments to assume a position for money.
“I did not fight for this change, risk my investments, and assume this position because of the money. I did so to ensure that we build a credible government and a vibrant, inclusive economy for future generations, including mine. To demonstrate my commitment to change, in light of the conditions we find the country in, and to support the President’s agenda, I was among the first ministers to declare my assets, cut my salary by 40% as the President did, and, as the record shows, I have refused all fees and compensation from all boards that I chair or sit on,” he stated.
According to him, he values his integrity and cherishes the unique privilege to serve his country.
“I value my integrity and cherish this unique privilege to serve my people. I remain resolute and will not be deterred. We are all accountable for our actions, and I’m prepared for any inquiry. Thanks to friends and supporters who continue to remain objective and supportive, despite the false narratives and deceptive posts from a few who thrive on discord, crisis, and the distress of others; some people in our society just enjoy bad news and watching others fall. However, God bless Liberia,” he noted.
