The Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Sylvester Grisby, finds himself embroiled in a contentious situation as allegations of laws violation during the transitional period from the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) to the Unity Party (UP) administration surface.
The spotlight is on him as the Liberian Senate gears up to summon him for questioning regarding his actions.
At the heart of the controversy is Grisby’s alleged solicitation to the National Social Security Corporation (NASCORP) to procure vehicles for the transportation of VIPs from the Robert International Airport to the Inaugural site.
Senators Abraham Darius Dillon of Montserrado County and Amara Konneh of Gbarpolu County have brought these allegations to light, revealing that Grisby penned a letter to NASCORP’s Director General, Dewitt vonBallmoos, urging the purchase of a fleet of vehicles, amounting to thousands of United States Dollars.
The Liberian Senate, viewing Grisby’s actions as unlawful, points to violations of both the Public Procurement and Concession Commission (PPCC) and Public Financial Management (PFM) laws.
The Senate’s plenary decision to address this matter was prompted by a joint communication from Senators Konneh and Dillon, expressing their dismay over Grisby’s alleged transgression.
In their communication, the senators emphasized that pension funds should not be utilized for government operations.
They underscored NASCORP’s mandate to use pension funds for accruing interest and investments, cautioning against the exploitation of these funds for political gain.
Furthermore, they disclosed that each vehicle’s cost exceeds $100,000, raising eyebrows over the magnitude of the expenditure.
The lawmakers are adamant in their stance, calling for Grisby’s resignation and demanding the remittance of funds to the entity.
They advocate for a thorough investigation into the procurement process, questioning whether the vehicles were indeed purchased and, if so, their current whereabouts.
Additionally, they highlight the broader issue of government officials flouting laws with impunity, emphasizing the need for accountability and adherence to established legal frameworks.
As the controversy unfolds, the spotlight remains firmly on Minister Grisby, with calls for transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law resonating throughout the corridors of power.
The outcome of the Senate’s inquiry will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications, shaping public perception and influencing the trajectory of governance in Liberia.
