While Liberia is witnessing assets disclosure upon declaration among major government officials, the Liberian Senate Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karngar-Lawrence is yet to follow suit.
Her colleague who leads the House of Representatives, Speaker J. Fonati Koffa mustered the courage by following President Joseph Boakai and Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koon to publish his assets on June 26, 2024 unlike her who only declared but didn’t publish her assets.
Critics believe Senate Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karngar-Lawrence action to only declare her assets without publication does not satisfy the true meaning of fighting corruption as a “Rescue Mother”.
It can be recalled the Senate Pro-Tempore during a press conference declared her assets but didn’t published, something that distinguishes her from other ranging government officials who have demonstrated this landmark.
Today, Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, Speaker of the House of Representatives published his assets upon declaration something yet to be seen from the Senate Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karngar-Lawrence who claims to part of the “Rescue Mission” that took power from the CDC government democratically.
House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa made public his declared assets with net worth of US$3.9 million plus LRD 76.5k.
Liberia’s third citizen who is the Speaker of the House of Representatives joined President Joseph Boakai and Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koon who published their assets, giving Liberia a new dawn of submerging leadership of accountability and transparency in governance.
President Joseph Boakai set a significant precedent in governance and public sector transparency by publicly disclosing his assets, income, and liabilities that were filed to the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) months ago.
Boakai’s decision to make his declaration of interests available to the public showcases his commitment to leading by example and upholding the highest standards of integrity in government operations, the Executive Mansion said.
“Transparency not only strengthens public trust but also underscores unyielding dedication to rooting out corruption and fostering a climate of openness and accountability,” the statement, signed by Presidential Press Secretary, Kula Fofana, indicated.
“The President reiterated the hope that in continuing to champion transparency and ethical conduct, his actions will serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for all Liberians, signaling an era of responsible and conscientious leadership that is committed in the nation.”
According to the information published on the presidency’s website, President Boakai’s net worth stands at $970,419, with $5,750 in cash on hand and funds deposited in the International Bank Liberia Limited, $5,750 cash on hand, and $57,037.35 and L$795,917.32 deposited with the International Bank Liberia Limited. Notably, the President does not hold foreign assets or bank accounts but has declared liabilities of $201,500.
Among the notable assets revealed by President Boakai, a lifelong agriculturist is his ownership of cattle valued at US$16,000. The president also reveals he has pigs valued at US$6,400.
In Less than 24 hours after President Joseph N. Boakai made his assets public, Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung followed suit.
Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koon has been lauded by organizations including CENTER whose statement posted on social media, called it “A Big Win for Transparency, Accountability, and the Fight Against Corruption in Liberia.”
The disclosure by the President and Vice President and Speaker J. Fonati Koffa who demonstrated his today is seen as a significant step towards greater transparency and accountability in Liberia.
It sets a precedent and puts pressure on other high-ranking officials to follow their lead.
The public now eagerly anticipates whether President Boakai will encourage his ministers and other government officials to make similar disclosures.
The actions of Speaker Koffa, President Boakai and Vice President Koung exemplify a commitment to high standards and accountability, setting a strong example for others to follow in the fight against corruption.
Unfortunately, the Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karngar-Lawrence is yet to do same even though her colleagues are monstering the courage to publish their assets.
The Liberian Senate under the Leadership of Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karngar-Lawrence has been faced with severe public scrutiny over allegations of over spending.
Recently, Reports of a purported $500,000 expenditure for what was claimed to be a four-day retreat (in reality lasting three days) have fueled skepticism about the Senate’s financial stewardship.
Senate sessions been delayed, one of which was abandoned since the scandal emerged, with closed-door meetings rumored to focus on retreat expenses.
It can be recalled, Senate leadership defended the retreat’s purported $50,000 cost, citing expenses covering accommodation, conference facilities, catering, staff allowances, transportation, and security.
“The Senate leadership challenged detractors to substantiate any contrary claims regarding the retreat’s expenditures.”
The unfolding saga has not only exposed potential financial mismanagement within Liberia’s Senate but has also prompted calls for comprehensive reforms to enhance transparency and accountability in governmental financial practices.
As public scrutiny intensifies, the Senate faces critical decisions on restoring public trust and ensuring responsible fiscal governance.
