Monrovia – Liberia: The Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) CEO is under fire for a self-awarded Contract in the tone of $400,000 USD with Senators taking a stance.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) is facing scrutiny after reportedly awarding himself an annual contract worth $400,000 USD. Senator Francis Saidy Dopoh II raised the issue during a Senate session, alleging that the Acting CEO, Monie Captan, granted himself the contract despite holding a non-tenured position set to end in January 2024.
Senator Dopoh argued that Captan’s actions violated the 1973 Act establishing the Liberia Electricity Corporation and ran counter to Executive Order 123, issued by former President George Weah.
This order mandates that non-tenured appointees are considered resigned upon the inauguration, with senior civil servants assuming their roles. Captan’s dual roles as Acting CEO and Chair of the Board of Directors were criticized by Senator Dopoh, who emphasized that such positions are not subject to individual contracts unless approved by the Legislature.
“The situation is concerning,” stated Senator Dopoh. “Captain should not be treated differently from others who resigned in compliance with Executive Order 123.”
The controversy surrounding Captan’s self-awarded contract and dual roles raises questions about corporate governance and adherence to legal procedures within the Liberia Electricity Corporation.
Meanwhile, the Liberian Senate has mandated its committees on mines and Energy as well as the Judiciary to probe into the matter with an onward report.
The committees on Mines and Energy and Judiciary Chair by Senators Albert Chie and Agustin Chea respectively are expected to provide a comprehensive report in one week.
The one week as per the mandate by the Senate plenary will elapse the following week before the legislature ends its special session.
