Monrovia, Liberia – Cllr. Tiawan S. Gongloe has urged all Liberians to combat corruption by making bold and decisive changes.
Cllr. Gongloe addressed a huge gathering of Liberians over the weekend and suggested numerous legal changes to the country’s legal framework as a means of putting an end to corruption in both the public and private sectors.
Delivering on the topic: “Strengthening Liberia’s governance: ending corruption through accountability and legal reforms” over the weekend in the Zondo Town, Logan Town Community, Cllr. Gongloe described corruption as Liberia most persistent and destructive challenge.
The political head of the Liberian People’s Party suggested that amending the country’s constitution boldly and firmly would be the best way to eradicate corruption in Liberia.
“Amending our constitution to remove the immunity currently granted to the President of Liberia in cases of corruption and murder is one of the most important steps we can take. The nation’s highest office should be a beacon of honesty and accountability rather than a cover for illicit activity.”
Cllr. Urged Liberian to work together to amend the constitution of Liberia, saying that this will ensure that the President and all public officials are subject to the same laws as every other citizens.
He argued that Presidential immunity should only protect the President of Liberia when performing lawful duties as intended by the framer of the Liberian constitution, the people of Liberia.
Liberia ex-solicitor General recommended that the government also ensure that the country Criminal Procedures Law are strengthened by removing the status of limitations for corruption offenses. He warned that corruption should not be an offense that fades with time, allowing perpetrators to escape Justice.
“By making corruption prosecutable at any time, we send a clear message that no one, regardless of their position or the passage of time, is above the law. As we seek to chart a new course for Liberia, we can look to other African nations as example. Countries like Boatswana, Mauritius, Cape Verde,Zambia and Seychelles.”
The Liberian attorney claimed that these nations have made great progress in eliminating corruption and promoting truly popular governments. She also notes that these countries have leaders that uphold the rule of law with humility and a dedication to human rights.
He maintained that public service corruption is a cancer that has long afflicted Liberia, undermining the country’s democracy, eroding public confidence in institutions, and impeding the advancement that the country’s citizens so richly deserve. Corruption in public service can take many different forms.
“We must face a hard truth. The root of corruption often extend to the highest level of power. Historically, the illegal withdrawal of funds from our Central Bank, unauthorized spending by Ministers and executive authorities, questionable procurement process and even the unexplained deaths of auditors and political opponents have all too often been traceable to the office of the President of Liberia. These actions are not just violation of the law, they are betrayal of the public trust.”
The Lincoln Peace Foundation hosted an interactive Governance and Society debate on Friday with the theme “enriching the mind for a better society” through its Policy Advocacy Network.
Numerous residents of Montserrado County’s district #15, who attended the debate, promised to engage in policy advocacy to hold their government responsible.
Reported by: Prince Saah
Contact: +231778239813
Email: saahprince119@gmail.com
