By Agnes M. Tarr, Legislative Reporter
House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa on Thursday January 25, 2024 seized a motion calling for the investigation of the source of the US$365,000 inaugural funds provided by President Joseph N. Boakai for celebration of the 73 political districts across the country.
Lawmakers want answers as to where the money comes from that President Joseph Boakai allegedly dished out to districts across the Country.
But Speaker Koffa noted, “The House’s leadership will seek clarity from relevant authorities before deciding how to proceed.”
During a debate on the floor of the Plenary, Montserrado County District #4 Representative Michael Thomas argued the need for checks and balances and urged his colleagues to establish checks and balances to prevent corruption. He also wants the august body to address the circulation of misleading information.
For his part, Lofa County District #3 Representative Momo Siafa Kpoto requested an investigation into the origin of the funds.
But other representatives have different views on the issue.
Reps. Sekou Kanneh of Montserrado County District #2 and Musa Bility of Nimba County District #7 debated that the funds distributed to the districts are not government funds, and as such they believe that there is no need for an investigation.
Adding his voice to the debate, Rep. Richard Koon said the source should not be investigated, noting that it
is the personal money of the Unity Party’s standard bearer. Rep. Yekeh Kolubah has raised alarm that President Boakai said he did not have money before becoming President, and therefore, he should explain any monies he gave to communities.
But Rep. Priscilla Cooper of Montserrado County District #5, who is also a member of the unity party, disagreed with her colleagues. She wants investigation.
She believes that an investigation is necessary to determine the whereabouts of the US$1,000 discrepancy between the amounts received by different districts.
It is against this back drop that the motion was seized by House Speaker Koffa to seek what he calls clarity from relevant authorities before deciding on the way forward.
