–Says, “We Have To Set Example As Leaders
By Our Staff Reporter
President Joseph Boakai has declared his asset at the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission. The President told curious journalists, “We have to set an example as leaders, and when we say things, we should do them…if we want to prosper in this country, we want to develop, we have to do the right thing.
Speaking to the nation during his speeches during campaign, Pres. Boakai told Liberians that he would be the first to declare his asset. However, the President is declaring his asset after 24 days in office.
Part X of the Code of Conduct, titled, “Declaration and Registration of Personal Interests, Assets and performance/Financial Bonds,” Section 10.1, titled, “Declaration of Assets and Performance Bonds,” sets the tone and procedure for declaring one’s asset.
The law states. “Every Public Official and Employee of Government involved in making decisions affecting contracting, tendering or procurement, and issuance of licenses of various types shall sign performance or financial bonds and shall in addition declare his or her income, assets and liabilities prior to taking office and thereafter…(a) at the end of every three years.”
With this provision, President Boakai was duty bound by law to have declared his asset before his inauguration, because the law demands that a public official must declare his/her asset before and after taking office.
Political pundits say the President stone-walked the Liberian people by not abiding by the law, and effectually violating it. Observers believe that Boakai has set a bad example by violating a body of law, which he criticized former President George Weah for not abiding by.
Another component of the asset declaration now shifts to President Boakai’s vow to publish his asset to show his income, assets, and liabilities prior to taking office. Liberians are eager to know how much money and properties and their values that the President is coming into office with.
More details to follow subsequently.
