Following the donation of pick-ups to the Government of Liberia by Mittal Steel, Catholic Justice and Peace and Commission (JPC) Executive Director Cllr. Augustine Toe has indicated that the donation from the world’s largest company is another means of bribery intended to soften anything that will not be in its favor.
The JPC Boss noted that during the regime of late President William V. S. Tubman, Firestone served as the pepperbush for True Whig Party, while former President Charles Taylor used Oriental Timber Company (OTC) for the similar motives.
He suggested that the 100 new pick-ups donated by Mittal Steel marks the beginning of good relationship but may put the interest of the Liberian people at risk.
Cllr. Toe stressed wondered why should a company that has not begun generating revenue from its mining activities provide assistance to lawmakers of the State and the Police, recalling that we saw it during the Tubman, Tolbert and Taylor regimes when concession companies were used to offer gifts to policymakers to weaken and make them have their own will at the disadvantage of the masses.
Observers however wonder why the administration of President Doe was not indicated by the learned human rights lawyer, terming his historical review as fraught with biases.
He wondered why lawmakers should accept the cars without asking questions about the where their sources, noting that some recipients are very proud to own them, after those gifts, but asked if it was decent for the lawmakers to take gifts from Mittal Steel.
Speaking in Monrovia over the weekend, Cllr. Toe averred that acceptance of the cars has put the interest of the country at serous risk, and that Liberians should expect anything from Mittal Steel because lawmakers have mortgage their rights in exchange of cars.
In reaction, however, Deputy Information Minister for Public Affairs, Hon. Gabriel Williams, clarified that the cars donated by Mittal Steel were not intended for lawmakers but the Executive branch of government.
He, however, indicated that although the 100 pick-ups donated and is now perceived to have been turned over directly to the National Legislature has surfaced, it was done with the consent and approval of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, against the backdrop of their involvement into agricultural activities during the ongoing break.
Deputy Minister Williams stressed that the cars donated should not be viewed as bribery from Mittal Steel but a goodwill gesture in support of Liberia’s reconstruction process.
He reiterated the stance of the Unity Party-led administration in encouraging true and strong partnerships, especially with concession companies that stand to provide job opportunities for thousands of Liberians, as opposed to enriching government officials.
Hon. Williams concluded by cautioning individuals involved in the castigations to beware of the adverse consequences upon the rebuilding process, when every effort is being exerted by national government to attract investments into the country.
“We cannot afford to get all of what we need; so, others who come to our aid must be appreciated, rather than frightening them to suave from the developmental path.
Bong County Officials Exonerated From Embezzlement Scandal
Bong County officials have reportedly been exonerated from allegations of embezzlement of US$147,927.17 intended for the rehabilitation of the Haindii road in Fuamah District, Bong County.
The General Manager of MAK Incorporated, a local engineering company contracted to build the12 miles road, yesterday exonerated the Bong County officials, including the Legislative Caucus, from widespread allegations of embezzling the funds.
It had been rumored that the Bong County Legislative Caucus along with other local officials had allegedly connived with the contractor to misapply the development fund that had since been disbursed to implement the project.
This summarily led to threat of lawsuit by the Legislative Caucus against the management of MAK Incorporated, culminating to the latest development in relations.
In a letter dated September 21, 2008 and addressed to the Bong County Legislative Caucus, chaired by Hon. George Sylvester Mulbah, the management of MAK Incorporated exonerated the officials of the miscalculation.
The letter read in part: “I write to refute the ugly rumors that has over the past months circulated in media outlets around that country that I, Aaron George, General Manager of MAK, Inc. promised or made a promissory note to the Auditor General or to a local newspaper that I will provide him/them names of officials from Bong County with whom I have shared US$147,927.17. I wish to categorically deny such a rumor.”
According Mr. George, since these allegations surfaced several months ago, he decided not to go to the press because it was not the forum to resolve such issue.
He added that since the issue had begun tarnishing the good reputation of many good people for whom he has great respect, it was only fair that he provide a true picture to the public.
Mr. George narrated, among other issues, that his company received a check from Fuamah District GOL/BMC Escrow Account in the amount of US$147,927.17 for the rehabilitation of a 12-mile Haindii Road, based on a communication signed by the then Chairman of the Bong County Legislative Caucus, Senator Jewel Howard-Taylor.
According to him, at no time did he share any money with anyone from the county, including the US$147,927.17, lest indicating the Bong County Legislative Caucus or other officials of the county.
He used the occasion to challenge anyone, including the Auditor General’s report, to prove that MAK Inc. did not do any work on the Haindii road project.
MAK Incorporated, according to General Manager George, is a reputable company that does not engage into unscrupulous business practice and has since implemented quality jobs in Bong, Gbarpolu and Bomi counties without any problem.
He called for harmonious working relations with the Bong County Legislative Caucus and other officials of the county in the successful implementation of the road project.
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