Gov’t Gets Tough On NHA Boss, Others

-Banned Them From Leaving Liberia While Undergoing Bribery Investigation

In an effort to erect checkpoint against corruption in the country, criminal Court “A” at the Temple of Justice has issued what it calls a ‘writ of Ne Exeat Republica’ on the Managing Director of the National Housing Authority (NHA), his deputy for administration, Tugbeh C. Tugbeh, and Augustine Weah, a pruported representative of GELPAZ Construction in Liberia for allegedly soliciting and paying of bribes, respectively.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Justice over the weekend signed by the Maude M. Somah, the Director of Public Affairs, the three individuals will not leave Liberia until investigation into their alleged action is resolved.

“The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) wishes to emphasize that the solicitation, offer or acceptance of anything of value as consideration for the rendition of public service constitutes bribery, a felonious offence punishable under Subchapter D, Section 12.50 of the Penal Law of Liberia. In this connection, the Ministry of Justice affirms that the ongoing investigation into the conduct of Messrs. Duanah Siryon and Tugbeh C. Tugbeh, Managing Director and Deputy Managing Director of the National Housing Authority, respectively.

“The two officials along with Mr. Augustine Weah, purported representative of GELPAZ, a company interested in the construction of 5,000 low cost housing units, are reportedly heard of tape discussing the solicitation of bribe in the names of public officials for the performance of their official duties,” the MOJ release said.

The release further said the government officials mentioned in the recording categorically reject any suggestion that Messrs. Duanah Siryon, Tugbeh C. Tugbeh and Augustine Weah acted on their behalf or with their consent.

“At the conclusion of the investigation, anyone found culpable will be duly prosecuted,” the release added.

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