-Recommend Other Stringent Punishments
By Lawrence T Hoff
Several Stakeholders at a LACC Regional Consultation gathering in Buchanan have outlined numerous recommendations as supportive means of defeating Corruption under the CDC-led Government.
Amongst the recommendations disclosed at the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission one day forum, the Stakeholders called for the seizure of Corruption perpetrators’ Assets, expulsion from Public Offices and make the “Public Enemy” a Non-biddable Crime under the Law.
The Stakeholders who converged from Rivercess, Bomi, Gbarpolu, Margibi and the host Grand Bassa also stressed the passage of Whistle Blower’ Bill into Law, Anti-Corruption should be taught at Schools, establishment and Decentralization of special Court for Corruption Cases should be prioritized as well as Ten to Fifty (10 – 50) years imprisonment for Perpetrators and also decentralized LACC office.
At the same time, the participants pointed out Public Officials Assets declaration before and after assuming Office, thus overwhelmingly agreeing that Lack of “Political Will” has contributed to the low gains made in the fight against corruption since the genesis of Liberia as a state.
According to the Deputy Chairman of LACC, Cllr. Kanio Bai Gbala, the National Anti-Corruption Consultative Meeting is the Liberian Government’s approach through the LACC to improve the Legal Framework in the Fight against Corruption.
Cllr. Bai Gbala in the overview explained that enhancing Citizens’ confidence and participation is the appropriate method in re-shaping the general public perception about corruption; an approach he said will tackle the destroying impacts of the national “vampire” (Corruption).
“Our being here today is an evidence of President Weah’s proclamation made during his inaugural address and the state of the nation address to tackle corruption through stronger Laws and Political Will; adding it requires collectivism.
The one day gathering held on Thursday, September 3 in Grand Bassa Capital, Buchanan also hosted the Chairperson of the Anti- Corruption Commission, Austin Ndubusi Nwabudike, the Superintendents of Rivercess, Margibi, Gbarpolu along with other Officials of the Local Counties Administration, Civil Society individuals and County Youth groups.
Some key topical discussions held were, Political Will and Its impacts, LACC and Civil Society Partnership, Political Cost-freedom and Rule of Law; and improving the Legal Framework in fighting Corruption.
During such interaction, it was identified that Corruption destroys trust, undermines democracy, strangulates economic Development and further exacerbate inequality, poverty, social division and environment crisis.
The Liberia Anti-Corruption gathering was a scene of “heart touching” presentation from three facilitators including Cllr. Abraham Simpson, Counsellor-At-Law and Mr. Jefferson Knight LAC-United Methodist Church Human Rights Monitor amongst other Facilitators.
Also addressing the participants, the Anti-Corruption Institution Chairperson, Austin Ndubusi Nwabudike applauded the Citizens for such zest displayed by them to join the LACC and other Liberians end the National Disease; thus admonishing them to remain committed Ambassadors.
He said, by doing such; Liberia will rise above age old systemic situation.
Similar Regional Consultative Meeting was held in Zwedru, Grand Geedeh County and Gbarnga, Bong County.
Meanwhile, it was agreed upon that the recommendations will form part of the LACC presentation to National Government for the holistic Development of the Frame Work to end the Systemic ill in the State.
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