MONROVIA-The Liberia National Lottery Authority, the statutory authority that regulates lottery and all betting games such as casino in Liberia, head may be heading into allegation of bribery from some companies if this proves to be accurate.
Already, its former head, martin Kollie was suspended by president Weah for administrative reason and brought in Mr. Neved P. Kortu as acting head. But before that, there have been series of concerns from various betting companies that there were too many request made by senior officials at the entity to different betting entities.
Reports from the entity say that the laws which regulate betting activates in the country, is being flouted to seek the interest of other new entrants into the market.
The entity head is alleged that he is looking out to the highest bidder to grant permit to operator. According to the law, a casino is to be four miles radius apart. There is one in mamba Point, one in Congo Town and one on the airport. Btu the new casino has its office in Sinkor Airfield, which does not meet the requirement.
But there are allegations that the head has received over ten thousand united States dollars from R. S. Multiplex entity, a company which wants to operate in Liberia.
In a communication addressed to the Chairman of the board, Mr. Titus Charley, from Mr. Kortu said among others that they are seeking for the board’s approval to grant license to operate.
According to the letter, R.S. Multiple has met all the requirements and only needed the board’s approval. The company is to operate a Casino around Airfield in Sinkor.
From Mamba Point, there is Oceanic Casino and a new one wants to be set up Sinkor Airfield; which is said to be less than four miles radius according to the survey carried out by an independent group.
Due to this, the lawyers of Oceanic Casino, Jones and Jones law firm have registered their opposition to granting any license to R. S. Multiplex. It said this falls within the four miles radius and at such , it should not be granted. ( Please read the letter of opposition to granting)
When Mr. Kortu was contacted for confirmation, he denied: “ I came to government to work and I am getting pay. Why will I take bribe? But who told you that I took bribe? He asked.
He continued: “Is it Oniyama that told you he bribed me? Is that what Oniyama is telling you?” Oniyama is said to be the owner of R.S. Multiplex, but under the direct supervision of his son, Alvin Oniyama.
This paper responded: “Are you saying you have not received a dime from him or from anyone in the Casino business in Liberia? He said: “My friend, I came to government to work and I am getting pay. I am satisfied with what I am getting. Anyone who says they bribe me, let them show the proof.”
“But I will speak to you later as I am preparing to go play football. Tomorrow, I will be going out of town. I will check my schedule and get to you.” The board is expected to meet this week to act on his letter of request.
Investigation continues:
Alphonso Toweh
Has been in the profession for over twenty years. He has worked for many international media outlets including: West Africa Magazine, Africa Week Magazine, African Observer and did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Times, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He is the current correspondent for Reuters
He holds first MA with honors in International Relations and a candidate for second master in International Peace studies and Conflict Resolution from the University of Liberia.
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