Liberia: Pro-Democracy Advocate Calls for International Sanctions on Liberian Lawmakers Amid Bribery Scandal - FrontPageAfrica

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Ontario, Canada—Mr. Stanley Quaye, Executive Director of the International Corruption Watchdog, is urging the U.S. government and its allies to impose sanctions on Liberian lawmakers involved in a bribery scandal aimed at removing House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa. 

Mr. Quaye alleged that several legislators accepted bribes totaling $25,000 each for their support in the effort to oust Speaker Koffa.

“I urge the United States government to promptly place all lawmakers involved, including those who provided the funds, on the global Magnitsky sanctions list,” Quaye stated in an interview with FrontPage Africa.

He emphasized that the actions of these lawmakers violate Chapter 9 of the Code of Conduct for Public Officials and Government Employees, as well as Chapter 12 of the Penal Law, both of which criminalize bribery and carry a maximum prison sentence of five years.

The controversy escalated on October 17 at the Capitol when a faction of lawmakers attempted to remove Speaker Koffa but faced fierce opposition from his supporters, leading to a chaotic scene.

In a dramatic twist, Rep. Luther Collins of Gbarpolu County confessed to receiving a bribe of $25,000, including an upfront payment of $15,000, to support the resolution against Speaker Koffa. 

He aired his accusations via video, alleging that he joined the group solely to expose their corrupt activities and had no intention of backing the Speaker’s removal.

Rep. Collins’s revelation was supported by an aide who described the anti-Koffa lawmakers as “rebels,” asserting that the plot was orchestrated by Hon. Thomas Fallah and Vice President Jeremiah Koung, who opposed an audit initiated by Speaker Koffa. 

“They gave each person $15,000 upfront, with the remaining amount promised later,” the aide claimed, providing a list of lawmakers who allegedly signed on to the effort to remove the Speaker.

Mr. Quaye criticized the bribery activities, stating that they reflect poorly on the Liberian legislature and undermine its democratic integrity. He noted.

“This situation not only undermines Liberia’s democratic values but also sends a clear message to the international community that members of the Liberian Legislature are not committed to accountability, transparency, and nation-building,” Mr. Quaye asserted.

Meanwhile, as the alleged scandal unfolds, calls for accountability and integrity within Liberia’s government continue to mount.