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    Ombudsman Reports Widespread Non-Compliance with Asset Declaration Laws Across Government Branches

    1 month ago

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    By: Christopher Bestman 

    Monrovia, Liberia — The Executive Director of the Office of the Ombudsman, Cllr. Findley Kangar, has issued a stark warning regarding the alarming level of non-compliance among public officials with the country’s asset declaration laws. Addressing the Ministry of information Regular Press Briefing, Cllr. Kangar revealed that the three branches of government are failing to fulfill their legal obligations to declare assets, prompting urgent calls for disciplinary action.

    Legislative Branch Under Scrutiny.

    According to Kangar, there are currently 29 members of the House of Representatives who have yet to declare their assets. In light of this, the Ombudsman has recommended that the Speaker of the House suspend these representatives until they comply with the asset declaration law. 
    Cllr. Kangar has emphasized that, during suspension, their salaries should be redirected towards the public interest, aligning with the principles of accountability and transparency.

    He further urged the legislature to adhere strictly to the law, citing Section 4.1 of the Code of Conduct, which mandates all public officials to obey the laws of Liberia at all times. The failure of representatives to declare assets as required by law has been duly documented, with their names submitted to the Speaker, who is expected to act accordingly.

    Senate Members Also Non-Compliant

    The Senate is not exempt from these issues. As of July 4, 2024, twelve senators have also failed to declare their assets. The Ombudsman has been coordinating with the Senate Pro Tempore to ensure these senators face suspension until they comply. These senators are identified as non-compliant include:

    Honorable Alex Tayler (Bomi County)
    Honorable Simeon Taylor (Grand Cape Mount County)
    Honorable Gboto Kanneh (Gbarpolu County)
     Honorable Zoe Emmanuel Pennue (Grand Gedeh)
     Honorable Thomas Y. Nimely (Grand Gedeh)
     Honorable Wellington Smith (Rivercess County)
     Honorable Crayton Duncan (Sinoe County)
    Honorable Nominine Batiquan (Grand Kru County)
    Honorable James S. Banning (Maryland County)
    Honorable Sir Joseph (Mantserrado County) Honorable Samuel Kogar (Nimba County)
    Honorable Bill Twary (River Cess County)

    The Office of the Ombudsman has formally recommended their suspension to the Senate Pro Tempore, expecting prompt action in line with legal requirements.

    Executive Branch Also Affected

    Within the executive branch, approximately 150 officials have yet to declare their assets. The Ombudsman has communicated directly with the President, urging compliance with the law. It is expected that these officials will be suspended until they fulfill their asset declaration obligations, consistent with directives from the executive leadership.

    Judiciary Shows Near-Complete Compliance

    The judiciary has demonstrated a commendable level of compliance, with most officials having declared their assets. However, four judiciary officials remain non-compliant:

     Her Honor, Sie-A-Nyene G. Youh, Chief Justice (retired)
    His Honor, Yusuf D. Kabba, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court
    Her Honor, James H. Wolokollie, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court
    Her Honor, Siennieh D. Clinton-Johnson, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court

    In response, the Office of the Ombudsman has written to Chief Justice Yamie Gbeisay, urging these justices to comply immediately. The office has recommended their suspension pending asset declaration and has imposed a fine equivalent to one month’s salary for each for their willful neglect of the law.

    Commitment to Transparency and Accountability

    Cllr. Kangar reiterated the Office of the Ombudsman’s commitment to ensuring that all public officials declare their assets and that these declarations are made accessible to the public. He emphasized that transparency is vital for good governance and the fight against corruption.

    The Ombudsman office continues to monitor compliance across all three branches of government, promising diligent oversight to uphold the integrity of Liberia’s public institutions.

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