Liberia: A Dangerous Trend against Corruption Fight

Feb 19, 2015 | All Africa
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A consultant hired by the National Legislature to craft the new oil law is a dead man and nobody knows what may have been responsible for his death. There are conflicting accounts about his death. Some Liberians have presumed that he may have drowned while others claimed foul-play. An autopsy has been conducted to know the actual cause of death but findings is yet to be released to the Police.

The Body Of Michael Allison was found on the beach on Friday, February 13, 2015 in the 5th Street community, behind Royal Air Maroc offices in Sinkor. Allison was found in his underwear with froth in his mouth. His mysterious death shocked the entire country and raises safety concerns amongst the population about the dangerous trend the fight against corruption is taken.

In Its First public reaction to the incident, the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has hailed Atty. Allison for his courageous role in the fight against corruption. In a release issued Tuesday, under the signature of Executive Chairperson, Cllr. James N. Verdier, Jr., the commission extolled Atty. Allison's invaluable partnership with the LACC which it emphasized will always remain a national flagship against corruption. Hence, the LACC extends its deepest condolence to the Allison family for the mysterious death of the whistleblower.

The Commission Called on all relevant government authorities, particularly the Liberia National Police (LNP) to commence a speedy and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Atty. Allison and perform an autopsy that would determine the cause of death. The LACC said it remains committed to the anti-corruption fight and assures the public that all cases of corruption including the Twenty Five Thousand ($25,000.00) involving the late Allison will be fully pursued to their logical conclusion.

Now That The deceased will not have the opportunity to testify before the LACC, one would presume that the Commission's task would be overcast by the lack of a potential witness [Michael Allison] who may have adduced pieces of evidence and other information essential to help LACC with the truth of the matter. At the time Allison was hired, the House of Representatives asked the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) to finance the cost of the consultancy of the new oil law, but NOCAL was not in the position at the time.

Therefore, Taking Into consideration that the consultancy was very important and the nationwide consultation on the two bills was just about to commence, House Speaker Tyler reportedly informed NOCAL that he would pay the consultant an upfront of 50% which will be US$12,500.00.

According To Reports, it was reportedly agreed upon by the Speaker and the Consultant that when NOCAL finally pays the US$25,000.00, the Speaker's money will be reimbursed by the consultant. Thus, a cash amount of US$12,500.00 was said to have been paid by the Speaker to Cllr. Allison.

Whilst We Don't know the actual cause of death, however, assuming that if Allison's death was a result of foul-play, then it marks a dangerous trend in the fight against corruption and scares people from making full disclosure.

This Is A perilous trend that could undermine the works of anti-graft institutions and makes public entities more corrupt and fiscal probity less relevant. Thus, there would be no need for transparency and accountability if the lives of individuals who want to fight graft would be at risk.

For Us, We have explicit confidence in the integrity of the LACC to do its work, but our qualm is with the manner in which our government is allowing impunity to saturate in our country. We hope with or without an autopsy report, the LACC would get to the bottom of the matter as it has already promised.