2 Mins Read
The issue of solicitation of ‘flexibility fees’ for the confirmation of presidential nominees has once again surfaced within the corridors of the Liberian Senate. Authorities at the upper house have vehemently denied its existence in the 55th Legislature, asserting that anyone offering money “will be doing so at their own risk.”
In a brief statement dated February 29, 2024, the Senate announced, “It has claimed the attention of the Liberian Senate that certain unscrupulous individuals are in the habit of using the names of senators to solicit funds from nominees under the pretense of negotiating for their confirmation hearings.”
This statement follows reports in local media alleging that some senators were requesting money from presidential nominees to facilitate an easy path through the confirmation process.
While the exchange of cash and gifts for job opportunities, favorable consideration of allotments, and passage of concession agreements and bills has been a norm over the years, the 55th Legislature appears to portray itself as flawless.
During the immediate past CDC government, it was widely reported that top officials, including the first Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, were allegedly involved in exchanging substantial amounts of cash for jobs, not only within the Executive Mansion but also within the former ruling party hierarchy. However, they never publicly acknowledged such occurrences.
Under the administrative leadership of Grand Bassa County Senator Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence, a key ally in President Joseph Boakai’s Unity Party Alliance, the Senate issued a resolute statement. “At no time has any senator solicited funds from any nominee for the purpose of confirmation and will never do such. All confirmations by the Liberian Senate are based on the qualifications and suitability of nominees without the payment of cash to any senator,” the statement emphasized.
The National Code of Conduct Act unequivocally forbids bribery in any form, with both the giver and receiver deemed culpable under Liberian law. The Senate’s statement further cautioned alleged or potential givers of money to secure favorable vetting by senators, stressing that any such action would be “at their own risk.”
Therefore, the Senate concluded, “Any nominee giving money to anybody for the purpose of their confirmations will be doing so at their own risks.” The announcement was signed by Alfred Z. Johnson, Director of the Press and Public Affairs Department of the Liberian Senate, on behalf of the Senate.