The Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND) has called for the public disclosure of the ‘Budget Tampering’ report and the prosecution of those found liable for undermining public thrust by committing fraud in the appropriation process.
In a letter addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives Fonati Koffa, the pro-democracy advocacy organization expressed concerns over the recent allegations of budget fraud, which have resulted in the questionable reallocation of at least US$20 million.
STAND’s Chairman Mulbah Morlu commends the Speaker’s leadership in forming an investigative committee to address the matter. Morlu said his organization is troubled by the shielding of the investigation’s findings from public scrutiny.
“Altering an enacted law, such as the budget, without following proper legislative processes is considered forgery,” the letter states.
“Keeping the investigation’s findings secret creates an atmosphere suggestive of either a cover-up or collusion.”
STAND has notified the Speaker of the rising public belief that his office is attempting to protect high-ranking officials from both the executive and legislative branches who may be implicated in these budget-related crimes.
The organization has urged the Speaker to take firm corrective measures, including suspending the culprits from committee assignments while pursuing legal prosecution, and the dismissal or prosecution of any implicated members of the executive branch.
“This case presents an opportunity for the House to demonstrate its commitment to upholding the law,” the letter states. “Failure to act risks undermining the House’s core responsibility of providing checks and balances, further eroding its credibility.”
