House Committee on Claims and Petition on Thursday received a formal petition from a group of visually impaired citizens alleging poor leadership and financial mismanagement at the National Commission on Disabilities.
Chairman Prince Toles and Co-Chair Obediah Varney accepted the petition at the Capitol Building and told the petitioners the matter will be brought before the House Plenary on Tuesday for consideration and possible legislative action.
In the petition, the group accused NCD Executive Director Samuel Dean and his Deputy for Administration of failing to manage the commission in line with the government’s ARREST (Rescue) Agenda and of misusing funds earmarked to empower persons with disabilities.
The petitioners say US$200,000 was allocated for empowerment initiatives but that only US$25,000 was disbursed—US$250 each to 100 beneficiaries—and that the remaining funds were used for unauthorized purposes.
The petitioners emphasized that their action is not directed at President Joseph N. Boakai, Sr., nor is it politically motivated, but is intended to highlight leadership challenges within the NCD.
They also expressed regret over the use of inappropriate language by a few individuals during their protest and urged security forces to recognize that persons with disabilities are citizens seeking fairness and inclusion, not adversaries of the state.
Among their requests, the group called on the President to consider replacing the current NCD leadership with individuals who demonstrate competence, transparency and accountability in managing affairs affecting the disability community.
The House Committee assured the petitioners of a fair and transparent review process and reiterated the Legislature’s commitment to addressing the concerns of all Liberians, including persons with disabilities. The committee did not announce a timeline for any investigation or subsequent action beyond the planned presentation to the plenary.
