Conflicting signals are emerging from within the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission regarding the status of its probe of the Liberia Telecommunication Authority.
LACC Executive Chairman Alexandra Zoe told Oracle News Daily the agency has completed its investigation based on the General Auditing Commission’s forensic audit of the LTA’s former administration, particularly concerning allegations of misapplication of public funds by former Chairperson Edwina Zarkpah.
However on Monday investigators were still reaching out to people of interest for written statements. Oracle understands individuals and groups with competing interest have infiltrated the investigative process and that two separate reports with dissimilar contents are in circulation.
Chairperson Zoe firmly denied rumors that the LACC submitted its findings to President Joseph Boakai, labelling such claims as false and unfounded.
“It is a misconception perpetuated by rumor mongers that the LACC has submitted a report to the president’s office,” she told the Oracle News Daily in a phone interview.
“According to the law that established this institution, we are required to proceed with the indictment of any suspected individuals before a report can be presented to the president.”
Cllr. Zoe said any individual claiming that the LTA report had been sent to the president’s office must provide proof of their assertion.
“I am the only person authorized by law to report to the president’s office, and that is contingent upon an indictment being served,” she said.
The LACC is currently engaged in a broad investigation into financial misconduct within government agencies, focusing not only on the LTA but also on ongoing cases related to the Central Bank of Liberia and the Ministry of Finance.
There is a growing concern that certain faction within the Unity Party seeking to control state owned enterprises is attempting to manipulate this investigation for political gains.
Reports suggest that these party members and associates aim to sway the investigation to unseat the acting chairman of the LTA, alleging a suppression of dissent by Acting Chairman Abdullah Kamara.
On the morning of February 12, Unity Party’s leaders, led by Vice Chairperson Senator Daba Varpilah, met with LACC officials to discuss the party’s position on the LTA probe. Prominent members present included former Secretary-General Mohammed Ali, Cornelia Kruah-Togba, and UP Youth Chairperson Melvin Cephas.
According to people familiar with ongoing maneuver, Knowing that audit evidence could be insufficient to oust the Acting Chairman of the LTA, the interested UPA faction is frantically pushing for LACC agents to publically arrest Kamara to solicit negative sentiment that pile pressure on President Boakai to remove him.
The LACC is expected to announce any potential indictments during the next midterm court session.
