DoloqueeIn a recent letter to President-elect Joseph N. Boakai, Representative Yekeh Kolubah has highlighted the importance of adhering to the Code of Conduct to foster transparency within the governance system of Liberia.
Hon Yekeh Kolubah explained the Code of Conduct as follows:
Section 1.3.2 of the Code of Conduct defines bribery as any reward or inducement given to a public official for performing or refraining from performing official duties. It emphasizes that this includes anything promised, offered, given, accepted, or received by a public official for favors related to their duties.
Section 1.3.3 addresses casual gifts, allowing unsolicited presents of modest value to public officials, provided they are unrelated to official duties and do not exceed US$200. This provision excludes gifts given during cultural and customary celebrations.
Sections 9.1 and 9.2 emphasize that public officials should neither receive nor encourage bribes or casual gifts related to their official duties. Token gifts received must be declared to the appropriate authority within seven days, which will decide whether to retain the item or surrender it to the government.
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Representative Kolubah, while acknowledging President-elect Boakai’s credibility, emphasized the importance of practicing and exhibiting transparency from the onset of leadership. He suggested that initiating the enforcement of the Code of Conduct would set a precedent for others to follow.
The letter specifically raised a request for the declaration of the source of a donation made by President-elect Boakai. Representative Kolubah clarified that this request was not aimed at undermining the charitable act of assisting the victims of the Totota tanker explosion incident. Instead, it highlighted the need for transparency even before assuming the official seat.
The letter emphasizes the importance of sticking to the rule of law, particularly in a leadership role that holds influence, especially in the investment sector of the country. By embracing and enforcing the Code of Conduct, President-elect Boakai has the opportunity to lead by example and instill a culture of transparency within the government.
In closing, Representative Kolubah expressed sentiments of highest anticipation, signifying a hopeful expectation for a response that upholds the principles of transparency and ethical governance.
