IPNEWS: The second ‘Movers and Shakers’ Annual Awards, under the auspices of the Independent Probe Newspaper, is takes place on Friday, January 24, 2025.
The 2024 ‘Movers and Shakers’ Annual Awards, was drawn-up through a digital online voting system capturing a total of 17,260 votes.
14 categories of nominees were voted for constituting an overall voting average of 84.7% high than previous year 2023.
Those exciting honorees are arranged in the categories of: Man of the Year, Outstanding Politicians of the Year, Outstanding Liberian Businesses of the Year, Best performing Public Enterprise, and Best performing Government Agency.
Others awards expected to be given includes: BEST PERFORMING GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL, Best Business Man of the Year, Best Performing Concession of the Year, Best Pro- Democracy Champion of the Year, Outstanding Law Enforcement Agency of the Year, Best Female Politician of the Year and Best Senator of the Year.
| Nominees | Awards Categories |
| Hon. Cllr. Jonathan Fonati Koffa, Speaker, House of Representative, Republic of Liberia | Man of the Year |
| Cllr. Tiawon Saye Gonglo, Simeon Freeman, and Hon. Cllr. Jonathan Fonati Koffa | Outstanding Politicians of the Year |
| SEGAL, and ADMA – Africa Development Management Associates | Outstanding Liberian Businesses |
| LWSC, NPA and LPRC | Best performing Public Enterprise |
| CSA and EPA | Best performing Government Agency |
| Ministries of Finance and Development Planning, and Labor | BEST PERFORMING GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL |
| Upjit Singh Sachdeva | Best Business Man of the Year |
| ArcelorMittal Liberia | Best Performing Concession of the Year |
| CENTAL and National Civil Society Council of Liberia | Best Pro- Democracy Champion of the Year |
| Liberia National Police | Outstanding Law Enforcement Agency of the Year |
| Pro-Temp Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence | Best Female Politician of the Year |
| Amara M. Konneh, Nathanel F. McGill, Gbehzohngar Milton Findley, Abraham Darius Dillion | Outstanding Senator of the Year |
- Man of the Year:
Hon. Cllr. Jonathan Fonati Koffa, Speaker, House of Representative, Republic of Liberia, stance to upholding the Constitution and the Rules of the House amidst threats of members of the ‘majority bloc’ seeking his removal, sought to use the Court system as required under all good Democracies to seek the interpretation of the highest court, i.e., the Supreme Court of Liberia through three separate writs (writ of prohibition, Mandamus-Alternative Writ and Bill of Information).
Speaker Koffa stated, “I am standing firmly on the side of the law and will remain resolute in ensuring that no group of members can subvert the Constitution of the Republic of Liberia or the established rules of the House. We intend to take further legal actions in the coming days to assert our rights within the framework of the law. I will not resign in the face of such callous disregard for the legal process,”
- Outstanding Politicians of the Year
In the category of ‘Outstanding Politicians of the Year’, three are three nominees, including Cllr. Tiawon Saye Gongloe, Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, and Simeon Freeman.
A. Counsellor Tiawan Saye Gongloe, a veteran statesman and human rights lawyer, was one of few of the 20 presidential candidates in the 2023 elections with a detailed plan to fix Liberia’s problems. Cllr. Gongole continued to advocate for a ‘Better Liberia’ through a Strategy to ‘Fight Corruption in Liberia’, which aims to strengthen the rule of law, combat corruption, and implement an economic policy focused on decentralizing the economy and promoting youth employment while expanding the government’s revenue base. He claims that these strategies will serve as the guiding principles for the national reform and renewal he intends to lead.
“There will be zero tolerance for corruption under a Gongloe Government. In the first 100 days, a thorough review of all audit reports conducted by the General Audit Commission (GAC) will be carried out. This review will determine prosecutions and make recommendations on cases that may be statute-barred.” Cllr. Tiawon Saye Gongloe.
B. Cllr. Jonathan Fonati Kofa, as Speaker of the 55th Legislature, in his first 100 days in office ensured the acting on major instruments with the most popular one being the establishment of a ‘War and Economic Crime Court.’
The Speaker Koffa upon singing the instrument, said ‘just for the Liberian people it was important to ensure that those who committed crimes pay for their deals which he described as a great deal for Liberians as it will end impunity’.
Under Speaker gavel, the House voted to establish a War and Economic Crimes Court nearly 21 years after two conflicts between 1989 and 2003 which witnessed widespread atrocities including massacres, rape, and the use of child soldiers.
Other major instruments were the approval of House of Representatives for audit by the General Auditing Committee (GAC) in a move to enhance accountability. Openly agreed to declare and publish assets (Speaker declared assets); the House returned to Executive Draft NationaI Budget for FY-2024 to enable the President to include his ARREST in the Budget; the House implemented enrollment and renewal of National Identification Cards for Lawmakers and Staffers.
Others are the House summoned CBL Governors to address circumstances regarding how much was left in the CBL Reserve by the immediate past government; the House constituted a Specialized Committee on Drugs, Rehabilitation and Reintegration; the House cited LTA boss to interpret President Boakai’s Youth Development Plans (to explain how effectively 10,000 young people will be trained in various digital skills); the House mandated its Committees on Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and Maritime to investigate the reported crisis between NaFAA and LAFA.
The House also agreed to conduct employees payroll audit to ensure transparency and accountability; requested audit from General Auditing Commission (GAC); agreed to GAC’s proposal of System Audit; the House convened an emergency leadership meeting on February 12, 2024 to address the persistent protests by wives of Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) personnel reviewed a Bill to amend the Aliens and Nationality law of 2022; House Plenary instructed its joint Committee on State Owned Enterprise and Public Utilities to investigate the acute LEC power outage; the reported interruption in the supply of electricity by LEC.
Also, Plenary of the House mandated its Committees on Investment & Concession, Mine & Energy, Contract Monopolies, Judiciary, Good Governance and Labor to probe China-Union (Hong Kong) Company limited and China-Union Investment over alleged failure to live up to its Mineral Development Agreement (MDA); the House reviewing possibilities to revitalize the Agriculture Bank of Liberia; the House cited Ministry of Education to provide update about Government Compulsory Primary Education and Special Inclusive Education for the Deaf and Visually Impaired; to avoid government from shutdown, the House approved President Boakai’s US$ 41.3 million budget request to cover government’s operations for the month of February 2024.
Under the leadership of Speaker Koff, the House voted to punish Bea Mountain over various violations; the House also reviewed draft law to create Railway Transport; the House reviewed draft law to establish Liberia National Tourism Authority; the House also reviewed possibilities to employ all supplementary teachers; the House probed American Missionary Lucas Richards ‘Not Guilty’ Verdict; the House reviewed draft law to establish the Technical Vocational Educational Training Program; appointed ECOWAS Parliament Delegation; designated delegation on Global Parliamentary Forum and reviewed the possibilities to establish Paynesville Community College. Among others.
C. Simeon Freeman, political leader of the Movement for Progressive Change, who continued to advocate for strong economic and political stability for Liberia through capital investment projects and undertakings by Government. Recently proposed to the Boakai-led Unity Party Government to invest US$75 million if the government is serious about lifting Liberians out of poverty. He emphasized that with proper support, the agriculture sector could attract more investors, leading to a significant boost in the country’s economy.
Freeman insists that by investing in the agricultural sector would create more jobs and enhance food security in post-war Liberia, especially partnership with private investment, could help revitalize Liberia’s economy.
3. Outstanding Liberian Businesses of the Year, was awarded to SEGAL, and ADMA – Africa Development Management Associates, for the outstanding performance as Liberian Business competing with other international institutions and organizations across the globe.
- Security Expert Guard Agency of Liberia (SEGAL), gear towards providing world-class solutions in Electronic Security Instillations of CCTV cameras and setups both internally and externally. Also provide Bank Protection by offering professional non armed security services to financial institutions around the country and the subregion. SEGAL further provide private/VIP Security. For Cooperate Security, SEGAL offer affordable and reliable services for cooperate entities around the country. Furthermore, SEGAL offers Diplomatic Protection, with trained and dedicated security experts that are capable of handling and ensuring that diplomats are safe. Importantly, SEGAL offers Aviation/Marine Security.
ADMA – Africa Development Management Associates, dedicated to providing Advisory Services with expert guidance in public and corporate policy, strategy planning, and economic cooperation. We excel in fostering government and corporate relations, managing reputations, and facilitating international trade and investment.
ADMA is a highly committed Team of Associates with requisite capabilities in two key developmental pillars: Development Diplomacy and Development Programming. The Team has proven professional and technical competencies and experiences in formulating and managing national and regional development and diplomatic policies, strategies, initiatives and institutions in Africa. Our services are offered in three areas deploying best-practice and innovative solutions: {a} Studies and Research; {b} Technical and Professional Advisory and Mentoring Services; and Human and Institutional Capacity Building.
4. Best performing Public Enterprise, was awarded to the LWSC, NPA and LPRC
A. LWSC, under Mo Ali, Managing Director of the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC) repaired the 36-inch Pipeline for the supply of water to Central Monrovia, including areas such as Mamba Point, West Benson Street, Crown Hill, Capitol Hill, among others which have not experience water supply since March 1990. The crafting of the Liberia Urban Water Supply Project (UWSP), in May 2024, to increase access to piped water supply services in the project area in Monrovia and improve the operational efficiency of LWSC, especially by connecting at least 63,000 household of at least 44 percent female), and at least 48,500 people in urban areas with an improvement in non-revenue water from a baseline value of 65 percent in 2014 to at least 58.8 percent in 2021.
B. National Port Authority (NPA), implemented Payroll and Operational Reforms. Under the visionary leadership of Hon. Sekou A. M. Dukuly, the Management Team of the National Port Authority (NPA) continues to drive robust reform measures to foster transparency and accountability.
In July 2024, the NPA introduced the disbursement of live checks to over 2,000 employees and contractors across all ports, including:
📍 Freeport of Monrovia
📍 Port of Buchanan (Grand Bassa County)
📍 Port of Harper (Maryland County)
📍 Port of Greenville (Sinoe County)
Key Objectives of the Initiative:
✅ Eliminate non-existent (ghost) names from the payroll
✅ Ensure accurate and transparent salary disbursement
✅ Verify the legitimacy of all employees on the payroll
✅ Prevent future reactivation of non-legitimate employees
✅ Strengthen systems, procedures, and processes for operational efficiency
This proactive measure underscores the NPA’s commitment to institutional integrity and its determination to modernize Liberia’s port operations.
C. LPRC: The Liberia Petroleum Refining Corporation’s (LPRC) achievements over the past 11 months, under its Managing Director Amos B. Tweh was remarkable with significant progress by underscoring the vital role of collaboration, strategic decision-making, and adherence to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s vision for the petroleum sector.
The LPRC under Hon. Amos Tweh saw major accomplishments, particularly stabilizing Liberia’s volatile petroleum market and reducing pump prices.
Prior to his takeover, many doubted the ability of current Managing Director, Amos Tweh, however, Hon. Amos during Tweh’s tenure, LPRC now has expanded its storage capacity, with an additional construction of a 17,000-metric-ton storage facility for petroleum products underway and expected to be completed by August 2025, also includes a state-of-the-art testing laboratory.
The new storage facility will maintain a steady supply of petroleum products in the long term. In addition to this, the laboratory will ensure that all imported petroleum products meet the country’s national quality standards to safeguarding the Liberian market and consumers as the LPRC regulate product quality.
The LPRC under Hon. Amos Tweh, signed the ‘Collective Bargaining Agreement’ (CBA), amid at improving staff welfare and addressing salary disparities.
5. ‘Best performing Government Agency’, CSA and EPA are both recipients of this awards.
A. CIVIL SERVICE AGENCY (CSA), determination upon appointment by President Joseph Boakai to eliminate ‘ghost workers’ from the government payroll is remarkable. The Civil Service Agency (CSA) says it has made transformative strides in 2024 toward fostering a more accountable, efficient, and transparent civil service for Liberia, especially institutionalization of the Employee Status Regularization Project (ESRP) aimed at addressing longstanding issues related to payroll integrity and operational efficiency.
The CSA under the care of Hon. Josiah F. Joekai, Jr. Director-General, also instituted through the ESRP, a data-driven that provides critical insights into the civil service’s educational, demographic, and gender distribution, and inaugurated the National Civil Service Testing Center, a computer-based facility that elevates the recruitment process through standardized assessments to ensure hiring is conducted based on competency, skill, and knowledge, setting a new benchmark for professionalism and fairness in public sector recruitment.
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), The EPA under the leadership of Dr. Urey-Yarkpawolo, launched a nationwide campaign against illegal dumping and created waste management systems in both cities and rural areas. ✓ Fighting Pollution: The EPA launched a nationwide campaign against illegal dumping and created waste management systems in both cities and rural areas.
Climate Change Adaptation: The agency secured international support to implement projects that helped vulnerable communities adapt to climate change. Thousands of Liberians benefited from these initiatives.
Environmental Monitoring: Increased monitoring led to a 20% reduction in illegal logging and mining.
Policy Reform: New environmental policies were introduced to improve governance. The EPA also attracted additional funding from global partners to expand its programs.
6. ‘BEST PERFORMING GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL’, is shared with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Labor and Finance and Development Planning
- Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sara Beysolow Nyanti Liberia was instrumental in the retrieval of thousands of Liberian Diplomatic Passport bringing back the respectability and confidence of the Liberian passport globally. Also, during the tenure of Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti, at least 600 foreign Government, International Corporations, UN, ECOWAS, African Union, Multilateral Organizations, including the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, have all presented letters of credence to the government of Liberia under the Leadership of H.E. Joseph N. Boakai, President of Liberia.
- Finance Minister, Augustine K. Ngafuan: Under the leadership of Liberia’s Finance Minister, Augustine K. Ngafuan employees of the Government of Liberia now received their salaries on or before the 24th of every month beginning November 2024.Govenemnt now set the minimum wage for each public servant to USD 150.00
- Labor Ministry: The Ministry of Labor under the direction of Cllr. Cooper Kruah vigorous heightened revenue collection and control, resulting into collection of US$3,865,378.88 (Three Million, Eight Hundred Sixty-Five Thousand and seventy cents), from the Alien permit Registration, exceeding the projected revenue target for the 2024 budget year, by generating over USD $8.5 million through the Division of Alien Registration and Liberianization.
Many businesses and individuals have operated in Liberia for years without proper work documentation. Under Minister Kruah’s stewardship, the Ministry intensified it efforts to ensure that no foreign national works without a valid permit—just as Liberians are required to comply with similar regulations when working abroad. The MOL is ensuring that all work places including Diplomatic missions, NGOs and INGOs, Concessions, ECOWAS Citizens and all Business institutions are in compliance. This enhanced enforcement efforts have significantly contributed to the increase in revenue.
8. ‘Best Business Man of the Year’, goes to Businessman, and Chief Executive Office of Jeety Rubber LLC, Upjit Singh Sachdeva, who saved over 900 Liberians jobs after buying the Salala Rubber Corporation (SRC) from its previous owner Socfinaf S. A.
The company shutdown following a protest that led to the burning of its property and death threats against the General and Plantation Managers who made an immediate decision to shut down the company and lay off over 800 workers of which about 300 who were newly employed received their end-of-service benefits in accordance with Liberian Law. The Salala Rubber Plantation has new built and placed operational free school with over One thousand students fed free each day.
Additionally, Businessman Upjit Singh Sachdeva, or Jeety, fees over 1,500 street kids each day in densely Monrovia.
9. ‘Best Performing Concession of the Year’, is ArcelorMittal Liberia, for its massive USD $7 million revamping of the Vocation Training Center (VTC) in Yekepa which is providing transformational technical skills and career opportunities to Liberian youth. With its top-notch training facilities and qualified faculty, the VTC, now known as the ArcelorMittal Training Academy, offers three-year diploma programs in Machining and Fitting, Electrical and Mechanical disciplines.
ArcelorMittal has provided USD $40 million for the reconstruction and pavement of the Ganta-Yekepa Highway—a stretch of road that has been in a deplorable state, especially during the rainy season. The road is currently being paved with asphalt with the construction of several huge bridges over streams and creeks, a condition that created impediments to commuters and communities along the road.
From the economic standpoint, AML can be credited for reopening the Liberian iron ore mining sector after almost two decades of dormancy and now the company provides the single largest export contribution of about 15% of Liberia’s GDP. Million annually.
AML payments from royalties, taxes, and other payments to GOL in recent years are approximately US$30-35M . Overall, AML has so far contributed $300 million to GOL towards royalty, direct & indirect taxes, and other payments.
AML and its contractors have provided at least 3000 good-paying jobs in Liberia, contributed on an average of about $100 million annually to various suppliers, $3 million per annum for community development fund with $42 million paid in total towards community development, and it provides $200,000 annually for an advanced scholarship program for Liberian students from which 48 students have benefited.
On the $800 million expansion deal that is before the Senate for ratification, AML is expected to provide the largest Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the George Weah Administration which will create 2000 new jobs for Liberians during the construction phase of the concentrator beginning in 2022 and 1,200 permanent new skilled jobs after commissioning of the concentrator in 2023.
11. ‘Best Democracy Champion of the Year’: CENTAL and CSO, voice remain loud in the protection of Democracy. Recently, both CENTAL and the National Civil Society Council of Liberia, both criticized President Joseph Boakai for his comments in support of public corruption.
12. ‘Outstanding Law Enforcement Agency of the Year’, Liberia National Police, continued to actively perform its duties regardless of limited logistics. Upon the resumption of Commission Coleman, as Police Inspector General, armed rubbery cases and incidences have all reduced drastically across the country. Police visibility across the country has improved, including the welfare of police officers with officers seen publicly being fed while on major special duties across Liberia.
13. Female Politician of the Year: Pro-Tempore’ Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, under her gavel as Pro-Temore’, passed 13 legislations, eight ratifications, one amendment and four enactments.
The 55th Senate also Senate confirmed a total of 950 officials of Government which comprised an associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia. The Senate also ratified the road agreement between the Republic of Liberia and African Development Fund for the Mano River Union Road Development and Transport Facilitation Program Phase IV. Approved financing agreement for governance reform and accountability, transformation project between the Republic of Liberia and the International Development Association (IDA).
Other achievements of the Senate under her gavel is the ratification of the financing agreement for Liberia Electricity Sector that will ensure the strengthening and access project phase two under the multi-phase programmatic approach between the Republic of Liberia and the International Development Association, including the approval of a financing agreement for the second additional financing for the Rural Economic Transformation Project between the Republic of Liberia and International Development Association.
14. Senator of the Year: Amara M. Konneh, commitment to transparency is further demonstrated by the PAC’s initiation of public hearings on around 180 audit reports from the Auditor General. These hearings are a testament to the Senate’s dedication to promoting financial accountability and transparency. By scrutinizing these reports, the Senate aims to ensure that public funds are used appropriately and that any financial mismanagement is addressed.
Another significant issue Konneh has raised is the practice of the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) issuing guarantees on non-performing loans, advances, deposits, and lawsuit liabilities associated with Sapelle International Bank Liberia Limited (SIBLL) and Bloom Bank. He has expressed concern that these guarantees could increase the CBL’s contingent liabilities and negatively affect its reserve position. As the custodian of Liberia’s monetary policy, Konneh believes the CBL should avoid functioning as a charity for insolvent banks, particularly foreign-owned ones, to maintain financial stability.
Konneh also introduced several key legislation aimed at improving governance and ensuring a smooth transfer of state power. These include the Presidential Transition Act of 2024 and the Former Presidents Benefits Act. These legislative efforts are designed to facilitate a transparent transition process and provide long-term benefits to former presidents who have completed their terms in office.
Another area of concern for Konneh has been the use of pension funds by the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP). He has been actively following up on a communication he sent with Senator Dillon of Montserrado in April regarding the use of pensioners’ funds to purchase vehicles for the Ministry of State. Konneh stresses the importance of ensuring that pensioners’ money is used properly to safeguard their fixed income in retirement and uphold good governance practices.
Konneh’s efforts also include addressing the status of various loan agreements that Liberia has entered into with international financial institutions. In collaboration with Senator Francis Dopoh of River Gee, he expressed concerns about the impact of these agreements on the nation’s development. The rising national debt, which grew by 15.3% to $2.3 billion by the end of December 2023, poses a significant challenge. Konneh is working with the Committee on Ways and Means and the MFDP to gather necessary information and address the debt issues effectively.
Furthermore, Konneh has led an Adhoc Committee investigating contracts related to Customs Destination Inspection with MedTech Scientific Dubai and Container Tracking (CTN) with Global Tracking & Maritime Solutions. While the investigation into the MedTech contract continues, the CTN contract has been thoroughly reviewed. The committee has recommended a comprehensive renegotiation of the CTN contract to improve transparency, contract terms, and financial management, ensuring that the services are cost-effective and beneficial to the Liberian economy.
On local matters concerning Gbarpolu County, Konneh has made significant strides in addressing illegal mining activities. In April, he, alongside Senator Botoe Kanneh, brought attention to illegal mining by Chinese nationals and their Liberian collaborators. Their efforts led to the indictment of two Chinese-owned companies for economic sabotage, tax evasion, and criminal conspiracy, marking a significant victory for the county and Liberia as a whole. Konneh hopes the justice system will ensure accountability for these actions.
Additionally, Konneh has collaborated with the Executive Branch, including the Ministry of Public Works and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), to investigate the alleged misappropriation of funds intended for Bopolu Streets development. He has praised Minister Giddings and Chairlady Alexandria Zoe for their dedication to uncovering the truth and ensuring justice for the county and the nation.
Konneh concluded his update by expressing gratitude for the support he has received and reflecting on his experiences working with colleagues in the Senate. He acknowledged the learning curve compared to working with the Executive Branch, the private sector, and multilateral development banks. Despite the challenges, Konneh remains committed to driving positive change and enhancing governance in Liberia.
Senator Nathaniel McGill, , whose unwavering commitment to accountability and transparency has set a new standard in the Liberian Senate. Senator McGill has consistently held the government accountable, fearlessly exposing corruption and confronting public officials who betray the trust of the people. Throughout 2024, he has relentlessly named, shamed, and demanded action against those undermining Liberia’s progress. Recently, Margibi County Senator and former Minister of State Nathaniel F. McGill took a bold stance in Liberia’s ongoing fight against corruption. In a formal communication set to be submitted to the Senate Plenary on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, McGill is urged the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) to launch an immediate investigation into serious allegations of fraud, abuse of power, and corruption involving the Minister of Commerce Amin Modad.
Senator McGill, who has been vocal about holding public officials accountable, highlighted troubling issues related to the Minister of Commerce’s past financial dealings. He pointed to the minister’s role as a board member of the Former First International Bank (FIB), now SIB, questioning how the minister failed to settle a $400,000 debt to the bank, a factor that allegedly contributed to the institution’s bankruptcy. Adding to the concerns, McGill raised the issue of how the minister was able to afford a yacht, reportedly similar in cost to one purchased by former President William Tubman, amid financial mismanagement.
“This investigation should not only focus on the minister’s role in the bank’s bankruptcy but also address the unauthorized purchase of a vehicle for the Minister of Commerce by the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA),” McGill stated. “The LRA, as a revenue collection agency, has no mandate to buy vehicles for government officials. He who comes to equity must come with clean hands.”
These explosive allegations come at a time when public confidence in Liberia’s anti-corruption institutions is being tested, and McGill’s call for accountability is likely to ignite significant political and public interest.
In addition to his call for an LACC investigation, McGill disclosed that he did not support the recently passed 2024 recast budget. He expressed grave concerns over reported budget alterations, particularly the unexplained increase in the wage bill by $3 million, while civil servants were being removed from the payroll.
“I want it to be clear that I did not vote for the 2024 recast budget due to the concerns we raised about alterations,” McGill said, referring to an Ad-hoc Committee report that confirmed the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) had made significant changes to the budget. “We were not convinced that those issues were fully addressed. Additionally, the logic behind increasing the wage bill while cutting civil servants was never explained.”
Senator McGill’s statements have sparked renewed calls for transparency and scrutiny of the government’s financial practices. His insistence on an investigation into the Commerce Minister’s alleged misconduct and his concerns about the recast budget come at a critical moment in Liberia’s governance, as the country grapples with mounting public pressure for greater accountability.
As the Senate prepares to respond to McGill’s request, all eyes will be on the LACC to see if they will act swiftly on the senator’s call for a comprehensive investigation into the allegations of corruption, fraud, and abuse of power that have clouded the Ministry of Commerce.
For the people of Margibi County, Senator McGill has been a tireless advocate, championing their interests across all sectors. His legislative achievements speak volumes, including spearheading the campaign for the passage of the Act that elevated Harbel College to Margibi University—a milestone in the county’s educational advancement. Furthermore, his efforts have paved the way for countless local and international scholarships, benefiting Liberians nationwide and Margibians in particular.
Senator Gbehzohngar Milton Findley, recent recognition by the Head of the Liberia Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (LEITI), Mr. Jeffrey N. Yates, on Thursday, December 4, 2024, of his continued dedication to promoting transparency and accountability in Liberia’s extractive sector, is remarkable.
Senator Gbehzohngar Milton Findley role played during is time with the MSG, made Liberia confident that his experience will continue to benefit the Liberian people. We encourage you to remain a champion of the extractive sector.
Senator Abe Darius Dillon has once again demonstrated unmatched performance in these areas. While opinions may vary, the evidence speaks for itself.
Lawmaking:
~Criminal Procedures Law Amendment: Senator Dillon introduced a bill to amend Chapter 4, Sections 4.2, 4.3, and 4.4 of the Criminal Procedures Law, extending the statute of limitations from 5 years to 15 years.
~Salary Caps/cut for Lawmakers: He reintroduced a bill to set lawmakers’ salaries and benefits at a maximum of $5,000, aligning with Article 36 of the Liberian Constitution, which grants the Legislature authority over lawmakers’ remuneration.
~War and Economic Crimes Court: Senator Dillon signed and endorsed a resolution advocating for the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court.
~Cancellation of MedTech Contract: Following an investigation into the National Port Authority’s challenges with CTN and Med-Tech services, Senator Dillon recommended cancelling the Med-Tech contract due to non-compliance and inadequate service delivery.
~Concerns Over Tenure Law: Senator Dillon raised concerns regarding the Senate’s decision to strip tenure from certain institutions while maintaining it for others. He sought updates on the status of the Tenure Law bill, which was found to be stalled in a legislative conference Committee.
Oversight
~Minister of Labour Invitation: Senator Dillon wrote to the Senate plenary requesting the Minister of Labour’s presence to address the issuance of over 8,000 work permits to foreign nationals, which led to an investigation by the Senate Committee on Labour.
~Inaugural Ceremony Protocol: Expressing disappointment at the disorganization of President Joseph Nyumah Boakai’s inaugural ceremony, Senator Dillon called for improved protocol at state events, emphasizing the importance of the President’s address at the State of the Nation Address.
~Inviting the LTA (Regulatory Authority) to address the reduction of Data packages. The GSM (mobile network) companies removed their affordable Data packages, which prompted a serious public outcry and led to a citizen protest. Against this backdrop, Senator Dillon raised the issue and impressed upon his colleagues to seek an immediate intervention into the matter.
~Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) Management: Senator Dillon invited LEC management to address concerns over poor service delivery. He criticized the management’s performance and highlighted a conflict of interest related to Monie Captan serving as both CEO and Chairman of the Board.
~Domestic Debt List Advocacy: Senator Dillon consistently advocated for the domestic debt list, voting against a $43 million budget until it was provided. Although the list was eventually submitted, he maintained his opposition due to the delay.
~NASSCORP Vehicle Purchases: Alongside Senator Amara Konneh, Senator Dillon wrote to invite Minister of State Sylvester Grigsby and NASSCORP management to explain the unconventional and costly vehicle purchases made during the inauguration.
~Pre-Pay Meters for Government Institutions: Senator Dillon recommended that LEC issue pre-pay meters to government institutions to mitigate public debt and improve operational efficiency.
Representation;
~Korea-Africa Summit: As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Dillon accompanied President Boakai to the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit, advocating for support in key sectors such as education, agriculture, health, technology, and infrastructure.
~Legislators Forum in China: Senator Dillon participated in the 2024 Legislators Forum for Friendly Exchanges in Shanghai, where he delivered a speech on global security and lasting peace.
~Diplomatic Relations with Austria: He joined the Minister of Foreign Affairs in a delegation to the UN Headquarters in Vienna to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between Liberia and Austria.
~UN General Assembly: Senator Dillon was part of the President’s delegation at the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he delivered the “Vote of Thanks” during the launch of Liberia’s campaign for a non-member seat on the UN Security Council.
Senator Dillon’s proactive approach and robust advocacy throughout the first session of the 55th Liberian Senate are commendable. His legislative efforts have significantly impacted various national issues.
In response to claims of other senators outperforming Senator Dillon, it is important to assess their legislative performances objectively. Senator Dillon’s record speaks for itself: he proposed the most bills, participated in the most debates, and exercised oversight more than any other senator during the first Session of the 55th Liberian Senate.
As we look ahead, we can expect an even more dynamic, firm and robust Senator Dillon in the second session of the 55th Liberian Senate, starting in January of 2025″
