14/10/2024
𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲
𝗡𝗗𝗖 𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗴𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘁𝘀.
𝐎𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐁𝐄𝐑 𝟏𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒; 𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐑𝐎𝐕𝐈𝐀: The National Democratic Coalition (NDC) is urgently demanding the immediate dismissal of government officials who have neglected to declare their assets, despite President Joseph Nyuma Boakai's repeated directives for such declarations. The NDC views this neglect as a severe breach of accountability and transparency principles, which not only erodes public confidence but also displays a profound disrespect for the Presidential Office, particularly given the President's persistent stress on the necessity of asset declaration.
The refusal of these officials to comply with asset declaration requirements is a direct affront to the values of integrity and transparency that are fundamental to democratic governance. Asset declaration is a critical tool in building public trust, as it allows for the tracking of public officials' assets before and after their service in government as the process is essential in preventing and detecting illicit enrichment, conflicts of interest, and other forms of corruption.
NDC asserts that by refusing to declare their assets, these officials undermine the very principles that uphold democratic systems because asset declarations serve as a powerful mechanism to ensure accountability and foster a culture of openness within the public sector. When public officials disclose their fiscal interests, it provides a clear record that can be scrutinized by oversight bodies, the media, and the public. This initiative is crucial in identifying any unexplained wealth or sudden increases in assets that may indicate corrupt practices.
Moreover, the NDC (an alliance party to the Rescue Mission), asset declarations help to manage and mitigate conflicts of interest, stating that public officials are often in positions where they can influence decisions that affect their financial welfare; and by making their assets known, it becomes easier to identify and address potential conflicts, ensuring that decisions are made in the public interest rather than for personal gain.
The NDC categorically states that the importance of asset declarations extends beyond individual accountability, but instead helps to contribute to a broader framework of anti-corruption measures that include laws, regulations, and institutions dedicated to promoting ethical conduct in public service. The refusal to comply with asset declaration requirements not only violates legal obligations but also erodes the trust that citizens place in their leaders, it hampers efforts to create a transparent and accountable government, and weakens the foundations of democracy.
The NDC emphasizes that the legal framework for asset declaration is enshrined in the National Code of Conduct for Public Officials, as mandated by Article 90(c) of the 1986 Constitution of the Republic of Liberia. The Code of Conduct, particularly Part 10, requires all public officials and employees of the government to declare and register their personal interests, assets, and performance/financial bonds. The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) is tasked with overseeing this process to ensure compliance.
NDC underscores that failure to declare assets as required by law is not without consequences, because according to the National Code of Conduct, non-compliance can lead to administrative sanctions, including suspension or dismissal from office. Furthermore, discrepancies or false declarations can result in full-scale investigations and potential prosecution.
The NDC believes that the enforcement of these regulations is crucial for maintaining the integrity of public office and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability. We urge the President to take decisive action against those who have failed to declare their assets, thereby reaffirming the government's commitment to ethical leadership and good governance.
The NDC continues to be committed to fostering transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law in Liberia. We urge all public officials to comply with the asset declaration requirements and maintain integrity while serving the nation.
END!!!
