Monrovia, Liberia – As the debate over the recent acquisition of “yellow machines” by the Executive Branch intensifies, Gbarpolu County Senator, Amara Konneh, has called for full transparency and legislative oversight.
Senator Konneh addressed concerns regarding the lack of a financing instrument for the machines unveiled over the weekend, highlighting the absence of competitive procurement processes.
“Good morning friends. Just a quick reminder of the important issues we need to address in the ‘yellow machines’ debate,” Konneh stated. “There’s currently no financing instrument in place at the Legislature for the recent acquisition of the ‘yellow machines’ that the Executive Branch unveiled over the weekend. I will speak to this matter on the Senate floor for the record when we receive the loan agreement.”
The senator emphasized the importance of transparency and oversight, not only for the “yellow machines” but also for other assets such as police cars and potentially National Transit Authority (NTA) buses. The lack of evidence for competitive procurement has raised serious concerns among legislators and the public.
“The lack of evidence of competitive procurement is causing some serious concerns, and if we don’t address this, it could bring some major problems for our government’s reputation and adherence to the rule of law,” the senator warned. “It could potentially lead to new sanctions of public officials if it is laden with graft and we do the usual Liberian thing of ‘but the other people and so what…’ We can’t afford to ignore these issues.”
In a call for unity and accountability, the Gbarpolu Senator urged all lawmakers, regardless of their political affiliations, to ask tough questions and demand transparent answers from the Executive Branch. The senator expressed concern over the apparent reluctance within the government to embrace internal accountability.
“Whether you are a ‘Rescue’ or ‘Coalition’ or an ‘independent’ lawmaker like myself, it’s clear that there’s a lack of desire for internal accountability within our government, and we need to be able to ask tough questions and demand transparent answers,” the senator asserted. “It’s concerning that there’s a reluctance to do so, and we can’t let this slide”; The former Rescue Mission supporter acclaims.
The senator also pointed out the ethical conflict brewing between the Executive Mansion and the Capitol Building, which may escalate to the Supreme Court. The senator reminded colleagues of their duty to uphold the law and ensure that the government operates with integrity.
“There’s an ethical storm brewing between the Executive Mansion and the Capitol Building, and it may end up in the Supreme Court,” the senator concluded. “Let’s remember that we’re a country of laws, not individuals!”
As the debate continues, the public and legislators alike will be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds and whether transparency and accountability will prevail in handling the “yellow machines” and other governmental acquisitions, including the police vehicles and the NTA buses.
