Former Senatorial Candidate Tipayson Rebuts Weah’s Claims: Calls on ECOWAS to Support Liberia’s Fight Against Corruption

Michael Doe Tipayson

Citizen / Republic of Liberia

Michaeltipayson4@gmail.com

His Excellency Omar Alieu Turay

President of Commission

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

Abuja

Federal Republic of Nigeria

August 27, 2024

Dear Mr. President

I hope this letter finds you in the best of health and spirits. I am writing as a Citizen of the Republic of Liberia and former candidate for the Senate seat of Montserrado County. I write to address and refute the recent allegations made by former President George Weah concerning an alleged unprovoked attack by the Boakai Administration at the grounds of his political party headquarters. These statements, made by Mr. Weah, are not only unfounded but also serve to distract from the real issues at hand, particularly the ongoing efforts to combat corruption and uphold the rule of law in Liberia.

The Liberian President, Ambassador Joseph N. Boakai has not engaged in any unprovoked attack on political opponents since he took office in January 2024. President Boakai has been engaged with local and international efforts to resuscitate the Liberian economy after 6yrs of former President Weah led government which was characterized by allegations of nasty corruption and total disregard of the rule of law. On July 31, 2024, Mr. Weah’s made a shocking declaration during a live press conference where he vehemently stated that his political party would resist the Boakai Administration’s actions to investigate and address acts of corruption as indicated by the General Auditing Commission (GAC) audit report. This resistance was a threat to the peace and stability of our country, a direct challenge to the authority of the state and its mandate to ensure accountability and transparency. Therefore, one may easily conclude that such statement is being acted upon by some of his supporters during the recent violent action on August 22, 2024.

President Turay, under the Weah administration, Liberia witnessed a significant decline in ethical standards of governance, lack of accountability and transparency, and poor handling of the justice system. Few glaring examples were the rampant looting of the Central Bank of Liberia, which resulted in severe economic repercussions for the nation, the mysterious death of 4 auditors without justice, the misused of $US25M intended for mop up exercise, and the acquisition of overnight private properties among others.  The former administration’s blatant disregard for the rule of law was further demonstrated by their refusal to comply with the ECOWAS court’s directive to pay the salaries of former Justice Kabineh Ja’neh. Such actions not only undermined judicial authority but also eroded public trust in governmental institutions.

We believe President Boakai is firmly committed to the principles of accountability, transparency and restoring integrity within our institutions.

The acts of corruption, as highlighted by the GAC audit report, are not politically motivated but rather a necessary step to reclaim the nation’s financial health and international credibility.

Honorable President of the ECOWAS Commission, did Mr. Weah also inform you that several key members of his administration including the former Finance Minister and Minister of State are placed on US sanctions on allegations of corruption?

I kindly urge ECOWAS to critically examine the context and facts surrounding Mr. Weah’s allegations. It is essential that the international community supports Liberia’s efforts to combat corruption and restore the rule of law.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I am confident that with your esteemed leadership, ECOWAS will continue to play a pivotal role in promoting peace, stability, and good governance within the region.

Mr. President, I am also available for a conference at your convenience to share more details with hard facts.

Yours sincerely,

Michael Doe Tipayson

Citizen

Republic of Liberia

WhatsApp +16124537731