The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission(LACC) has held the Chairperson of the National Elections Commission(NEC), Madam Davidetta Browne Lansanah, liable regarding reports on allegation of Conflict of Interest and Financial Improprieties into the Procurement of Thermometers For the just held By-Elections by officials at the NEC.
It can be recalled that in early November 2021, it was reported that officials of the NEC rented thermometers at the cost of more than US$180.00. It was also reported that the NEC authorities were conflicted in the award of the contract and did not follow procurement regulations and there was no value for money.
Based on these allegations, the LACC launched an investigation. Following the investigation, the LACC, through its Executive Chairperson, Cllr. Edwin Kla Martin, on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 released its final investigative reports at a well-attended press briefing held at its head offices in Congo Town, outside Monrovia.
Chairperson Martin told the press briefing that the investigations found that the NEC Boss did not disclose her interest in Tuma Enterprises while presiding over the procurement Committee.
“During the investigations, Madame Dividatta Browne Lansana admitted and confirmed to the investigation that Mr. David Brown, Vice President for Operations of TUMA Enterprises is her brother from the same father, while Arnold Badio, owner and incorporator of Tuma Enterprise Inc. is a brother to David Browne from the same Mother,” the LACC Boss stated.
According to him, the NEC also awarded certificate of Completion to Tuma Enterprises on October 24, 2021 and paid a full amount of US$182,320.00 while the stipulated date for the contract to end was November 20,2021.
Against this backdrop, he said the LACC, therefore, recommended that Madam Brown Lansanah, in the discharge of her duties as Chairperson of the NEC and head of the procurement Committee of the NEC, knowing fully well of her vested interest(relationship) in the Tuma Enterprise Inc. and having failed to make full disclosure to her fellow Commissioners or to the Procurement Committee, is liable of Section 1.3.6(Conflict of Interest) of the National Code of Conduct for all Public Officials and Employees of the Government of Liberia(GoL).
“Part II, Section2.2 of the Act establishing the Liberia Anti-corruption Commission describes insider trading as an act of corruption. And also in violation of section 15.3(predicate offenses for money laundering under section 15.2 of the Money laundering Act of 2012 which provides Insider Trading and Market Manipulations. Subsequent indictment will be drawn for court’s prosecution,” he, among other things, added.
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