This week we featured on this platform the man who is steering the affairs of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), his quest to making Liberia, Africa’s oldest Republic a corruption free nation; Cllr. Edwin Kla Martin, the Executive Chairperson of the LACC.
In order to actualize his professionalism, and commitment to duty, the LACC boss recently released his ground running with a 120-day ultimatum to all past and present public officials to return the properties they stole from the government or risk being arrested.
The LACC Executive Chairperson Studied Legal Administration at Louise Arthur Gram School Of Law, and is one of Liberia’s legal minds; his quest for the legal profession has been very high, aimed at providing professional legal services to his many clients. The former County Attorney for Montserrado County, is considered by many Liberians and foreign residents as a veteran criminal prosecutor.
For his readiness to fight against Corruption, the LACC boss said in one of his interviews with reporters vowed to remain unbending, assuring the International Community and partners in the UN System that there will be no let down in the fight against corruption in the country.
Cllr. Edwin Kla Martin said the LACC will continue on the path of naming and shaming of all public officials who violate the public trust.
Speaking during a meeting with the UNDP Resident Representative, the Country’s Anti-graft Chief said the LACC has active investigations ongoing and these investigations will lead to a clear and logical conclusion.
He disclosed that several indictments were been drawn against individuals to be processed in different courts in the country.
He further disclosed that he wants to continue the effort of rebuilding the country anti-corruption through improve capacity for staff members and other logistical support.
The LACC Boss said he will deal with challenges facing the institution including an extremely centralized institution with only one present in Monrovia, low staff capacity and limited training opportunities.
In remarks, United Nations Resident Representative Stephen Rodriques praised the extraordinary job of the LACC Boss but said the International Commitment looks forward to seeing the job continue.
Mr. Rodriques said the work of an anti-graft chief was very important in any society and comes with enormous challenges and responsibility. He said issues around corruption were deep-seated.
He said international partners are collaborating on finding ways to identify specific support to integrity institutions in the country.
The UNDP Resident Representative said low of support to the LACC and other integrity institutions is scandalous.
He said the upcoming dialogue between integrity institutions and partners will identify areas of technical, financial, and political support to the Liberia Anti-corruption Commission and other integrity institutions in the country.
