In a recent statement, John Morlu, former fundraiser of President Joseph Boakai, has expressed strong criticism regarding the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission’s (LACC) focus on a senior member of the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), McGill.
Morlu argues that the emphasis on supplemental payrolls appears misplaced and trivializes more pressing issues of governance and corruption.
“While it’s true that every ministry since 2000 has had a supplemental payroll, singling out McGill for this issue seems trivial,” Morlu stated. He emphasized that unless there is evidence proving that individuals did not receive their rightful payments, pursuing this matter is a waste of time and resources.
Morlu pointed out that multiple ministries, including Education, Internal Affairs, State, and Health, have had supplemental payrolls for years, with the Ministry of Finance having issued four different versions.
He acknowledged that while circumventing civil service procedures is poor governance, it does not equate to corruption.
He further noted that USAID had financed supplemental payrolls for both the Ministries of Health and Education, suggesting that if the LACC aims to target McGill, they should focus on more substantial issues.
“The General Auditing Commission (GAC) has already audited supplemental payrolls and advised against them due to lack of support from Personnel Action Notices,” he explained.
Morlu criticized the LACC for potentially misallocating their resources, stating, “If they genuinely believe McGill’s wealth originated from supplemental payrolls, then their fight against corruption is both misguided and a joke.”
He urged the Boakai administration to investigate more serious financial matters, such as the $55 million letter transfer to the National Security Agency (NSA) and the auditing of Executive Protection.
He concluded with a stark warning: “This issue will only serve to elevate McGill into a hero in the eyes of the public. Watch!” Morlu’s remarks underscore the ongoing complexities surrounding governance and corruption in Liberia, as the country navigates its political landscape.