Monrovia – Recently, lawmakers in Liberia found themselves in a controversial situation when they chose to forgive the Minister of Public Works, Roland Giddings, for unilaterally using $22 million intended for road rehabilitation in President Boakai’s 100-Day deliverable program. Giddings admitted to the procedural error after other lawmakers raised concerns about the fraudulent act.
On Tuesday, May 28, authorities of the Public Works Ministry admitted to missteps and procedural errors in the implementation of the road works project. A report delivered by the joint senate committees on the awarding of contracts detailed the ministry’s acknowledgment of bypassing essential steps mandated for contract awards. However, instead of holding the ministry accountable, Giddings used some lawmakers to appeal for forgiveness.
The Senate plenary accepted Giddings’ apology, considering the actions as inadvertent missteps with good intentions for the national interest. However, this decision has raised questions about the legal right of senators to pardon public officials who violate the law.
It is important to note that in countries like the United States, senators do not have the power to forgive public officials who engage in illegal activities. The responsibility for investigating and prosecuting such officials lies with law enforcement agencies and the judicial system. Senators, as members of the legislative branch, have the power to pass laws and hold public officials accountable through the impeachment process if necessary.
This same power applies to Liberian lawmakers, yet they chose to relinquish it for peculiar rrasons.
By forgiving Giddings and issuing a warning letter instead, the Liberian Senators have shown a gross disregard for the law and have been criticized for exhibiting insensitivity to the suffering of the masses, according to to a civil society activate monitoring the situation.
The senators’ actions downplay the fight against corruption and undermine the efforts to promote transparency and accountability in public office.
