– Chairman Luther Tarpeh slaps Minister Modad, urges him to clear his name
Monrovia, Liberia – In a stirring address that underscores the Unity Party’s unwavering stance on corruption, Chairman Luther Tarpeh has called on Commerce Minister Amin Modad to clear his name amidst mounting allegations of conflict of interest and corruption. Chairman Tarpeh emphasized that the Liberian people’s hard-earned money should not fund the luxuries of public officials, urging them to use personal funds for such expenses instead.
During a press conference held in Monrovia on September 24, 2024, at the Party Headquarters, Chairman Tarpeh expressed his unwavering commitment to fighting corruption, a cornerstone of the Unity Party’s platform. “The Liberian people trusted the Unity Party to fight corruption,” he declared, reaffirming the party’s dedication to this cause.
But political pundits have pondered about the Unity Party Chairman’s caution against corruption and call to Minister Modad to exonerate himself, considering his (Tarpeh) alleged involvement in acts of corruption at the party level, in January of this year. Unity Party Chairman Luther Tarpeh was accused of misappropriation of funds distributed among the County Chairs and Treasurers for President Boakai’s Inaugural Program Celebration amounting to thousands of US dollars. However, the Party (UP) refuted this report.
Giving the Party’s position on Minister Modad’s corruption saga at Tuesday’s press conference, Chairman Tarpeh stated that under his leadership, the Unity Party would not shield corrupt officials, as doing so would betray the public’s trust. The controversy surrounding Minister Modad erupted recently following accusations of conflict of interest and duplicitous activities.
In response, Minister Modad has appealed to Unity Party officials for support, emphasizing his long-standing ties to the party. “I am one of your own,” he pleaded, requesting their backing during this challenging period. However, Chairman Tarpeh was resolute in his position, asserting that the party’s commitment to combating corruption is unwavering. “The Unity Party will not fight anything but corruption,” he stated, adding that any deviation from this principle would undermine the party’s integrity and the confidence of the Liberian people.
Chairman Tarpeh also expressed confidence that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, who is currently attending the United Nations General Assembly in the United States, will take decisive action upon his return. “I am confident that President Boakai will address this issue promptly and appropriately,” he said.
Since the Unity Party assumed office in January 2023, there have been numerous allegations of corruption within the government. Despite President Boakai’s public declarations of a new era marked by transparency and accountability, many observers have noted a lack of substantial progress in curbing corrupt practices. This latest scandal involving Minister Modad is being closely watched as a litmus test for the administration’s commitment to its anti-corruption agenda.
The issues surrounding Minister Modad have drawn significant attention from both local and international observers. Reports suggest that Modad’s alleged involvement in a conflict of interest includes using his official position to benefit personal enterprises and securing contracts for companies in which he holds stakes. These allegations have not only tarnished the minister’s reputation but have also sparked widespread public outcry and demands for thorough investigations.
In an impassioned plea, Chairman Tarpeh urged all public officials to uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability. “Our role as leaders is to serve the people, not to enrich ourselves at their expense,” he emphasized. “We must set an example of ethical conduct and ensure that the resources of this nation are used for the benefit of all Liberians.”
The Unity Party, which campaigned on a platform of rescuing Liberia from the clutches of corruption and mismanagement, now faces a critical test of its promises. The party’s leadership has been vocal about its zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, and Chairman Tarpeh’s recent statements reflect a deep commitment to these principles. “We will not allow our administration to be tainted by corruption,” he asserted, “and we will take all necessary measures to investigate and address any allegations that arise.”
Political analysts have noted that the Unity Party’s handling of the Modad case will be pivotal in shaping public perception of the government’s dedication to transparency and reform. The administration’s response could either reinforce its mandate to fight corruption or expose vulnerabilities that opponents might exploit.
Chairman Tarpeh also took a moment to acknowledge Minister Modad’s significant contributions to the Unity Party, particularly in the wake of the 2017 elections. Following a major defeat, the Unity Party found itself at a crossroads, struggling to regain its footing and restore public confidence. As national chairman, Modad played a pivotal role in rebranding and revitalizing the party, efforts that eventually contributed to its resurgence and subsequent electoral victory.
“Minister Modad’s efforts in rebranding the Unity Party after the 2017 elections cannot be overlooked,” Chairman Tarpeh stated. “His leadership during a critical period helped to rejuvenate the party and position us for success.” However, Tarpeh was quick to clarify that past contributions do not excuse current misconduct. “While we appreciate his past work, it does not grant immunity from accountability. Our commitment to fighting corruption must remain steadfast, regardless of an individual’s history or contributions.”
As the nation awaits President Boakai’s return and subsequent actions, the Unity Party faces a critical moment in its governance. The handling of these corruption allegations will not only impact the credibility of the current administration but also shape the future of Liberia’s fight against corruption. The international community, which has been closely monitoring Liberia’s progress, will also be looking for signs of genuine commitment to reform.
In the meantime, civil society organizations and anti-corruption watchdogs have called for an independent investigation into the allegations against Minister Modad. They argue that such a move would demonstrate the administration’s commitment to accountability and restore public trust in the government’s anti-corruption efforts.
For now, Liberians remain watchful, hopeful that their leaders will rise to the occasion and take decisive steps to uphold the values of integrity and justice. Chairman Tarpeh’s call for accountability has set the stage for what could be a defining moment in Liberia’s political landscape. The coming days and weeks will reveal whether the Unity Party can live up to its promises and lead the nation towards a more transparent and equitable future.
Community leaders and activists have also weighed in on the matter, emphasizing the importance of a thorough and impartial investigation. “The allegations against Minister Modad are serious and cannot be brushed under the rug,” said Sarah Johnson, a prominent anti-corruption advocate. “The government must show that it is serious about tackling corruption by ensuring that an independent body conducts a fair investigation.”
In addition to the public outcry, several members of the Unity Party have voiced their opinions on the matter. Some have expressed support for Chairman Tarpeh’s stance, while others have urged caution, highlighting the need for due process. “We must be careful not to rush to judgment,” said a senator who spoke on condition of anonymity, a senior member of the Unity Party. “Minister Modad has contributed significantly to our party and our country. However, if he is found guilty of the allegations, appropriate action must be taken.”
International observers have also been closely monitoring the situation. The United Nations and various international NGOs have expressed their concerns about the allegations and have called for transparency in the investigation process. “Corruption undermines development and erodes public trust in government institutions,” he said. “We urge the Liberian government to take decisive action to address these allegations and demonstrate its commitment to good governance.”
As the investigation unfolds, the Unity Party’s leadership will need to navigate the delicate balance between upholding the rule of law and maintaining party unity. The outcome of this case will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the party’s future and its ability to govern effectively.
Chairman Tarpeh reiterated the importance of maintaining public trust and the need for all government officials to adhere to the highest ethical standards. “The Liberian people have placed their trust in us to lead with integrity and transparency,” he said. “We must honor that trust by ensuring that our actions reflect our commitment to fighting corruption and promoting good governance.”
In a country still recovering from years of civil conflict and economic challenges, the fight against corruption is seen as crucial to building a stable and prosperous future. The Unity Party’s handling of the allegations against Minister Modad will not only impact its political fortunes but also shape Liberia’s broader efforts to create a more transparent and accountable government.
As President Boakai prepares to return from the United Nations General Assembly, all eyes will be on his administration’s next steps. The President’s response to the allegations will serve as a critical indicator of his commitment to the anti-corruption agenda he has championed. The Liberian people, along with the international community, await decisive action that will reinforce the principles of justice and transparency.
In the meantime, Chairman Tarpeh’s call for accountability serves as a powerful reminder of the Unity Party’s founding principles and its pledge to the Liberian people. The coming weeks will be a defining period for the party and the nation as a whole as they confront the challenges of corruption and strive to build a brighter, more equitable future for all Liberians.
