-Legislative Caucus Acts on Damning GAC Audit Findings, Vows Accountability for Mismanagement of Development and Social Funds
MONROVIA – The Nimba County Legislative Caucus has formally called for a full-scale corruption investigation into the management of the county’s development and social funds, following what lawmakers described as troubling findings contained in a recent compliance audit conducted by the General Auditing Commission (GAC).
The caucus announced Thursday that it has adopted a resolution demanding immediate action from the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) and other anti-graft institutions to investigate and prosecute individuals implicated in alleged financial irregularities uncovered by the audit.
The decision followed a caucus meeting held on the grounds of the Capitol Building on June 10, where lawmakers unanimously endorsed measures aimed at ensuring accountability for the management of the County Development Fund (CDF) and County Social Development Fund (CSDF) allocated to Nimba County.
Lawmakers Cite Widespread Non-Compliance
In its resolution, the caucus commended the General Auditing Commission for conducting what it described as a professional and independent audit of Nimba County’s finances.
However, the lawmakers expressed deep concern over findings that reportedly revealed widespread non-compliance with the Public Financial Management (PFM) Act, procurement regulations, and other financial management laws governing the use of public funds.
The caucus said the audit exposed what appeared to be serious instances of financial mismanagement, misuse, and misapplication of resources intended to support development initiatives and improve the welfare of residents of Nimba County.
“The people of Nimba County deserve answers regarding how public resources were managed,” the caucus stated, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in the use of county funds.
Formal Request to LACC
As part of its actions, the caucus has transmitted a formal communication to LACC Chairperson Cllr. Alexandra K. Zoe, requesting the commission to immediately commence investigations into all non-compliance issues, questionable transactions, and financial irregularities identified in the audit report.
The lawmakers further urged the anti-corruption body to pursue criminal prosecution against any individual found to have engaged in corruption, economic sabotage, theft of public funds, or willful violations of Liberia’s financial management laws.
According to the caucus, accountability must extend to all individuals who played a role in the administration of the county’s development resources, regardless of their position or status.
Past and Present Officials Called to Cooperate
The caucus specifically called on former and current county officials, signatories to county accounts, members of the erstwhile Project Management Committee (PMC), and all other individuals named or implicated in the audit report to cooperate fully with investigators.
Lawmakers stressed that cooperation with the investigation would be critical in establishing the facts and ensuring that any wrongdoing is addressed through lawful means.
“The people of Nimba County demand accountability,” the caucus declared in its communication to the LACC, while expressing confidence that investigators would act impartially and professionally.
Full Weight of the Law
The lawmakers also assured citizens that any person found responsible for misappropriating county resources would face legal consequences.
The caucus said it remains committed to ensuring that public resources are protected and that those entrusted with managing county funds are held accountable when violations occur.
It pledged full legislative support to the LACC and other investigative bodies, including the provision of additional documentation, information, or testimony that may assist ongoing investigations.
Growing Scrutiny of County Funds
The move by the Nimba County Legislative Caucus comes amid increasing national attention on the management of county development and social development funds across Liberia.
County Social Development Funds are generated primarily through concession agreements and are intended to support infrastructure projects, education, healthcare, and other community development initiatives in affected counties.
Over the years, concerns have periodically emerged regarding transparency, project implementation, and financial accountability in the management of such funds.
The latest action by Nimba lawmakers signals what could become one of the most significant accountability efforts arising from recent audit findings.
Caucus Pledges Continued Oversight
The Nimba County Legislative Caucus said it will continue to monitor developments surrounding the audit and subsequent investigations while keeping citizens informed of progress.
Lawmakers reaffirmed their commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law, stressing that public confidence in government institutions depends on the responsible management of public resources.
As the LACC reviews the caucus’ request, attention is now expected to turn to whether the commission will launch a formal investigation into the audit findings and pursue legal action against individuals found culpable.
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