Behind the Deals

New Democrat (Monrovia)

19 May 2011

The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission has confirmed plans to write a number of former and current government officials to appear before it.

LACC sources said Wednesday that amongst those to appear before the commission is the head of the Liberia Civil Aviation Authority, Mr. Richelieu Williams, although they did not disclose the purpose.

“…Right now, we are investigating every possible lead and there are plans to summon key players associated with the entire episode,” LACC spokesman Ben Kolako told this paper.

Former Lands, Mines and Energy Minister, Dr. Eugene Shannon and his Deputy, Mr. E.C.B. Jones, are also to appear before the LACC on claims that they took kickbacks amounting to US800, 000 from the mining company Elenilto, according to LACC sources.

Dr. Shannon, one of the President’s long-time allies, has denied the claims in the past, but it is not known whether new evidence has emerged to warrant their questioning.

But he was one of the few officials asked to resign without reasons when the President asked the entire cabinet to resign. He was not re-hired and no reason was given.

The Elenilto Contract has been a controversial one generating interests amongst key players in the government, with one group pitted against the other in what has been a bitter war in the media.

Self-styled civil society groups declared last week that they had taken the case to court for an injunction.

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, at a press conference, said she would render final judgment on the Israeli contract soon after ‘due diligence.’

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