By: Morris A. Fatorma fatormamorria@gmail.com
Amin Modad, the Minister of Commerce, who was implicated to controversy surrounding the purchase of a luxury vehicle with a market value of over US$96,000 has officially resigned from the ruling Unity Party (UP) headed by President Joseph Boakai.
In his resignation letter Modad, who is the former Chairman of the ruling Unity Party (UP) said, his decision was intended to ensure the integrity of the party remains paramount.
But, in accepting Modad’s resignation, President Boakai said, while Mr. Modad has contributed to the development of the Ministry during his tenure, the decision to make such a purchase at this time reflected poor judgment and a lack of sensitivity to the current economic environment in the country.
The President directed that the vehicle in question be transferred to the General Services Agency (GSA) for appropriate use in accommodating VIP guests of the government.
He however, asked Deputy Minister for Administration Madam Scholastica Tanneh Nyenkan- Nimely to act until a replacement is named.
Further, Modad wrote: “Over the last few days there has been public outcry over the purchase of a vehicle for over 45,000.00. Though I have provided all documentations and facts that equivocally demonstrate that there was no malfeasance, l am deeply concerned about the impact on my integrity and the administration; this continues to be a distraction from the real national issues and your agenda.”
Modad continued: “I therefore wish to tender my resignation as Minister of Commerce & Industry, a position that I ably served with integrity and passion for the past nine months. My family and I remain thankful to you for the opportunity to serve our people. I wish you and the administration the best as we look forward to a better Liberia.”
Modad has surrendered himself in controversial situation, after his appointment and subsequent confirmation, when he announced that the government had agreed to increase the price of a 25kg bag of rice from US$16 to US$18.50, under pressure from rice importers.
Immediately following that, the Executive Mansion reversed the decision, stating on its Facebook page that President Boakai had met with rice importers and decided that there would be no price increase.
It was reported that the President was upset with Modad for making such a decision without his approval.
Modad’s troubles deepened also,when it was revealed that he had approved the purchase of a luxury SUV for official use, funded by the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) through its Customs Capacity Building Fund, collected from MedTech, a container tracking and inspection company at the Freeport of Monrovia.
Minutes after, the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) clarified that it had not purchased a vehicle worth US$150,000 for Modad, but had approved US$96,000 from the Customs Capacity Building Fund to support trade-related activities.
Following the saga, the public had called for Modad and accomplices to face investigation, and if found guilty to restitute any misapplied funds.
Other people also demanded the resignation of LRA Commissioner General Dorbor Jallah, arguing that he should not be spared from scrutiny, as he admitted to disbursing the funds for the SUV’s purchase.
The question remains what next for the LRA boss, Jallah? As many are calling for his immediate resignation.
