I like to firstly commend the Government of Liberia for its expressed commitment to establishing the facts in the alleged incident of vandalism involving Auditor General John S. Morlu, II, at the Robert’s International Airport as well as Morlu’s claims that he was prevented for four days from leaving the country by security forces, and to make a few suggestions which I am convinced will make the inquiry process more credible and perceived to be so.

1) That the Government expands the scope of the investigation to include Morlu’s allegations that he is being targeted by the Government or certain elements thereof, for possible elimination (murder) because of his fight against corruption and his criticism of corruption in government.

2) That the Government constitutes an independent panel of inquiry comprising Liberians as well as members of the international community, especially international partners who are said to be paying Mr. Morlu’s salary.

In the interest of transparency, and because the Government stands accused by Mr. Morlu of being after his life, of obstructing his travel and of falsely accusing him of acts of vandalism, government as an accused party) will not be seen to be an impartial and credible judge, even if it can be. Consequently an independent panel or even a special prosecutor type investigation is better suited for this investigation.

The allegations of violence and vandalism against the Auditor General as well as Mr. Morlu’s claim that the Government of Liberia wants to kill or harm him because of his criticism of government corruption and his fight to expose and uproot corruption in government are very serious. Liberia being a country where rampant corruption has stifled progress and where disregard for the law by officials of government has historically undermined the rule of law, such reports must be taken seriously if we are to ensure accountability and the rule of law.

Morlu’s allegations of government resisting the fight against corruption and of government plans to have him killed could have a very chilling effect on the country. Firstly, they could undermine the fight against corruption as others could be frightened to report or expose corrupt practices and, secondly they could lead to the Country’s loosing vital aid that could go to helping poor needed Liberians.

It is unacceptable in this new Liberia, especially under a government that claims commitment to fighting corruption as one of its hallmarks, for any one to be targeted simply because he speaks out against the corruption epidemic. It is equally unacceptable for Government officials to feel and behave above the law as Mr. Morlu is accused of.

If Morlu’s allegations are true, then those of us who are committed to fighting corruption are prepared to take up the fight to the legal and logical conclusion. Liberia has suffered too long from the scourge of corruption. Witch-hunting people who commit to fighting this vice should not be permitted to occur without consequences for those who do so in their desire to perpetuate this crime.

On the other hand, if Morlu’s allegations of a plot to have him killed are fabrications of his own or of whoever he claims fed him the information then the law should take its course or at least the liars should be exposed. Additionally, if Morlu is guilty of personally vandalizing or contributing to the reported vandalism at the RIA then he should be held liable, according to the dictates of the law. It is unacceptable, following years of violence and of officials flaunting the laws for Mr. Morlu or anyone for that matter, to engage in vandalism or make false and outlandish accusations and go with impunity.

Just as it is a sad historical fact that successive administrations in Liberia have targeted people for standing up against corruption, and for human rights and the rule of law it is also true that many people in the past have concocted falsehoods against government to achieve selfish motives or to attain the favor - material or otherwise - of certain officials or prominent persons in society.

To the public, rather than jump to conclusions on behalf of Morlu or the Government, I urge you my brothers and sisters with interest in this matter to hold off the verdicts and let us all exert our energies in campaigning for an independent, impartial and open investigation. Our country is better served when we try to seek the truth, to agitate for justice and the rule of law. Taking sides without or before the facts are established often undermines the search for truth and justice because it almost always creates polarization - this group against the other. If we want to be a nation of laws (which we must be if we will ever make progress) then we must all direct our energies to the search for truth, accountability and the rule of law.

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