MONROVIA, Liberia – Anderson Miamen, Executive Director of the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL), is urging the Office of the Ombudsman and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) to investigate Mines and Energy Minister R. Matenokay Tingban following reports that he donated 150 motorbikes to chiefs and elders in Nimba County.
Miamen said that if the reports are true, the public has a right to know how the donation was financed. He estimated the total cost of the motorbikes at between US$105,000 and US$120,000, raising questions about whether such an expense could be covered by the minister’s official income.
He called on investigators to determine whether the funds came from Minister Tingban’s personal salary, support from associates, or another source.
Miamen also recommended that authorities examine the minister’s asset declaration submitted to the LACC before taking office, as well as his record of public donations.
According to Miamen, the Office of the Ombudsman should work together with the LACC to establish whether the donation complies with the country’s Code of Conduct and other applicable laws governing the actions of public officials.
The appeal comes after reports that Minister Tingban presented 150 motorbikes to traditional leaders in Nimba County.
As of publication, the minister has not publicly addressed the concerns, and neither the Ombudsman nor the LACC has announced an official investigation.
