The Inquirer (Monrovia)
Morrison O.G. Sayon
6 May 2008
Monrovia — Unconfirmed reports emanating from the House Judiciary Committee that is probing the much-talked about bribery case has revealed that findings into the case is expected to be submitted to plenary of the Lower House of Parliament today.
Sources close to the seven-man panel that was mandated by plenary, the highest decision-making body of the House to probe into the bribery case hinted this paper that following almost three months of probe into the bribery case the committee has completed its mandate and will submit its recommendations to plenary today at the William R. Tolbert Joint Chamber of the House.
However, the House's Press Director, Isaac Redd informed our reporter that the committee is expected to submit its findings to plenary this week but declined to give the specific date when the Judicial Committee will submit its findings to plenary for prompt action.
A close source to the Judicial Committee hinted our Legislative Bureau at the Capitol Building on the outcome of the investigation saying that the committee is expected to recommend some tough actions to be taken against some of the accused based on their respective roles played.
According to our inside source, a major recommendation that is expected to be forwarded to plenary today is that Bong County Representative, Samuel Bono who is believed to be the central figure in the bribery case be expelled from the House.
Our source further disclosed that the three other accused including Rep. Richard Saa Gbolie, Rep. Kettehkuemeh Murry and Rep. Rufus Gboeir would also face a six-month suspension each without salaries and other benefits.
Though this latest information has not been independently confirmed, when contacted again to comment on the starling revelation, the Press Director at the House of Representatives, Isaac Redd maintained that findings into the bribery case would be out this week but declined to state as to what kind of punishment would be instituted against those found guilty in the bribery case.
Our sources intimated that the information is said to be worrying most of the accused lawmakers who no longer sit in their various offices. Our source said some of these lawmakers are avoiding public gatherings nowadays including their legislative functions.
An independent investigation conducted by our Legislative Bureau reporter at the Capitol Building revealed that anyone found guilty of taking bribe to remove their former Speaker would face stiff punishment for violating the Liberian Constitution in accordance with the law.
According to the Criminal Procedure Law of Liberia (Penal Law), page 47, Section 12.50, "a person has committed bribery, a second degree felony, if he knowingly offers, gives or agrees to give to another or solicits, accepts or agrees from another, a thing of value as consideration for the recipient's official action as a public servant; or the recipient's violation of a known duty as a public servant."
However, political observers are wondering as to whether plenary of the House would act in accordance with the law by instituting serious action against anyone found guilty of the crime of bribery.
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