The Ministry of Information Wednesday criticized as "loose, reckless and reprehensive" the bribery allegation levied against President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf by Mr. Cyril Allen, former chair of the National Patriotic Party.

During a talk show on a local radio station here Wednesday, Mr. Allen categorically accused President Sirleaf of bribing lawmakers to speedily approve the US$649.72 million multi-year fiscal budget.

He also alleged that members of the 53rd legislature received money from the President, but failed to state any amount.

"We've got credible information that the President bribed lawmakers during the budget lunch with the Finance Minister to speedily pass the budget," he said without providing any monetary figure.

But Deputy Information Minister for Public Affairs, Mr. Isaac Jackson reacted: "It is regrettable to hear an experienced man like Cyril Allen talk like this. I think to say that the President bribed lawmakers is loose, reprehensive and reckless on his part. I challenge him to produce evidence that the President bribed lawmakers."

He told New Democrat in an exclusive interview at the Ministry of information that having a budget launch was a "universal practice, and that Liberia is no exemption".

"Mr. Allen should know better because these things happen all over the world.