An investigation conducted by this paper reveals that the General Auditing Commission (GAC) through its Auditor General, Robert L. Kilby has signed a security consultancy agreement with the Elite Security Guard Service in the tune of US$105,300 for 26 months.

Under the agreement, the Elite Security Guard Service is to manage the Auditor- General personal security including his residence. The agreement, which began on August 24, 2012, will continue until October 23, 2014.

The contract indicates that the General Auditing Commission will pay a consultancy fee of US$4,050 monthly.

Section II of the security consultancy agreement, under Nature and Range of the Consultancy, stated emphatically: "To execute and perform the tasks of providing maximum security protection to the Auditor-General and his private residence.

Our investigation also discovered that AG Kilby has already paid six months in advance of the completion of the first year.

The agreement is signed by Auditor-General Robert L. Kilby and Michael William, Chief Executive Officer of Elite Security Guard Service while D. Randolph Davis and Eric A. Kilby attested as witnesses. The investigation established that both witnesses signed on October 12, 2012.

In less than three months of the signing of the agreement, the GAC has dismissed about 40 employees on November 6, 2012 citing "budgetary constraints".

However, our investigation also reveals that Auditor General Kilby takes home a monthly allowance of US$15,000, while his principle deputies Taweh J. Veikai and Winsley S. Nanka go home with US$8,000 each as monthly allowances.

Investigation also established that the GAC is still "hiring individuals" although it stated budgetary shortfalls as reasons for downsizing 40 employees.

It is not clear whether the GAC followed the Public Procurement and Concession Commission's procedure for a bidding process.

When contacted for comment, Auditor- General Robert L. Kilby told this paper that he held a press conference Wednesday and he could not answer any question on the security consultancy agreement. As the reporter tried to further questioned AG Kilby, he hung out. Auditor-General Kilby was first rejected by the Senate for fake credentials but was later re-nominated by President Johnson-Sirleaf and finally confirmed. Investigation continues.