Monrovia — -As UP leaves him hanging in US$150K vehicle scandal
The ruling Unity Party says the allegations against Commerce Minister Modad are grave, and he must be allowed to exonerate himself.
In the wake of the alleged corruption saga, Mr. Amin Modad has gone into self-defense mode, maintaining that the vehicle in question is not US150k, as reported. Instead, he argued that the total cost, including shipping and everything else, is US98K.
"It (vehicle) was around $82,000 plus shipping and other fees, making it $98,000." Mr. Modad argued that the claim about purchasing a yacht valued at $400,000 is also false and malicious. Modad also denied that the vehicle in question was custom-made and was not purchased for $150k, as allegedly reported.
His argument comes days after his party said the allegation would not be swept under the carpet.
Unity Party chairman Rev. Luther Tarpeh told a Press conference on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, that the allegation against Mr. Modad will not be swept under the carpet.
Mr. Modad is accused of receiving a gift of US$150,000 from MedTech Scientific to purchase a vehicle.
MedTech, a business institution, has also been accused of bribery and allegedly being granted duty-free by the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA).
In his rebuttal, Mr. Modad asserted that the allegations were false. He maintained that, as verified by the LRA, the vehicle in question was not for "AMIN MODAD," and no money passed through the Ministry of Commerce or any individual.
He contended that all documentation relevant to the purchase carries the name of the Ministry of Commerce.
"In a statement, the LRA emphasized that all procurement processes were properly followed, and the vehicle in question is government property, not the personal asset of Minister Amin Modad, as some reports have implied," Mr. Modad argued further.
He stated that he continues to fuel his car and pay the driver's salary since taking over out of pocket.
However, he stated that his vehicle is a Mercedes sedan, which cannot go everywhere (even in Monrovia) due to road conditions and that there was no money in the budget to buy vehicles at the Ministry of Commerce.
"There is no vehicle approved in the budget for the Ministry, let alone the Minister," Modad continued.
According to him, the ministry discovered that the LRA had previously supported the MoCI through its legal/contractual arrangements with BIVAC and MEDTECH over the last few years.
Based on the discovery, Modad said the MoCI contacted LRA to help purchase three vehicles. "Invoices from several dealerships were collected; all other vehicles with the Off-road, size, and safety requirements were above $100K," he indicated.
Furthermore, when the Ministry made the request and began the procurement process (in March), Modad said the 'Budget Law' restricting the ceiling price for ministers' vehicles was not in place. He stated that it was passed in June.
Mr. Modad insists he has nothing to hide, naming boats (not yachts) he listed when he declared his assets. He said there is evidence that he had more than three boats and watercraft since 2010 before joining the government.
Meanwhile, Chairman Tarpeh argued on Tuesday that it would be a great disturbance to all the partisans across the nation to remain silent on issues of such nature.
He urged Minister Modad to speak to the public and clear his side.
"We do not question Minister Modad's competence and ability to lead the sector entrusted to him," Tarpeh said.
"No, but the public is alarmed] over the issue that has to do with the purchase of a vehicle by a private company in the amount of US$150,000."
Chairman Tarpeh noted that the ruling party can't sweep this issue under the carpet.
"Minister Modad played a pivotal role in the UP regarding the Unity Party's loss in 2017 and our subsequent win in 2023. But he must speak," Rev. Tarpeh stated further.
According to him, the issue of corruption and the allegation against Minister Modad that MedTech Scientific sponsored his luxurious vehicle are concerning to the Liberian people.
He detailed that the UP will not hesitate to take action against its own if proven.
Rev. Tarpeh explained that the allegation is deeply concerning not only to partisans but also to Liberians as a whole, who have been hoping that the UP government would lead the country's local and international transformation.
As such, he insisted that Liberians give Minister Moda the benefit of the doubt to exonerate himself.
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As a leader himself, Tarpeh noted that in Liberia, people indict individuals before they can even prove their case in court.
He, therefore, urged all Liberians, especially UP partisans home and abroad, to allow Mr. Modad to defend himself in the way he thinks is possible.
"Today, of all the political institutions, the Liberian people chose the Unity Party for a reason in 2023 to, once again, take over state power," Rev. Tarpeh stated.
"The people did so because the ordinary people of our country wanted a responsible government. A government that would tackle the perennial issues of corruption, drugs, and unemployment and fix our educational system, health, and infrastructure, especially roads," he suggested.
Rev. Tarpeh believes that ordinary citizens want the government to address the issues they are most concerned about.
As chairman of the ruling party, along with the leadership, Tarpeh assured the public that the Unity Party government's quest against corruption and other social and economic vices will continue to be strong.
He vowed that the party would work harder for the Liberian people, adding that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai is crossing the world to ensure that Liberia is ready for business.
