By By: Alphanso G. Kalama
In a sweeping crackdown on non-compliance and growing disregard for public transparency, Liberia’s Office of the Ombudsman has recommended the immediate suspension—without pay—of 42 sitting lawmakers who have allegedly failed to declare their assets as required by law. Among those facing sanction is former House Speaker Alex Tyler, now Senator of Bomi County, along with 11 other senators and 29 representatives, all accused of violating Section 4.1 of the Code of Conduct, which mandates asset declaration for all public officials.
The recommendation was disclosed by Cllr. Findley Karngar, Executive Director of the Ombudsman Office, during a press briefing hosted by the Ministry of Information. Karngar emphasized that the action is part of the Office’s broader effort to promote accountability, transparency, and public trust. He further urged that the salaries of the defaulting lawmakers be redirected to the public interest until they meet their legal obligations.
Those flagged in the Senate include: Alex Tyler (Bomi), Simeon Taylor (Grand Cape Mount), Gboto Kanneh (Gbarpolu), Zoe Emmanuel Pennue and Thomas Y. Nimely (Grand Gedeh), Wellington Geevon Smith and Bill Tweahway (River Cess), Crayton Duncan (Sinoe), Numene T.H. Bartekwa (Grand Kru), James S. Biney (Maryland), Saah Joseph (Montserrado), and Samuel Kogar (Nimba). While the names of the 29 Representatives were not disclosed publicly, the Ombudsman confirmed that the full list has been submitted to House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon for immediate disciplinary action.
Karngar reiterated the Ombudsman’s commitment to enforcing the law and holding public officials accountable. According to him, failure to declare assets undermines public confidence and violates the ethical obligations of leadership. “This is not a witch-hunt. It’s the law, and it must be obeyed,” he declared.
Credit: Spoon
