The recent corruption allegations at the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) have stirred up significant public debate. At the center of this storm is the suspended NOCAL President, Rustolyn Suakoko Dennis, whose claims have sparked concerns about a possible smear campaign against reputable individuals like Emmanuel Azango, the Vice President for Finance.
Understanding Emmanuel Azango’s Role
Before jumping to conclusions, we must first understand what Emmanuel Azango actually does. As the Vice President for Finance, his job is to manage NOCAL’s financial health. This means:
- Ensuring that the company’s money is used wisely and efficiently.
- Creating and overseeing financial strategies to make NOCAL profitable.
- Making sure all financial transactions follow government regulations.
Azango has been known for his dedication to financial transparency. However, it has been reported that the suspended President limited his ability to fully perform his duties. If true, this raises serious questions about her own financial dealings.
Why Was Azango Invited by the LACC?
The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) recently invited Azango and other vice presidents for questioning. Some people have taken this as proof of their guilt. However, being invited for questioning does NOT mean someone is guilty of a crime. Instead, it suggests that the LACC is looking for information regarding decisions made by the suspended President. One key issue is the purchase of a vehicle that allegedly exceeded the government’s spending limit. Reports indicate that this transaction was done without the approval of other NOCAL leadership.
There is reason to believe that the suspended President is using these allegations to distract from her own questionable actions. By shifting blame onto others, she may be trying to protect herself from scrutiny.
The Danger of Misinformation
In Liberia, misinformation can spread quickly, especially when people in power push false narratives. The country is still recovering from years of conflict, and many people are vulnerable to deception. But no matter how many times a lie is told, the truth will always come out.
Emmanuel Azango has built a strong reputation over the years. Many who have worked with him can vouch for his honesty. That is why it is important for the public to look beyond the surface of these allegations and wait for proper investigations to reveal the truth.
Breaking Down the Budget Confusion
One major point of misinformation is the claim about a proposed budget. A budget proposal is simply a plan, it does not mean money has actually been spent. What truly matters is the Local Purchasing Order (LPO) from the Procurement Department, which records the actual amount paid. According to reports, the LPO contradicts the $55,000 figure being circulated, meaning the numbers being spread may be misleading.
Who Actually Controls NOCAL’s Money?
According to the 2016 NOCAL Act, the power to approve financial transactions does NOT rest with the Vice President for Finance. Instead, it belongs to:
- The Board of Directors – They set policies, approve bank accounts, and authorize contracts.
- The President/CEO – They run the daily operations and appoint vice presidents, but they must still get the board’s approval for major decisions.
This means that the Vice President for Finance, like Emmanuel Azango, does not have the authority to make large financial decisions on his own. Any major spending would need approval from higher-ups.
The Bigger Picture
Nobody is perfect, but Emmanuel Azango has a strong track record of transparency and accountability. His years of service prove his dedication to doing what is right. It would be unfair to let baseless accusations overshadow his contributions to NOCAL.
As the LACC continues its investigation, the public must remain patient and cautious. It is easy to believe the first story we hear, but we must demand facts, not just rumors. At the end of the day, the truth will always prevail.
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