Rustonlyn Suacoco Dennis, the suspended CEO of the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL), is making headlines once again, this time for what many have described as a defiant stance against the ongoing corruption probe. Just days after President Joseph Boakai suspended her, she arrived at the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) headquarters in the very vehicles that sparked the investigation.
It was not an ordinary arrival. The suspended NOCAL boss rolled into the LACC compound, reportedly seated comfortably in the government-assigned vehicles she had been ordered to return. The scene outside the LACC headquarters was just as dramatic. Supporters gathered in numbers, voicing their frustration over what they believe is a selective approach to fighting corruption. Their message was clear, if the government is serious about tackling corruption, it should be holistic and not target individuals in isolation.
The move by Dennis has ignited widespread debate. Some see it as a blatant act of defiance, a challenge to the system that is meant to hold public officials accountable. Others argue that her actions highlight a flaw in enforcement, if a suspended official can still parade government assets, what does that say about the strength of the system meant to reclaim them?
The suspended NOCAL boss later on left the LACC compound with the two vehicles in question, accompanied by her lawyers and LACC investigators. The agreed plan was to transport the vehicles to the NOCAL headquarters for parking.
However, while en route, she and her legal team diverted to their law firm instead. As a result, the vehicles were subsequently returned to the LACC compound.
They are now parked at the LACC compound while the investigation will go on.
The controversy surrounding this raises questions about the effectiveness of President Boakai’s anti-corruption drive. While his administration has vowed to take a tough stance on corruption, critics are waiting to see whether the LACC will be able to carry out a thorough and impartial investigation into this unfolding scandal.
For now, all eyes are on the LACC. Will this case be handled with the seriousness it deserves? Will Dennis be held accountable, or will this be another political drama that fades with time?
Do you have confidence in the LACC to investigate and come to a logical conclusion in this scandal? Let’s talk about it!
