-Alarms over corruption
The Majority Bloc of the 4th Manor River Union Youth Parliament Liberia-Chapter (MRUYP-LC) has raised concerns over alleged corruption within the institution and is urging the Ministry of Youth and Sports to conduct an independent audit. The group, represented by Preston Davis, the Secretary-General from Grand Gedeh County, highlighted discrepancies in the management of funds intended for MRUYP-LC activities.
Citing the 2009 Public Financial Management Act, the group emphasized the importance of internal controls and proper audit procedures in public spending entities. They expressed alarm over what they described as the mismanagement of funds by Mr. Daniel Nama Mills and his associates, whom they accused of diverting government funds meant for the Youth Parliament for personal use.
Specifically, the group mentioned instances where substantial amounts, such as $50,000 in 2022 and $75,000 in December 2023, allocated for parliamentary sittings and other activities, were allegedly misappropriated. They also highlighted an additional $50,000 provided to the institution in 2022, the utilization of which remains unaccounted for.
The Majority Bloc’s call for an audit signals their commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability within MRUYP-LC, to safeguard public funds and uphold the integrity of the institution. Their actions reflect a stance against corruption and a determination to uphold ethical standards in youth governance.
“Given the foregoing, we are calling on the Ministry of Youth and Sports to make available copies of all activities and financial reports covering all programs carried out by the leadership of Mr. Nills for the period commencing January 2022 to December 2023” he concluded.
But, reacting to the allegations in a telephone conversation with this paper on Sunday, March 17 the President of the Manor River Union Youth Parliament Liberia Chapter MRUYP-LC Mr. Daniel N. Nills described the allegations as false and misleading, adding that they lack substance.
” To be sincere to you my brother, I have no record of eating any funds provided to the Institution. The Ministry of Youth and Sports has a protocol that before funds are disbursed to you, you have to explain what you want to do with the fund. Also, before you get another money you have to tell the audit what you did with the first fund and how was used. I have been doing all that and so that is why we have been getting funds ” he noted.
According to him, those who are calling themselves the majority bloc are a few hands of guys whom he defeated in the election and they have refused to work with him despite they are working outside the Institution.
