Liberia: Margibi Senator Emmanuel Nuquay Caught on Tape Admitting to Budget Manipulation and Plot to Unseat Speaker Fonati Koffa
MONROVIA — Senator Emmanuel Nuquay has been caught on tape discussing reasons why he disapproved the increment of the budget of the Liberia Special Freezone Authority, headed by Prince Wreh, in the 2023/2024 national budget.
By Selma Lomax selma.lomax@frontpageafricaonline.com
Two authentic telephone audio tapes exclusively obtained by FrontPageAfrica reveal how the Margibi County senator lobbied with his colleagues to reduce the initial $800,000 budget of the entity to $600,000, because the institution, according to Nuquay, is “moribund” and headed by a resident of the county.
Senator Nuquay accused Rep. Ellen Attoh-Wreh, co-chair on the House’s committee on Ways, Means and Finance and wife of Prince Wreh, of increasing the budget of the entity to empower her husband whom he claims has used the opportunity to employ over 70 Margibians (residents of the county).
Senator Nuquay is heard in the audio: “She (Allen Attoh-Wreh increased the entity’s budget from $200,000 to 800,000. When I entered the committee room, I told my colleagues to reduce it because the entity was moribund. Since then, her husband has employed over 70 people from Margibi County.”
Speaking about the current leadership impasse at the House of Representatives, Senator Nuquay said though embattled House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa is his “friend”, he chose not to get involved in defending his retention as Speaker, because he (Fonati Koffa) has empowered Rep. Attoh-Wreh by making her co-chair on Ways, Means and Finance.
His words, “He’s not a bad person. He’s my friend, he’s my brother. I can do anything for [Speaker] Fonati. But for him to take the Speakership and delegate it to that st*pid, foolish, irresponsible and rude girl, and to think that I am going to fight for him I can’t do it. If that is why he’s missing and is accusing me everywhere, he can do anything he wants to do, but I can’t get involved in it, only because of that girl and her husband.
“George Weah called me today and said I should talk to my pekin, Rep. Clarence Gahr because he’s resolved in removing Koffa as Speaker, and I told him, Mr. President, you know that Rep. Gahr had never wanted Fonati Koffa as Speaker. He joined the Congress of Democratic Change (CDC) through the Liberia People’s Democratic Party. And the party’s political leader, Alex Tyler and Fonati Koffa are not on good terms because Fonati brought down Tyler when he was tasked to investigate the Global Witness saga.”
Dissent in Margibi amid leaked audio
Amid the leaked audio, many youths in Margibi County are voicing their discontent loud and clear. “We’ve watched this county struggle with underdevelopment, and it’s clear that Nuquay’s selfish leadership is at the heart of the issue,” said one of the lead progenitors of the One Margibi Agenda, a group fostering unity in the county, Joseph O. Beyan. “He seems to want only himself and his family to thrive while leaving the rest of us to fend for ourselves. He doesn’t want us to benefit from any government initiative.”
She (Allen Attoh-Wreh) increased the entity’s budget from $200,000 to 800,000. When I entered the committee room, I told my colleagues to reduce it because the entity was moribund… Since then, her husband has employed over 70 people from Margibi County, and these are people who are on the internet abusing me… He’s not a bad person. He’s my friend, he’s my brother. I can do anything for [Speaker] Fonati. But for him to take the Speakership and delegate it to that stupid, foolish, irresponsible and rude girl, and to think that I am going to fight for him I can’t do it. if that is why he’s missing and is accusing me everywhere, he can do anything he wants to do, but I can’t get involved in it, only because of that girl and her husband.
Senator Emmnauel Nyquay, Margibi County, In a leaked audio
Citizens say Nuquay’s actions reflect a broader pattern of neglect toward the county’s potential for growth and opportunity. “There have been countless instances where he prioritized his interests over the needs of the people,” added Stanley Cooper, a resident of the county in exile. “We need leaders who put the community first, not those who obstruct progress for personal gains.”
The frustration among Margibians is real, with many calling for citizens’ action and advocating for a change in leadership. As the county deals with the effects of the senator’s actions, residents find themselves questioning the motivations of those in power and their commitment to fostering economic growth.
Calls for protests and community meetings are escalating, as residents demand a leader that prioritizes the well-being of the citizens. As Senator Nuquay faces increasing scrutiny, the future of employment and development in Margibi County hangs in the balance, prompting a critical examination of leadership and priorities, according to Cooper.
Validating the United States on sanctions?
In December 2023, the United States Government widened its sanctions against Liberian officials, issuing visa restrictions against former Finance Minister Samuel Tweah, and Senators Albert T. Chie of Grand Kru County and Emmanuel Nuquay.
The U.S. State Department said pursuant to Section 7031(c), it publicly designated Mr. Tweah, Sen. Chie, and Sen. Nuquay, for their alleged involvement in significant corruption by abusing their public positions through soliciting, accepting, and offering bribes.
The U.S. government accused the top Liberian officials of offering or receiving bribes to manipulate legislative processes and public funding, including legislative reporting and mining sector activity.
As part of this action, the U.S. explained that their immediate family members were also designated.
With the latest leaked audio on Senator Nuquay, political observers say the U.S government was right to place sanctions on him, considering his admittance in manipulating the budget.
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