The Senate’s Committee on Agriculture, Fishery and Forestry has indicted Agriculture Minister, Jeane Cooper for her alleged involvement in the $5.5 Million United States Dollars Corona Emergency Fund which could not be accounted for.
It can be recalled, on October 19, 2021, the Committee wrote the Senate Plenary alleging that the Minister had exhibited a non-cooperative and a non-compliance attitude towards the Committee, thus obstructing legislative functions and responsibilities.
The report, according to the Liberian Senate accorded Minister Cooper due process and found her guilty and charged with contempt.
Reading the Committee’s Report in plenary session Thursday by Senate Secretary, Nanborlor Singbeh, it was reported that Minister Jeannie Cooper earlier lied under oath that she was not signatory to any account of the Agriculture Ministry.
But, according to the report, it was proven by evidence of an LBDI’s MOA Agriculture Value Chain Project Account #001USD 2130314040, where the Minister reportedly served as a prime signatory, along with three other persons who are not employees of the Ministry of Agriculture, but contractors.
At the same time, the Senate’s Committee on Agriculture, Fishery and Forestry has recommended that the report be forwarded to the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission and General Audit Agency to launch an investigation and audit into the allegations.
The Committee through its report, further recommended that Minister Jeane Cooper be suspended from all active duties and functions of the Ministry of Agriculture to enable her adequately defend herself against the allegations.
The decision was taken following a motion from Gbarpolu County Senator, Botoe Kanneh that the report is opened for plenary discussion.
Meanwhile, members of the Liberian Senate have unanimously voted to forward the Committee’s Report to the LACC and GAC in consonance with the Committee’s recommendations.
