Corruption Camouflaged: Nationalistic Rhetoric Cannot Hide Sen…

Liberian Senator Crayton Duncan faces backlash for hypocrisy amid allegations of exploiting natural resources for personal gain while criticizing foreign investment and leaders amassing wealth. His actions, particularly signing a lease for logging rights under his company, breach legal standards and raise serious ethical questions. The public is demanding accountability, emphasizing a need for true transparency and good governance in Liberia.

In a recent address before the Liberian Senate, Senator Crayton Duncan of Sinoe County deflected criticism from his constituents, who were understandably frustrated with their leaders accumulating wealth during their public service. Instead of accepting accountability, he remarked that Liberians seem too preoccupied with bringing down their own leaders while overlooking the profits being generated by foreign investors from the country’s natural resources.

However, what is perhaps more troubling is Senator Duncan’s own involvement in the very exploitation he condemned. His rhetoric comes off as hollow when one considers his past record, which is marred by legal and ethical violations. He is not the defender of the oppressed; rather, he exemplifies the corruption he claims to abhor, taking advantage of his elected position to advance his personal interests.

In 2021, Duncan signed a controversial 25-year lease between the Bannah community and Sino Forest Corporation, a company he represented. The lease allowed direct access to 250 acres of forestland, and he did so not as a member of the legislature but as the Executive Director of the corporation. This raises serious questions about legality, especially when considering Liberia’s 2009 Community Rights Law and the National Forestry Reform Law of 2006 that strictly prohibit such conflicts of interest for elected officials.

The implications of Duncan’s actions are serious and cannot be overlooked. By proceeding with the lease in this manner, he has betrayed the very communities he claims to serve. The people of Bannah have expressed their disappointment and confusion regarding the lease, believing it was meant for a plywood factory as Duncan had hinted. Instead, they found that the land had been leased to Chinese investors, which led to protests in Greenville in 2022, where the community voiced their grievances, aptly described by Youth President Ranford Beah as “disappointing and frustrating.”

What’s even more disconcerting is Duncan’s silence regarding the community’s demands for accountability. The disconnect is staggering; how can he criticize others for exploitation while engaging in similar opportunistic behavior? He later criticized foreign companies hiring Liberians for short-term contracts, pointing out the high unemployment in areas like Sinoe County, where logging companies employ very few locals.

But the critical question remains: what good is it to have lawmakers who engage in the very practices they criticize? Duncan’s actions not only undermine the integrity of the office he holds but also insult the intelligence of the Liberian populace. This hypocrisy—which is alarmingly common among Liberia’s political elite—reveals a systemic issue wherein elected officials prioritize self-enrichment over public service.

Furthermore, Duncan’s remarks call for serious scrutiny and, ideally, investigation. If law violations are confirmed regarding his previous actions, there must be consequences regardless of his current political status. The law should not just be existing ideas but actively enforced to maintain accountability.

This scenario illustrates a deeply concerning trend—those in positions of power seeking sympathy while deflecting their culpability. The challenges facing Liberia are clear; accountability should never be seen as persecution, and wealth should not be viewed as a birthright. The next steps should focus on genuine leadership that values transparency, compliance, and the lawful management of resources.

Senator Duncan’s tone not only lacks sensitivity but is also quite dangerous. Such beliefs fundamentally disrupt the path towards accountability and integrity that Liberia needs at this critical juncture in its history. The necessity for transparency and effective governance is more pressing than ever as the people of Liberia watch closely, demanding that their leaders act in their genuine interest.

In summary, Senator Crayton Duncan’s recent remarks illustrate a troubling disconnect between his words and actions. His history of self-enrichment through illegal logging significantly undermines his credibility as a leader. As the Liberian public continues to call for accountability, it becomes increasingly clear that there must be a shift towards genuine service over personal gain. The fight for transparency and responsible governance remains paramount.

Original Source: frontpageafricaonline.com