A statement former Mines and Energy Minister, Wilmot Paye released concerning his dismissal, has reportedly erupted into political turmoil in Nimba County.
The statement is said to have created muddle between supporters of Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, and those on the side of Mr. Paye.
The three principal players in the saga are all Nimbaians.
Paye has alleged that his removal from the Ministry of Mines and Energy was partly connected to his refusal to participate in an attempt to conceal an academic fraud, which involved then Commerce Inspector General David Dorr Cooper at the University of Liberia (UL).
Cooper had attempted stealing a degree from the UL while he served as commerce inspector, but the deal backfired until he resigned his post at commerce.
Paye made the allegation when he appeared on a local radio station in Monrovia, where he claimed that Koung contacted him after reports of the academic irregularities, which Cooper emerged as the principal mastermind.
He said, VP requested that his wife, who is a lecturer at the UL should assist Cooper by preventing the matter from becoming public, and also protect Cooper from the consequences of the academic fraud.
Paye said, he declined to approach his wife or ask her to intervene in such criminal matter.
He maintained that academic integrity at the UL (his amateur) should not be compromised to protect any public official, mainly an undergraduate civil servant.
“I advised Mr. Koung that Cooper should resign from his position as Commerce Inspector General, if the allegations were found to be credible, rather than seeking to suppress the information.
Mr. Paye said, his refusal to cooperate with the plan became one of the factors that “contributed to my eventual replacement at the Ministry of Mines and Energy.”
He did not provide documentary evidence during the radio appearance to support the allegations, and there has been no immediate public response from VP Koung, or Dorr Cooper regarding the claims.
The allegations have generated discussion among Liberians, with some citizens calling for clarity from the VP, and other relevant authorities over the “academic fraud controversy.”
Others have questioned why Paye chose to make the allegations after he left government. Some argued that he should have raised the matter through official channels while serving in the administration.
A local commentator, identified as Joseph Paye, urged Mr. Paye to remain silent, claiming that he had already played his role in the government, and should therefore, avoid making allegations that could create further public controversy.
However, supporters of Mr. Paye argued that the claims raised serious concerns about accountability, political influence, and the protection of integrity within public institutions, particularly the UL.
Before his removal, Mr. Paye was widely viewed by some observers as one of the best performing officials, particularly in the management of the Ministry of Mines and Energy.
During his tenure, Paye was credited with increasing public awareness of mining sector issues, encouraging companies to meet their social responsibility, and promoting stronger engagement between mining communities and concession companies.
The allegations are likely to intensify calls for an independent inquiry into the reported “academic fraud” and the circumstances surrounding Mr. Paye’s removal.