Kanneh: “Stop Labeling Lawmakers As Corrupt”

Gbarpolu County Senator Botoe Kanneh has called on Liberians to stop labeling members of the Legislature as “corrupt.”

Madam Kanneh argued that lawmakers continue to provide support to citizens, and communities they represent, but said, in spite of the efforts, “there were people misleading the public that the lawmakers were corrupt.”

Madam Kanneh made the statement in Bong County during an engagement between the senate committee on health, and local health authorities as lawmakers toured health facilities, and assessed challenges affecting healthcare delivery in the county.

Her remarks followed commendations from health authorities from Bong County Senators Johnny K. Kpehe, and Prince Kermue Moye, for their contributions toward health facilities that have addressed some of the challenges confronting the sector.

Madam Kanneh said, lawmakers are frequently accused of corruption, but questioned the basis for such claims when legislators continue to use available resources, and influence to assist citizens and institutions in their respective communities.

“We as senators or lawmakers have been accused of corruption. We are not corrupt, because, at the end of the day, whatever we get is coming back to the citizens.”

Madam Kanneh urged citizens to recognize lawmakers when they make contributions to their communities, particularly when such support addresses pressing public needs, “instead of branding us as corrupt people.

She further encouraged citizens who believe their elected representatives are working in their interest to defend their integrity when they face public criticism.

“As you people are praising the senators, and to continue praising them, you have to stand for them too, to fight for them, for their integrity, because we are not corrupt.”

Madam Kanneh argued that lawmakers should not be judged solely on public perceptions, and that accusations of corruption should be supported by specific evidence.

Her comments come amid continuing public debate over accountability within the legislature, with citizens regularly demanding greater transparency, and clearer explanations concerning the use of public resources.

The engagement forms part of its legislative oversight activities to interact with health authorities, identify challenges at healthcare facilities, and examine possible areas requiring legislative attention.