Africa-Press – Liberia. Both McGill and his lawyer, Cllr. Cephas were placed under U.S. sanctions for corruption while they served the erstwhile Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) regime led by former President Weah.
Ex-Liberian President George Manneh Weah’s former Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Nathaniel F. McGill, says he is innocent of crimes of corruption and payroll padding for which he is being investigated.
Mr. McGill, now a Senator for Margibi County, is under U.S. sanctions for offering and receiving bribes in his dealings with business owners, potential investors, and government office seekers, manipulating public procurement processes, and receiving unjustified stipends from various government institutions, among other things.
On Tuesday, August 20, 2024, the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) invited McGill to be interrogated about allegations of payroll padding and acts of corruption at the Ministry of State during his administration.
However, the Margibi County Senator alleged on Wednesday, August 21, that LACC’s investigation against him was misdirected.
After appearing before the LACC, Senator McGill’s lawyer, Cllr. Sayma Syrenius Cephas, another sanctioned former official of the immediate past regime, said that his client respects law and order.
Cephas and McGill were sanctioned simultaneously, and the U.S. said the former Liberian Solicitor General and Chief Prosecutor developed close relationships with suspects of criminal investigations.
The U.S. accused Cephas of receiving bribes from individuals in exchange for having their cases dropped.
Both McGill and his lawyer, Cllr. Cephas served the erstwhile Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) regime led by former President Weah.
As McGill’s counsel, Cephas, said, they appreciated the LACC’s move but believed the process was misdirected.
“We came here to show that we support the fight against corruption. The fact is that the man is innocent (Senator McGill),” Cephas contended.
“So, being here today, we appreciate the move, but we believe the process is misdirected,” he continued.
He noted that when an interesting agency invites you, you must accept and respect the law.
“That is why he has called me to represent [him], and that’s why I’m here,” Cllr. Cephas explained.
Cephas alleged that his client is a strong fighter and advocate against corruption.
According to him, they recognized the need to fight corruption, urging Liberians to celebrate Mr. McGill for respecting the law and fighting corruption.
Further, Cephas indicated that his client presented his official position through his lawyer during the LACC interrogation.
“Also, I think this allegation against my client is intended to distract him from his stance against the government’s recast budget,” he alleged.
On Wednesday, McGill was escorted by scores of supporters of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) at the LACC headquarters.
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