By Patrick Germenee Moryor
Contact: 0886691422/0775250413
Margibi County District #3 Representative, Hon. Ellen A. Attoh-Wreh, has dismissed allegations that she influenced a budgetary increase for the Liberia Free Zone Authority (LFZA).
She accused Senator James Emmanuel Nuquay of spreading falsehoods to tarnish her reputation and distract from pressing developmental issues in the county.
Rep. Attoh-Wreh emphasized that the preparation of the National Budget is solely the responsibility of the Executive Branch, not the Legislature, making it impossible for any lawmaker to unilaterally adjust budget allocations.
“The National Budget is drafted by the Executive Branch and undergoes a rigorous review and approval process in the Legislature. No individual lawmaker has the power to increase or decrease allocations for any entity.
These claims are baseless,” she stated in an exclusive interview with our Margibi County reporter.
Addressing her alleged connection to the LFZA, Rep. Attoh-Wreh clarified that she deliberately abstained from a legislative session involving LFZA Executive Director, Mr. Prince Anything Wreh, due to their personal relationship.
“I chose to recuse myself out of respect for my relationship with Mr. Wreh to avoid any perception of bias or conflict of interest,” she explained.
The controversy arose after Senator Nuquay alleged that Rep. Attoh-Wreh orchestrated an increase in the LFZA budget from $20,000 to $800,000. This claim has sparked heated debates in Margibi County, with residents expressing concerns over its implications.
Rep. Attoh-Wreh described the allegations as unfounded, politically motivated, and damaging to her reputation. She called on Senator Nuquay to prioritize unity and constructive dialogue over divisive rhetoric.
“This misinformation serves no purpose but to create division. I urge Senator Nuquay to focus on meaningful engagements that benefit our county instead of pitting residents against me,” she said.
A review of budgetary records by DN News Liberia contradicts Senator Nuquay’s claims. Official figures show that the LFZA’s budget was increased to $697,623, not $800,000 as alleged. Rep. Attoh-Wreh attributed the increase to the LFZA’s transition into an autonomous agency tasked with promoting investment and economic growth.
“The Executive likely recognized the need for increased funding due to the LFZA’s new status as an autonomous agency. This transformation requires additional resources to meet its operational and developmental goals,” she explained.
The LFZA, established to foster investment and economic growth in Liberia, has not commented on the allegations. Similarly, Senator Nuquay has yet to provide documentary evidence to support his claims. Attempts to reach his office for a response were unsuccessful at the time of this report.
