Misleading: No evidence that NPA Managing Director is linked to missing container of rice

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Varney Dukuly

Claim: The Liberian Influence, a Facebook page in Liberia, is accusing the Managing Director of the National Port Authority, Sekou Hussein Dukuly, of being linked to the missing 40 ft container of rice at the  Authority’s premises. 

Verdict: No evidence to link the National Port Authority (NPA) boss to the theft of the 40-foot container of rice. Ms Benita Urey, who is in charge of the ‘Liberian Influence’ page, said she can’t provide the facts behind the claims. 

Full Text:

The new Managing Director at the National Port Authority, Sekou Hussein Dukuly (no relation to the writer), has been linked to the disappearance of a 40-foot container of rice at the country’s port of entry, the NPA.

There have been mixed reactions to the report of the missing consignment of rice.

However, a popular Facebook page in Liberia accuses the MD of the Authority of being behind the disappearance.

“Managing Director Sekou Hussein Dukuly has been linked to the missing 40 ft container of rice at the Liberia National Port Authority,” said The Liberian Influence blog. 

Accordingly, the blog said the situation has raised concerns about corruption and mismanagement within the institution. “At this critical time when our country is struggling for rice.”

Ms Benita Urey, who runs the blog, is the daughter of Mr. Benoni Urey, a prominent opposition leader and former ally to the current president, Joseph Nyuma Boakai.

Please find attached photographs taken from the blog’s post: 

The claim bordering on allegations of corruption and theft was posted on March 11, 2024. Dubawa has chosen to verify the facts to avoid the spread of misinformation.

Verification:

During an early morning hour on March 11, 2024, the nation and port users woke up to widespread news that a 40 ft container loaded with rice reportedly vanished from the premises of the Port. 

Port officials were alarmed as speculation grew on social media linking Mr. Dukuly, the new MD, to the disappearance.

In verifying the claim,  DUBAWA contacted the Liberian Influence through its management to provide evidence backing the claim, but they declined. “I can’t,” writes the blog manager Benita Urey via WhatsApp. 

Please see attached the screenshot of the WhatsApp chat:

However, the National Port Authority said the management had initiated an investigation into an alleged theft involving the illicit departure of three trucks loaded with rice from the Monrovia port. 

NPA: “This incident occurred through the NPA exit gate (Bravo) at approximately 3:22 AM. The suspects were apprehended on the Japanese Highway.”

See attached complete statement: -Image source: NPA -Liberia.

The release added that based on its investigation findings, Robert Teah, Charles Weah, Zwannah Haines, and Ezekiel Kollie have been charged with criminal conspiracy under Chapter 10.4 and criminal facilitation under Chapter 10.2, respectively.

“Additionally, the officers stationed at the Alpha Gate, George Boakai, Michael Johnson, and Abraham Julue, face charges of negligence of duty for their failure to prevent the unauthorized entry of trucks into the port premises.

A collaborative investigation is underway with the Liberia National Police (LNP) and the Liberia Sea Port Police to further probe this matter,” said the release.

 But when quizzed about MD Sekou Hussein Dukuly’s involvement in the disappearance of a 40-foot rice container, the Director of Public Relations, Malcolm W. Scott Sr., rejected the claim.

He said: “Terrible lies of wicked intent to spew trash at the MD and mud his character.”

As for the Managing Director of the NPA, he has yet to respond to messages sent to him for clarity.

Checks by DUBAWA indicate that the MD of NPA is not a suspect in the disappearance of the 40-foot container of rice.

Conclusion:

Although there are reports of rice theft at the National Port of Authority, there is no evidence to show that the new Managing Director, Hussein Dukuly, is linked to the missing container of rice.