MONROVIA — U.S. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, one of the most senior Republican leaders in Congress, has publicly raised serious allegations involving an individual reportedly identified as Liberia’s National Port Authority (NPA) Managing Director, Sekou Dukuly.
In a post on X, Emmer alleged that the individual operated 24 group homes that collected more than US$36 million in American taxpayer funds over 10 years, with 10 cases of neglect and 22 cases of maltreatment, four allegedly resulting in patient deaths.
Emmer further stated that the individual is now back in his “home country of Liberia” and called for Minnesota state and local officials to be held accountable.
The congressional leader’s intervention has intensified discussion in Liberia, particularly after loyalists of Dukuly reportedly dismissed allegations surrounding the NPA boss as “AI.”
Reacting to the development, Liberian activist studying abroad Togar Alexander Bealded said the public statement from such a senior U.S. lawmaker means the allegations cannot simply be brushed aside through political loyalty or attacks on critics.
“This is not Liberia, where allegations can be drowned out with political loyalty, insults and largesse,” Bealded said. “Those attacking everyone in defense of the NPA boss should watch out—you and Uncle Sam may eventually have to meet.”
Bealded said questions have previously been raised about Dukuly, including photographs and videos purportedly showing homes under construction around the Congo Town Back Road area. He complained that critics raising such issues have often been met with insults from Dukuly’s supporters rather than substantive responses.
“What haven’t we said about this individual? Once you speak, his boys come cussing you,” Bealded said.
He concluded: “Well, you can start cussing the U.S. Government too. The matter is coming home to roost. We here!”
The claims cited by Emmer remain allegations, and his X post alone does not establish criminal wrongdoing by Dukuly. But the intervention of the U.S. House Majority Whip has placed renewed attention on the matter and could intensify calls for the underlying facts to be independently examined.
The Truth Is Our Guide