Monrovia, Liberia – Dr. Robtel Neejay Pailey, the 177th Independence Day Orator of Liberia, has pleaded with President Joseph Boakai to reconsider his plans to purchase the 285 earthmoving machines and other ill decisions in his government before the people of Liberia turn against him.
President Boakai’s administration’s purchase of 285 yellow machines has generated a great deal of criticism and calls for greater openness. Public criticism has also been sparked by the procurement process’s secrecy, especially in light of the Executive’s omission of details on the acquisition of these devices.
“Do you want to be remembered for respecting the rule of law or for condoning lawlessness?” Dr. Pailey asked during her Friday Independence Day speech. You have committed a number of errors along the way, including the controversy surrounding the “Yellow Machine Gate,” the tenured posts fiasco, and the nomination of dubious individuals to important positions of trust (you are aware of these).
“I implore you to change your direction before Liberians begin to lose faith in you. Assemble a diverse, nationally representative team of honorable, capable, and dedicated Liberians; create deliverables that are agreed upon and have a deadline; and hold them responsible. Order everyone appointed to pick up their aprons and go to work, or step aside to allow progress to proceed.
Dr. Pailey suggested that the government utilize the slogan “dignity must define us” as the unifying anchor for this administration’s national development plan, arguing that the government’s “ARREST Agenda” looks more like a wish list for multi-sectoral development.
“Liberian-led, Liberian-financed, and Liberian-managed is the imperative for managing change and providing public goods,” she declared.
