Monrovia, Liberia – Following divisive comments made at the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of Lofa, Nimba, Bong, and Grand Gedeh counties gaining county rank, President Joseph Boakai is coming under heavy fire.
His administration’s dedication to addressing the widespread problem has been seriously called into doubt by the remarks, which many have seen to be endorsing corruption.
“This is your country,” President Boakai said to the crowd in Lofa County. I mean, no one ask you why you are here, and this is the only location where that happens. You belong here, which is why you are here. Let’s construct this nation. It has everything. Therefore, we wish to support those who wish to continue being dishonest and stealing your money, but I implore you to utilize the funds to better our people.”
The President’s remarks, according to critics, effectively minimize the gravity of corruption and might even encourage corrupt behavior by suggesting that money that has been stolen is fine as long as it is utilized for the sake of the public. The comments have been compared to a similar statement made by Nathaniel McGill, the former minister of state, during the administration of George Weah. The United States has sanctioned McGill for corruption after he was widely criticized for his comments.
“A current president who claims to be an integrity advocate is pushing his government personnel to steal, invest in Liberia, or better the lives of common people? The executive director of Liberia’s Center for Transparency and Accountability, Anderson Miamen, pondered. The president’s alleged anti-corruption pledges and intentions are completely at odds with this, which is quite humiliating. I’m really disappointed. The president’s remark has deeply disappointed Central. This is just business as usual, if not worse.
According to others, the statements implicitly support corruption as long as the riches that have been taken are “used to bless the people.” Critics claim that such discourse creates a risky precedent and threatens the rule of law.
The dispute arises as the government of President Boakai is being criticized for what is seen as its lack of action against corrupt officials. The failure to reprimand government officials who have broken anti-corruption laws by failing to disclose their assets, income, and liabilities to the Liberia Anti Corruption Commission within almost a year of taking office is proof of the lack of decisive action taken against such individuals.
As the country struggles with the consequences of the president’s divisive comments, many are wondering if his government is sincere about combating corruption. Given that he has often said that he has a zero-tolerance policy on the matter, the vagueness of his remarks runs the risk of undermining public confidence and giving those who take advantage of the system for their own benefit more confidence.
If President Boakai doesn’t move quickly and forcefully to make his position clear and hold dishonest officials responsible, he runs the risk of being seen as a leader who ignored one of Liberia’s most important problems.
Photo credit: Executive Mansion
