Liberia: Executive Mansion Clarifies President Boakai’s Controversial Statement on Corruption
Monrovia – The Executive Mansion has termed as misrepresentation and deliberate distortion of remarks made by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., relating to funding, corruption, and governance.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
On Sunday, December 22, President Boakai delivered an tackle in the course of the sixtieth anniversary commemoration of Bong, Grand Gedeh, Lofa, and Nimba Counties buying county standing. In his speech, President Boakai made a stunning assertion, saying: “So, we want to encourage those who want to remain corrupt and steal money, I beg, the money should be used to bless our people.”
The President’s remarks have drawn parallels to comparable controversial feedback made by former Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Nathaniel McGill, in August 2022. At the time, McGill acknowledged that looting authorities coffers and investing the proceeds in private infrastructure tasks inside Liberia was “a good thing.” His feedback, made to a gaggle of ladies in Bong County, sparked widespread condemnation, together with from President Boakai’s Unity Party, then serving as the primary opposition.
Boakai remarks have sparked outrage throughout Liberia, notably amongst anti-corruption advocates and civil society organizations. Critics argue that such statements undermine the federal government’s dedication to combating corruption and enhancing governance in a nation already battling systemic corruption and poverty.
Eddie Jarwolo, Executive Director of NAYMOTE, questioned the president’s dedication to accountability. “Are you serious about this, Mr. President? You expect to secure an MCC Compact with this mindset? What happened to the accountability platform on which you campaigned and won?” Jarwolo requested.
However, the Executive Mansion, opposite to current claims, President Boakai’s remarks weren’t an endorsement of corruption however a transparent denunciation of this vice and a name for integrity in public service and even handed use of public assets.
“As a statesman known for his honesty and humility, President Boakai emphasized the need for public officials to reject corruption and use resources entrusted to them for the benefit of the Liberian people. His statement reaffirmed his Administration’s zero-tolerance for corruption and instead a firm stance commitment to good governance,” the Executive Mansion mentioned.
It famous that the Boakai-led Government stays unwavering in its combat in opposition to corruption.; including that key anti-corruption initiatives undertaken this yr embrace anti-corruption audits, suspension of officers on account of corruption and public declarations to foster transparency and accountability, amongst others.
The E-Mansion outlined that in February 2024, the President commissioned audits of key authorities establishments, together with the Central Bank of Liberia, the National Security Agency, and the Executive Protection Service, overlaying actions from 2018 to 2023. These audits aimed to deal with monetary irregularities and guarantee accountability.
It added that following these audits, President Boakai suspended Central Bank Governor Jolue Aloysius Tarlue in July 2024 as a consequence of unauthorized loans and overspending. In October 2024, senior officers of the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC) had been additionally suspended amid allegations of economic misconduct, pending investigations by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC).
The E-Mansion furthered point out that in August 2024, President Boakai cautioned newly commissioned officers that corruption wouldn’t be tolerated, emphasizing accountability and warning that violators would face penalties.
It added that removed from countenancing acts of dishonesty and theft, the Government of Liberia urges the general public and media to contemplate the President’s assertion in its full and correct context, rejecting makes an attempt by ill-intentioned political actors who’re solely pushed by a motive to distort and win political factors.
“President Boakai remains resolute in his vision for a Liberia defined by ethical leadership, unity, and inclusive development. The Administration calls on all citizens and partners to join hands in fostering good governance, transparency, and lasting progress for the nation,” the assertion added.
