By Socrates Smythe Saywon
MONROVIA – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s declaration of Wednesday, July 30, 2025, as a National Day of Prayer has triggered strong criticism from Liberian civil society leaders, journalists, and political commentators who say the move reflects a troubling disconnect between symbolism and substantive governance.
The President’s announcement, issued by the Executive Mansion on Monday, July 28, 2025, declared the day a National Holiday to be observed throughout the Republic. The statement said the declaration recognizes “the enduring grace of God upon the nation and the unyielding spirit of the Liberian people through times of trial and triumph.” It also echoed the President’s Independence Day message delivered on July 26, which emphasized unity, healing, and reconciliation.
“From the founding of our nation, through seasons of trial and triumph, God has remained our guide and the source of our hope,” President Boakai stated. “As we look to the future, let us embrace forgiveness of ourselves and one another, for it is only through reconciliation that we can fully heal and move forward as one people.”
The President urged citizens, residents, and international partners within Liberia to gather in churches, mosques, and other places of worship to seek divine blessing and renew the national covenant for peace, unity, and reconciliation. The day is expected to feature interfaith gatherings, special prayer services, and grassroots reflections nationwide. Public and private institutions have been encouraged to observe the holiday in a spirit of spiritual renewal and collective purpose.
But the gesture has been sharply criticized by figures who believe the administration is using religious observance to mask failures in policy and leadership. Anderson D. Miamen, a prominent civil society advocate, reacted by stating, “Prayer is good. However, we need good quality decisions and actions to holistically and sustainably address our governance and other problems.”
Journalist Charles Yates questioned the legality and motive behind the President’s declaration. “The Muslims don’t have to worry again or go to the National Legislature for an Islamic holiday,” he wrote on his social media platform. “You just go to the Prezo and he will declare it. What law gives the president the right to declare a holiday? Are we witnessing a creeping imperial presidency?”
Political commentator Wonderr Koryenen Freeman added a more blistering critique of the President’s leadership style and spending. “It’s easy to ask others to fast and pray when you make a USD 10,000 salary, ride a USD 1 million bullet-proof car, and travel in a private jet,” he said. “It’s easy to ask others to fast and pray when you operate a USD 3 million petty-cash budget and a USD 28 million ‘covert’ operations budget. Thinking you’re smart by using religion to keep the people quiet. Like, my people, don’t worry, your miracle is on the way. Like seriously. Miracle? Project NTR, because we refuse to be fooled by the same people two, three, or four times.
While supporters of the President argue the holiday encourages spiritual reflection and promotes national unity, critics contend that it is a politically calculated distraction from pressing national issues. They argue that Liberia’s challenges, ranging from inflation and unemployment to corruption and underperforming institutions, require bold policy decisions, not symbolic gestures.
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