MONROVIA – The National Youth League of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) has strongly condemned President Joseph N. Boakai’s decision to purchase a 2025 Lexus LX 700HR luxury SUV valued at $300,000, calling it an extravagant expenditure at a time of severe economic distress in Liberia.
In a statement issued Monday, March 31, 2025, the CDC Youth League criticized the government’s spending priorities, highlighting the ongoing crisis in the education sector, where teachers have been unpaid for three months and students are protesting nationwide. The group decried the fact that while educators abandon classrooms and demand their salaries, the president is prioritizing luxury over the welfare of the nation’s youth and struggling citizens.
The CDC Youth League recalled Boakai’s campaign rhetoric, in which he famously claimed he would ride in a wheelbarrow to the Executive Mansion, portraying himself as a leader of the common people. They argued that his purchase of an ultra-luxury vehicle instead exposes a leader detached from the realities of young Liberians, whom they say continue to suffer from high unemployment and poor educational opportunities.
The Youth League called on the president to take immediate corrective action, including prioritizing the payment of teachers’ salaries, redirecting funds to job creation and youth development programs, and engaging in transparent discussions with students, teachers, and community leaders. They further demanded an investigation into reports that kickbacks were given to Executive Protection Service (EPS) Director Sam Gaye in connection with the purchase.
Beyond the issue of the luxury vehicle, the Youth League also condemned what they described as government incompetence, citing a power outage at Roberts International Airport (RIA) that endangered passengers aboard a Brussels Airlines flight the previous night. They accused the administration of failing to ensure essential services while indulging in opulence.
Additionally, the Youth League expressed support for motorcyclists protesting movement restrictions imposed by the Liberia National Police under Inspector General Gregory Coleman, whom they referred to as a “serial killer.” The group vowed to stand with motorcyclists against what they termed unjust policies limiting their freedoms.
