Commentary: “beyond Political Loyalty: Boakai Must Empower A Nation, Not Just Reward His Supporters; The Case Of Nowai Gbotolo”

The recent construction of a three-bedroom apartment for Madam Nowai Gbotolo, affectionately known as “Boakai Da Baby,” might be seen as a heartfelt gesture from President Joseph Boakai. While it’s commendable to acknowledge loyalty and show gratitude to those who have supported a leader through tough times, we must ask ourselves if such gestures are sufficient when an entire nation is grappling with severe economic challenges.

There’s nothing wrong with President Boakai lending a hand to a loyal supporter. Howbeit, the role of the presidency transcends mere political loyalty; true national leadership requires more than just rewarding those who have been steadfast to a political agenda.

It involves fostering an environment where all Liberians, irrespective of their political beliefs, can secure a decent livelihood, construct homes, provide education for their children, and live with dignity.

While a three-bedroom apartment can significantly improve one family’s situation, creating a supportive economic landscape can uplift the lives of countless individuals.

This is where the Boakai administration needs to show a stronger sense of urgency.

In Liberia, families are grappling with soaring living costs, high unemployment rates, and insufficient incomes, all while trying to meet their basic needs.

Young graduates wander the streets in search of job opportunities, while small business owners struggle to keep their enterprises afloat. Civil servants and those with low incomes find it challenging to make ends meet with their limited salaries amidst rising household expenses.

For many Liberians, the dream of owning a home feels unattainable—not due to a lack of ambition, but because the current economic climate makes such goals increasingly elusive.

In light of these challenges, the President’s gesture towards Madam Gbotolo prompts a larger question about the type of empowerment his administration aims to provide.

Will empowerment be seen as a matter of personal goodwill, political acknowledgment, and sporadic presidential support, or will it evolve into a comprehensive national policy that equips ordinary citizens with the economic tools to uplift themselves?

President Boakai needs to recognize that the most meaningful way to show appreciation to his supporters isn’t merely by providing a house to one person.

Instead, it lies in fostering an economy that enables thousands of his supporters to construct their own homes without relying on the kindness of the presidency. This responsibility goes beyond just his supporters.

Those who campaigned for him, defended him, voted for him, and still believe in his leadership deserve opportunities.

Howbeit, the same goes for those who voted against him, supported other political parties, or have no political affiliation at all.

Once elected, a President becomes the leader of the entire Republic, not just the political group that helped him reach the Executive Mansion.

Political loyalty should never dictate economic survival in a democratic society. Therefore, the President must go beyond mere symbolic gestures and implement policies that create jobs, boost local production, expand access to affordable financing, support small and medium-sized businesses, strengthen agriculture, and enhance the purchasing power of ordinary Liberians.

The goal should be to build a Liberia where a struggling mother doesn’t need to be a presidential favorite to secure decent housing; where a young graduate doesn’t have to rely on political connections to find a job; and where hardworking citizens can access opportunities based on their skills rather than their political affiliations.

Madam Gbotolo’s new apartment may represent a personal victory. Yet, for the thousands of Liberians observing from communities nationwide, the real victory would be an economy that enables such achievements without waiting for presidential intervention.

President Boakai has the opportunity to transform appreciation into policy, generosity into sustainable empowerment, and political goodwill into tangible economic progress.

Liberians are not just asking for houses, handouts, or gestures of sympathy. They are seeking an economy that functions, opportunities that are within reach, and a government that truly understands the gravity of their daily challenges.

Mr. President, constructing a single home is a gesture of goodwill. Howbeit, creating an economy where every diligent Liberian can own a home is a true demonstration of leadership.

And during this challenging time in our nation’s history, Liberians need much more of the latter.