A Column By Socrates Smythe Saywon
MONROVIA – In a candid and forward-thinking public intervention, Eddie D. Jarwolo, Executive Director of NAYMOTE Partners for Democratic Development, is calling for sweeping reforms in Liberia’s governance structure to prioritize the interests of the people over entrenched political privilege. Following his appearance on Punch FM 106.7, a local radio station in Monrovia on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, Jarwolo used his social media platform to amplify his message, pushing for a more accountable, equitable, and people-centered government.
Jarwolo’s central argument rests on the urgent need for a more “serviceable government,” a phrase that underscores his emphasis on public service as opposed to personal enrichment. In his radio appearance and Facebook post, he expressed concern over the disproportionate salaries and benefits allocated to top government officials at the expense of real development priorities, especially at the local level. According to him, these excessive perks create a disconnect between elected leaders and the communities they are meant to serve.
To address this imbalance, Jarwolo suggested that each elected and appointed government official be allocated a vehicle for a six-year term instead of receiving new ones every three years. This policy recommendation is aimed at curbing waste and redirecting resources to more impactful areas like education, health, and local infrastructure. The proposal resonated deeply in a country where citizens have long lamented the opulence of politicians while basic public services remain underfunded and dysfunctional.
Beyond fiscal discipline, Jarwolo also advanced a strong case for decentralization and more robust county-level development. He noted that the current allotment of US$186,000 per county annually is grossly insufficient to drive meaningful transformation. He called on the Legislature and the Executive to work collaboratively to increase these allocations, emphasizing that sustainable development begins with empowered local governments.
Recognizing the growing threat of narcotics and other illicit substances in Liberia, Jarwolo advocated for the creation of a joint security task force that would unify the efforts of the military, the Liberia National Police, the Liberia Immigration Service, and the Drug Enforcement Agency. He argued that the fight against drugs requires not only inter-agency collaboration but also sufficient logistical and financial support from the government. In a country grappling with rising youth unemployment and substance abuse, Jarwolo’s call is timely and necessary.
What sets Jarwolo apart in Liberia’s crowded political and civic landscape is his consistent emphasis on reform driven by data and experience. As head of NAYMOTE, a leading civil society organization monitoring governance and democratic trends in the country, Jarwolo has long championed accountability, transparency, and inclusive governance. His remarks this week are not new, but they come at a critical time when many Liberians are losing faith in traditional political leadership and yearning for change that delivers tangible benefits.
He acknowledged the growth of democracy in Liberia but quickly added that democracy must deliver for the people. “We appreciate the growth of democracy, but democracy must deliver for the people,” he stated in his Facebook post, a subtle yet powerful critique of a system that too often celebrates process over results.
At a time when the Boakai administration is under increasing scrutiny for failing to meet public expectations on economic recovery, anti-corruption, and service delivery, Jarwolo’s recommendations offer a policy-driven alternative to the politics of blame and grandstanding. His voice joins a growing chorus of reform-minded actors seeking to shift national focus from elite consumption to grassroots development.
In a political climate often characterized by self-interest, Jarwolo’s remarks stand as a reminder that true leadership is about service. His call for reduced government benefits, greater accountability, and enhanced county development funding is not only reasonable but essential for Liberia’s democratic and socio-economic renewal.
The public now watches with cautious optimism to see if the Boakai administration and the Legislature will heed these calls. Whether these reforms materialize or not, Jarwolo’s bold voice continues to shape the national conversation, anchored in the idea that Liberia’s future depends on responsible governance and people-centered policy.
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