Liberian Businessman turned politician, Mr. Simeone Freeman, has accused the Joseph Boakai regime of wasteful spending, arguing that it is not making any meaningful impact on Liberians.
By Lincoln G. Peters
Monrovia, June 30, 2025: The Movement for Progress Change Political leader, addressing the graduation ceremony of a local University in Paynesville, said that President Boakai’s constant use of a private jet, as well as the lucrative salaries of government officials, especially those in the legislature, are deficits that hinder the country’s growth and development.
Mr. Freeman explained that Liberia’s persistent infrastructure deficits, particularly in rural counties, emphasized the need to decentralize development.
“Nearly 30% of the population lives in Monrovia. We cannot grow as a nation if development remains confined to the capital. We have rivers, land, and talent. Why are we still importing rice and struggling for electricity?” Mr. Freeman wondered.
He calls for huge investments in agriculture, roads, electricity, and technology, noting that these are key drivers of sustainable development.
Expanding on the government expenditure, Freeman criticized excessive salaries and allowances for lawmakers and public officials, while communities lack basic services:
“One lawmaker earning $15,000 a month receives $180,000 a year, while people in their districts suffer without healthcare, electricity, or paved roads. Where is the accountability? Where is the development?” I love to propose reforms to reduce lawmakers’ salaries and shorten the tenure for elected officials, including the presidency and legislature, to four years,” he recommended.
Freeman also called out inefficiencies in government institutions, such as the National Elections Commission, where commissioners continue to receive full benefits even when elections are not ongoing.
On Liberia’s lost industrial potential, he noted that in 1980, the country had local industries, but today, key sectors such as rice importation are dominated by a small group of foreign individuals
On governance and civic responsibility, Freeman spoke candidly about issues of voter manipulation, tribalism, and financial mismanagement in politics.
“Some people vote based on tribe or personal connection, not competence,” he said. “If someone can’t manage $10,000 privately, how can they manage $2 million for a nation?”
He encouraged Liberians, particularly the youth, to become more politically aware and selective about leadership.
Referencing Senegal’s election of a young president, he challenged Liberians to ask themselves why, as a young generation, they remain unsure of what they seek in a leader.
In closing, Mr. Freeman issued a heartfelt appeal to the graduating students to rise as leaders with purpose:
“The future is not far away, it starts with you. If you learn, if you grow, if you lead, you can help change this country.”
“Your vote is your voice. Your vote is your power. And with it, you can change Liberia.”
Mr. Freeman’s address was more than just a speech; it was a challenge, a vision, and a powerful call to action. His words served as a reminder that while institutions like Faith University College are shaping future leaders, it is those very leaders who must shape a better Liberia.
As applause echoed through the auditorium, one truth stood clear: for the graduates of Faith University College and for Liberia, the journey has only just begun.
Over the weekend, Faith University College celebrated the graduation of 50 students across several academic disciplines:
Associate of Arts in Education – 14 graduates, Associate of Arts in Accounting – 5 graduates, Associate of Arts in Human Resource Management – 6 graduates, Associate of Science in Computer Science – 11 graduates.
While the Associate of Arts in Public Health provided eight graduates, Associate of Arts in Public Administration provided one graduate, and Associate of Arts in Management – 5 graduates
The University welcomed a powerful voice of reform and inspiration at its historic convocation ceremony, as Mr. Simeon Freeman, entrepreneur, politician, and public advocate, delivered the keynote address to mark a significant milestone.
The graduation ceremony marks the University’s first cohort of associate degree students. The atmosphere was filled with pride and excitement as Mr. Freeman applauded the leadership, faculty, staff, and, most especially, the students for their commitment and perseverance. -Edited by Othello B. Garblah.
