Monrovia – The Executive Mansion has termed as misrepresentation and deliberate distortion of remarks made by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., regarding investment, corruption, and governance.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
On Sunday, December 22, President Boakai delivered an address during the 60th anniversary commemoration of Bong, Grand Gedeh, Lofa, and Nimba Counties acquiring county status. In his speech, President Boakai made a shocking statement, saying: “So, we want to encourage those who want to remain corrupt and steal money, I beg, the money should be used to bless our people.”
The President’s remarks have drawn parallels to similar controversial comments made by former Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Nathaniel McGill, in August 2022. At the time, McGill stated that looting government coffers and investing the proceeds in personal infrastructure projects within Liberia was “a good thing.” His comments, made to a group of women in Bong County, sparked widespread condemnation, including from President Boakai’s Unity Party, then serving as the main opposition.
Boakai remarks have sparked outrage across Liberia, particularly among anti-corruption advocates and civil society organizations. Critics argue that such statements undermine the government’s commitment to combating corruption and improving governance in a nation already struggling with systemic corruption and poverty.
Eddie Jarwolo, Executive Director of NAYMOTE, questioned the president’s commitment to accountability. “Are you serious about this, Mr. President? You expect to secure an MCC Compact with this mindset? What happened to the accountability platform on which you campaigned and won?” Jarwolo asked.
However, the Executive Mansion, contrary to recent claims, President Boakai’s remarks were not an endorsement of corruption but a clear denunciation of this vice and a call for integrity in public service and judicious use of public resources.
“As a statesman known for his honesty and humility, President Boakai emphasized the need for public officials to reject corruption and use resources entrusted to them for the benefit of the Liberian people. His statement reaffirmed his Administration’s zero-tolerance for corruption and instead a firm stance commitment to good governance,” the Executive Mansion said.
It noted that the Boakai-led Government remains unwavering in its fight against corruption.; adding that key anti-corruption initiatives undertaken this year include anti-corruption audits, suspension of officials on account of corruption and public declarations to foster transparency and accountability, among others.
The E-Mansion outlined that in February 2024, the President commissioned audits of key government institutions, including the Central Bank of Liberia, the National Security Agency, and the Executive Protection Service, covering activities from 2018 to 2023. These audits aimed to address financial irregularities and ensure accountability.
It added that following these audits, President Boakai suspended Central Bank Governor Jolue Aloysius Tarlue in July 2024 due to unauthorized loans and overspending. In October 2024, senior officials of the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC) were also suspended amid allegations of financial misconduct, pending investigations by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC).
The E-Mansion furthered mention that in August 2024, President Boakai cautioned newly commissioned officials that corruption would not be tolerated, emphasizing accountability and warning that violators would face consequences.
It added that far from countenancing acts of dishonesty and theft, the Government of Liberia urges the public and media to consider the President’s statement in its full and accurate context, rejecting attempts by ill-intentioned political actors who are only driven by a motive to distort and win political points.
“President Boakai remains resolute in his vision for a Liberia defined by ethical leadership, unity, and inclusive development. The Administration calls on all citizens and partners to join hands in fostering good governance, transparency, and lasting progress for the nation,” the statement added.
