MONROVIA-The Solidarity & Trust for a New Day (STAND) has accused the Boakai-Koung administration of failing ordinary Liberians while allowing wide salary disparities within government, and reiterated call for an independent investigation into drug trafficking allegations involving Joseph Boakai Jr.
STAND said the government’s billion-dollar budget has not translated into meaningful relief for citizens struggling with poverty, poor public services and economic hardship.
It also questioned why senior Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) officials reportedly receive substantial salaries and allowances while some lower-paid public workers face salary reductions.
In a statement issued, STAND Chairman Mulbah K. Morlu Jr. said the government’s approach to public spending and accountability reflects what the group described as a growing gap between the privileges enjoyed by senior officials and the difficulties facing ordinary citizens.
“Despite boasting of a billion-dollar budget, the government has failed to translate increased public spending into meaningful relief for ordinary Liberians,” STAND said.
STAND argued that nearly three years into the Boakai-Koung administration, many Liberians continue to struggle to meet their basic needs, while public schools and healthcare services remain inadequate.
STAND Questions CBL Pay Packages
STAND cited reported compensation packages at the Central Bank of Liberia as an example of what it considers unequal treatment within the public sector.
According to the group, some senior CBL officials reportedly receive monthly salaries of US$14,000, along with US$15,000 in housing allowances.
The statement also cited a reported compensation package of approximately US$29,000 per month disclosed by a nominee for CBL deputy governor, Euphemia G.T. Swen-Monmia
STAND contrasted those figures with the case of a Governance Commission employee who, it said, faces demotion and a salary reduction from approximately US$1,281.91 to US$900 per month.
The group argued that the contrast raises questions about the government’s commitment to shared sacrifice at a time when many workers are struggling financially.
“This situation is neither a shared sacrifice nor a genuine Rescue Mission; it’s a two-tier system that punishes the underprivileged while shielding privilege,” STAND stated.
The group called on the Civil Service Agency, Governance Commission, Central Bank and Legislature to explain the reported disparities and subject public-sector salaries, allowances and benefits to an independent review.
It also demanded that any decisions found to be unlawful or improperly authorized be corrected and those responsible held accountable.
The compensation figures and employment decision cited by STAND were not independently verified in its statement.
Demands Drug Investigation Into President’s Son
Beyond economic concerns, STAND reiterated its call for an independent investigation into drug trafficking allegations involving Boakai Jr. arguing that political and family connections should not determine how the law is applied.
The group questioned what it described as the government’s failure to demonstrate the same urgency in addressing allegations against the President’s son as it has shown in pursuing drug-related charges against former Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor.
“If one witness’s testimony provides probable cause to prosecute Mrs. Taylor, why should Jojo Boakai be above arrest and prosecution when a drug cartel has publicly accused him?” STAND asked.
Morlu, STAND Chairman asserted that substantial evidence exists against Jojo Boakai and challenged the government to demonstrate that justice is being applied equally.
STAND also called on President Boakai to justify Taylor’s continued detention and show that family connections do not exempt anyone from the law.
The allegations against Jojo Boakai have not been independently established by the statement. STAND’s claims do not, by themselves, establish criminal wrongdoing, and any investigation or prosecution must be based on evidence and due process.
STAND Calls SPARK Foundation a ‘Humanitarian Fraud’
STAND also criticized the launch of Jojo Boakai’s SPARK Foundation, describing it as a “Humanitarian Fraud” and arguing that philanthropy should not replace accountability.
“Philanthropy cannot replace accountability, and a foundation cannot serve as a shield against scrutiny,” the group said.
The organization alleged that the foundation could be used to create a humanitarian image for the President’s son while questions surrounding the reported US$317 million drug case remain unresolved.
It further raised questions about whether the foundation could be financed with drug proceeds or taxpayers’ funds. However, the statement provided no independently verified evidence establishing that either source was used.
STAND called for the allegations to be investigated independently, insisting that no charitable initiative should place anyone beyond legitimate scrutiny.
The group said it condemns crime and does not seek to protect anyone accused of wrongdoing, but wants the law applied equally to all Liberians.
Group Warns of Civil Disobedience
STAND warned that the government’s response to allegations of corruption, selective justice and economic exclusion could determine its next course of action.
The group said the administration’s continued failure to address allegations involving powerful officials and the President’s son could become grounds for targeted civil disobedience conducted within the confines of the law.
It announced plans to make a broader declaration in the coming days, promising to challenge what it described as the administration’s “Rich Family-First” approach to governance.
STAND also criticized the Legislature, accusing lawmakers of failing to exercise effective constitutional oversight and neglecting the economic struggles of ordinary Liberians.
The group said it intends to confront lawmakers over alleged corruption and political patronage, arguing that the Legislature must hold public officials accountable rather than allow alleged abuses of power to go unchecked.
STAND called on reform-minded groups to unite and pursue lawful means of demanding greater transparency, accountability and fairness in government.
The group warned that corruption, economic exclusion and declining public confidence could threaten Liberia’s stability and democracy.
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