MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Martin K. N. Kollie has once again kindled public debate with a critique of governance and inequality in Liberia. In his latest piece on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, the prominent activist decried the rampant greed and misuse of public resources by the country’s political elite, singling out Senate Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence as an emblem of wasteful leadership.
“Poverty in Liberia is man-made,” Kollie began, laying the blame squarely on systemic corruption and institutionalized greed. “Every Liberian could live a better and happier life if Liberia’s resources were efficiently and equitably allocated. We have so many resources, but why are we still poor after 177 years?”
He detailed the recent acquisition of a Hyundai Stratia 2025 by Karnga-Lawrence, valued at over $54,000, far exceeding the government’s car purchasing limit of $45,000. This purchase, Kollie argued, exemplifies the disconnect between the needs of the people and the priorities of their leaders. “The bridge connecting Pensburry to Buchanan is in ruins, Senate staffers are protesting for five months of unpaid salaries, but the Pro-Temp is buying a luxurious vehicle. Where is the justice in that?”
Kollie highlighted staggering disparities in the national budget, illustrating how funds allocated to the Pro-Temp’s office dwarf the combined funding for Grand Bassa’s County Development Fund, Buchanan Government Hospital, and Bassa Community College. “The Pro-Temp’s budget for Fiscal Year 2024 stands at $1,419,282, while the combined total for these critical public services is just $1,070,185. How do you justify such blatant neglect of the people’s needs?”
He also raised concerns about the broader culture of waste and nepotism, pointing to the lavish allocations for fuel, entertainment, foreign travel, and allowances in the Pro-Temp’s budget. “Why are we spending $254,250 on her salary, $59,984 on fuel for her vehicles, and $22,476 on her house generator while the only fire truck in Grand Bassa is broken and needs just $1,200 for repairs? This is greed on an industrial scale,” Kollie wrote.
The activist further criticized the reliance on foreign loans and aid, which he claims do not benefit ordinary Liberians. “They keep borrowing money, not to create jobs or improve livelihoods, but to finance their luxurious lifestyles. This is why our people in Grand Bassa and across Liberia remain poor. It’s artificial suffering, and it has to stop now.”
Kollie’s commentary also touched on nepotism, alleging that Karnga-Lawrence has placed family members and allies in lucrative government positions while unemployment in her constituency remains rampant. “Her big sister, who resides in the USA, sits on the corporate board of ArcelorMittal, yet thousands of young people, including rescuers, are jobless. This is not leadership; it’s exploitation,” he said.
In a sobering conclusion, Kollie called for immediate reforms to prioritize public welfare over political privilege. “We are surrounded by resources, yet we are drowning in poverty. Isn’t this a paradox? Public waste must end, and public money must be used to improve lives, not fund extravagant lifestyles. If we don’t fight state pillagers like Nyonblee and others, our people will remain poor until they die,” he warned.
