President Joseph Boakai is facing intense criticism following controversial remarks made during the 60th-anniversary celebration of Lofa, Nimba, Bong, and Grand Gedeh counties attaining county status.
The statements, which many interpreted as condoning corruption, have raised serious questions about his administration’s commitment to tackling the pervasive issue.
Addressing the crowd in Lofa County, President Boakai stated, “This is your country. This is the only place nobody asks you why, I mean; nobody asks you why you are here. You are here because you belong here.
Let’s build this country. It has everything. So we want to encourage those who want to remain corrupt and steal your money, but I beg you, the money should be used to bless our people.”
Critics argue that the President’s comments effectively trivialize the seriousness of corruption and may even embolden corrupt practices by implying that stolen funds, if used for public benefit, are acceptable. The remarks have drawn comparisons to a similar statement by former Minister of State Nathaniel McGill during George Weah’s presidency. McGill, who faced widespread condemnation for his remarks, is now under U.S. sanctions for corruption.
Press Secretary Attempts to Defend President’s Remarks
In an attempt to contain the fallout, the President’s Press Secretary issued a statement defending the remarks, claiming they were taken out of context
“The explanation emphasized that President Boakai was addressing challenges in the counties and highlighting how corruption deprives citizens of development”, Press Secretary Kula Fofan Said. “He insisted that corruption kills development and that whoever is going to be corrupt, he’s going to take action against them. So his statement is in no way in support of any form of corruption,” the Press Secretary said.
Despite the clarification, many argue that the President’s choice of words reflects a casual attitude toward corruption, a damaging signal in a nation where systemic corruption has long undermined progress.
Public Backlash
“A sitting President and professed integrity champion encouraging his officials of government to steal and invest in Liberia or improve the lives of ordinary citizens? Anderson Miamen, Executive Director of Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia wondered. “This is so embarrassing and totally contrary to the president’s so-called anti-Corruption promises and commitments. I am seriously disappointed. CENTAL is extremely disappointed in the president’s statement. It represents business as usual and perhaps even worse.”
Others believe that the remarks are a tacit endorsement of corruption, provided the stolen resources are “used to bless the people.” Such rhetoric, critics say, undermines the rule of law and sets a dangerous precedent.
The controversy comes as President Boakai’s administration faces mounting criticism for its perceived inaction against officials accused of corruption. The lack of decisive action against such individuals is evidenced by the failure to reprimand officials in his Government who have violated anti corruption law by failing to declare their assets, income and liabilities with the Liberia Anti Corruption Commission with nearly one year into the administration.
As the nation grapples with the fallout from the President’s controversial remarks, many are questioning whether his administration is serious about addressing corruption. For a leader who has consistently declared a zero-tolerance stance on the issue, the ambiguity of his comments threatens to erode public trust and embolden those who exploit the system for personal gain.
Without swift and decisive action to clarify his stance and hold corrupt officials accountable, President Boakai risks being remembered as a leader who turned a blind eye to one of Liberia’s most pressing challenges.
Joseph Daniels reports for OK FM Liberia as Executive Mansion Correspondent. With a vested interest in making the voices of people from different walks of life heard, he has covered investigative stories relating to education, health, the environment, corruption, and violence against women and girls, among others. He graduated from the United Methodist University with a Bachelor of Art Degree in Mass Communications in 2020. Joseph is also a fellow at New Narratives, a non-profit organization helping media deliver independent, truthful information to its people so they can make informed decisions.
