Citizens Vex With JNB For Propping Up Public Thieves -Many Say Anti-Corruption Concerns Hit Dead End

MONROVIA – It is not actually known what came over the President of the Republic, Joseph Nyuma Boakai, who campaigned on the mantra, “there shall be no business as usual”, to have publicly given expressed greenlight to scoundrels and thieves in public service to steal and purloin, and share the loots with “our people”. Could it have been a slip of tongue or a heartfelt, genuine expression of what he normally says, at times off records, when talking to his officials, and used to saying such, he had to mistakenly throw it out in the public glare. Whatever the matter, Liberians, including supporters of the president, and perhaps Liberia’s international partners, are not taking the “true life confession”, as others call it, lying down. They have been expression their anger, as The Analyst reports.     

Whether it was a deliberate misspeak or one of his customary proverbial sayings that often left his audience scurrying for multiple interpretations, there is no denying that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s recent statement on corruption will continue to be used as a yardstick by the public to gauge his seriousness in the fight against the nation’s number one scourge.

The rather outrageous statement regarding corruption, which one of his predecessors rightfully once described “public enemy number one” and “vampire” is causing uproar among the citizens, even as apologists struggle to defend what many now see as indefensible.

Speaking recently while on a tour of Lofa County to commemorate the establishment of Bong, Nimba, Lofa and Grand Gedeh Counties, President Boakai, among other things, issued the mind-wrenching statement on corruption which has now become the trendiest topic in the country.

“I always say, sometimes you call the people to eat. We used to eat with hands. But the person put his hand in the bowl, and he asks, ‘whose hand is this’. I who called you to eat, you ask who hand this? We the one should be asking you. Let’s build this country.”

The president then continued: “So, we want to encourage those who want to remain corrupt and steal money, that I beg you. The money should be used to bless our people.”

Widespread condemnations

Within minutes of the video clip has spreading like wildfire in the summer, making the rounds on the internet which has abuzz with widespread criticisms of the president’s statement.

Many citizens, both critics and supporters of the government and the president, have unanimously condemned the statement which they consider, and obviously, as emboldening public thieves, an outright acquiescence rampant corruption which, from time immemorial has a cancer eating the very fabric of the nation, and precursor of the country’s backwardness and conflict.

“I’m ashamed because I’m from Lofa, a sworn supporter of the Papay, for what he has said,” remarked one poster. “This statement is grossly unfortunate and indefensible.”

“Wow! Wow! Wow! Who is the president’s advisor?” another poster wondered.

James Tenteh Jayjay, said: “For anyone to believe that Boakai’s statement was not intentionally made in support of corruption, you must be blind and deaf. The statement was both deliberate and intentional, apparently aimed at defending corrupt Thomas Fallah–someone Boakai and his Unity Party once referred to as ‘Thief 5.’ Mr. Boakai was openly seen dedicating Fallah’s projects, which were funded through stolen wealth. His message essentially translates to: “Steal but use it like Thief 5 for the people.’ Thief 5, once considered the most corrupt Liberian during Weah’s administration, is now portrayed as a saint and a trusted ally of Mr. Boakai. I’m sure you’re aware of this, but you are deliberately defending your own rogue regime.”

Another concerned citizen, J.T. Sumo, shared his thoughts about the JNB statement. He said: “There are those who are defending the President’s statement by saying similar utterances we made in the past by top officials of Government.  It is unfortunate because when these kinds of things were said by people in the past, it was considered wrong and they were criticized. If this regime or president repeat these sayings and he is justified by the past, then where is the change and rescue the Unity Party came to make. Does it mean the Unity Party people lied to the people only to come to power?”

“This is what I think about the statement. President Boakai meant to say it,” said Solomon O. Kankon, a local cleric said. “They grew up with the mentality ever since he was a public servant: that it is bad to steal, and that the only bad thing about stealing is to mean those around you in the community. Some Liberian politician, even ordinary people, have that mentality. JNB is no different. His only error his he said it as president, as something who promised an end to business as usual. No one can defend him. He’s a rogue and a thief. Naturally, he would encourage his followers to be like him. Period.”

A politician who does not want to be named in print said: “From the day I gathered that JNB gave his allies such as John Morlu, Martin Kollie and others ‘wild-way’, I knew he was very ready for looting the country and would carte blanche to his officials to steal. One needs not be a rocket scientist to know that his allergy to anti-corruption czars was a mission to loot.” 

Artificial intelligence interpretations

The barrage of negative reactions that attended President Boakai’s corruption statement is now causing propagandists of the ruling establishment to generate some spin to the highly controversial statement, to the extent that some have receded to the dark web of artificial intelligence.

But try as they may, even AI has been cautious about putting forth a one-sided spin, as acknowledged by one strong Unity Party policy wonk.

Responding to the multitude of criticisms, the renowned Unity Party defender disclosed that his search for an interpretation of President Boakai’s Lofa County corruption statement generated two different explanations of President’s Boakai’s statement.

“One says JNB is telling his officials to use public resources on Liberians instead of stealing for themselves. The other says JNB encourages corruption. Like the AI, Liberians have two explanations depending on where they stand.

“For me, the best measure of JNB’S commitment to fighting corruption is the BOLD and CLEAR actions he takes against corruption. Currently, JNB’s actions are not BOLD and CLEAR enough, but they are also not weak to the point of publicly endorsing corruption.

We are waiting for the President’s action (bold or weak) on Medtech, CBL, LTA, and other major audits in 2025 to interpret his statement and assess the strength of his commitment to the fight against corruption. For now even the AI – like Liberians- have their own different interpretations so we wait for action,” remarked renowned policy wonk Ambulah Mamey.

Government Clarifies

Meanwhile, the Government of Liberia through the Executive Mansion has issued a clarification on President Boakai’s Statement on Investment and Corruption.

According to the December 24, 2024 press statement, the office of the President stated its intention to address recent misrepresentations and deliberate distortions of remarks made by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., regarding investment, corruption, and governance.

“On Sunday, December 22, President Boakai delivered a heartfelt address during the 60th anniversary commemoration of Bong, Grand Gedeh, Lofa, and Nimba Counties acquiring county status. The event, held at Unification Park in Voinjama, Lofa County, was an opportunity to reflect on national unity, development, and pride.

“During his address, the President spoke strongly against corruption, advocating for ethical stewardship and accountability in governance.

“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 commitment to good governance,” the release said.

The Executive Mansion release continued that the Boakai-led Government remains unwavering in its fight against corruption, with key anti-corruption initiatives undertaken this year including Anti-Corruption Audits.

“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 aim to address financial irregularities and ensure accountability,” the release noted.

President Boakai’s office also listed as his administration’s actions against corruption as the suspension of officials on account of corruption.

“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 release stated.

The Executive Mansion further listed President Boakai’s insistence on public declarations to foster transparency and accountability as evidence of his administration’s zero tolerance for corruption, 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.

The President’s Office indicated that the Liberian leader supports the fight against corruption evidenced by his declaring December 9, 2024 as “International Anti-Corruption Day” to raise awareness and promote ethical governance nationwide.

“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,” President Boakai’s Office stated emphatically.

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