Exercise Good Governance -STAND’s Morlu Cautions Boakai

MONROVIA – This year’s July 26 celebration marks the 178^th Independence Anniversary of Africa’s oldest republic. Liberia gained renown as a champion of African liberation and one of the few originators of the world’s largest assembly of nations, the United Nations. But as the euphoric celebration of this July 26 Independence Anniversary spreads across the globe, signs are rife domestically about shortcomings of the Joseph Nyuma Boakai government that need to be corrected for posterity.

Leading the charge to critique the current government about the harsh realities facing Liberians as their country observes 178 years of existence, the Chairman of the Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND), Mulbah K. Morlu, has called on the government to ensure Economic Freedom, Equal Justice, Rule of Law, and Good Governance, because without those attributes, the lives of the people will be meaningless. Making his input to the country’s independence celebration, Morlu said these are the pillars that define true sovereignty — and they form the core of The People’s July 17 Demands.

“Before you and your officials indulge in the extravagance of July 26 celebrations, while millions endure hunger and hardship, we remind you once more that the people’s demands cannot be ignored,” Morlu said.

Recommendations

To correct the ongoing societal ills affecting the citizenry, STAND Chairman Morlu recommended the immediate dismissal and prosecution of all government officials named in credible reports of corruption, abuse of office, and public theft.

He further called for an independent audit and criminal investigation of the National Security Agency (NSA), Ministry of Public Works, Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC), Liberia Water & Sewer Corporation (LWSC), National Port Authority (NPA), and the Ministry of Mines & Energy.

Going forward, Morlu recommended the dismissal and prosecution of Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman, along with all security chiefs responsible for police brutality, unlawful killings, and suppression of civil liberties; and pled for full public disclosure of all mining, port, and national budget contracts signed since January 2024, including concession agreements and foreign investment deals.

 Among other things, the STAND Chairman called for an independent review of all violations of tenured positions, and strict enforcement of constitutional protections for tenure, land rights, and civic freedoms—including the rights to protest, organize, and speak freely.

Other concerns of the STAND boss included implementation of emergency economic measures to create jobs, expand healthcare and education, and restore hope and opportunity for Liberia’s youth; immediate lifting of unlawful restrictions on the free movement of all motorbike and kehkeh (tricycle) riders nationwide, especially in Montserrado County; and an end to political witch-hunts targeting civil servants based on perceived opposition affiliation, ethnic identity, or religious belief.

 He as well recommended the administration of urgent measures to address the skyrocketing cost of living, including an increase in the minimum wage and a living wage guarantee for all civil servants; while prioritizing healthcare in the national budget, to ensure that hospitals are well-equipped, properly staffed, and accessible to all Liberians.

 Finally, Morlu called for an independent investigation into credible allegations of bribery and corruption involving Richard Koung and others in connection with the unlawful removal of House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, to uncover the truth and ensure full accountability.

In closing STAND Chairman Morlu recommended the conduct of an independent audit of the National Legislature, with full public disclosure of all appropriations, salaries, and constituency spending, to restore public trust, transparency, and fiscal discipline in Liberia’s democratic institutions.

 “Amend the 2023 Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to explicitly establish criminal liability for all air carriers, maritime shipping lines, and freight companies whose vessels, aircraft, or cargo facilities are used—whether knowingly or through negligence—for the transportation, concealment, or distribution of controlled substances. This amendment must mandate strict security and inspection obligations for these carriers, with severe penalties including asset forfeiture, multi-million-dollar fines, and operational license revocation for entities complicit or negligent in facilitating drug trafficking. Such enforcement is essential to dismantle transnational trafficking networks and protect Liberia’s national security and regional stability,” stated Chairman Morlu vehemently.