MONROVIA – In the last nearly six months of his incumbency, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai continues to incur what appears to be ceaseless barrages of criticisms from Liberians, both from his traditional political opponents and even his known devout supporters. The critics have contended that Boakai has made significant governance missteps which seem to suggest that he’s either not in charge of administrative duties or that he has already showing signs of fatigue, incapacity to effect the change he had promised. But yesterday why commissioning scores of officials he nominated and confirmed by the Senate, the President made a reassuring declaration as if to say that all is not lost, that he is in charge fully and that Liberia is on course. The Analyst reports.
The Chief Executive of the Republic and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia says Liberia is on the right path to changing the fortunes of the country for the good of citizens. He said the country is beginning to take firm steps to purge itself of some of the obstacles that had tended to block and undermine its development potential.
Speaking June 11, 2024 at the commissioning ceremonies of several officials of government whom he had appointed and subsequently confirmed by the Liberian Senate, the Liberian leader said, “We are not just building confidence at home with our people; we are showing to the world that Liberia is ready to reclaim itself and demonstrate the principles of a sound and responsible government that builds trust among development partners and investors, and be a country that deserves respect among the community of nations.”
He continued: “We are making good progress and we intend to keep the course. Liberia will rise again!”, he said quite emphatically despite widespread criticisms emanating from his support base as well as from opposition elements who posit that nothing has changed under the UP administration.
Acknowledging that expectations amongst Liberians are high, he assured the country he was delighted that among those commissioned were amongst some of the country’s most experienced and dedicated women and men.
He noted that a new breath of life is not simply guaranteed for Liberian citizens, it will also depend on deliberate actions collectively cultivated and firmly executed by those charged with roles and responsibilities in the government to provide the service and relief urgently needed by the Liberian people.
“This is why we expect nothing less from those to be commissioned this afternoon but the expert execution of the mandate of your respective offices and the efficient and selfless performance of your duties for the public good,” the President stressed.
“So, while we will be administering the oath of office to over 80 men and women who have stepped up to serve, the number may not be as important as what they individually and collectively bring to government; their expertise, honor, integrity, and the values they uphold to promote transparency, accountability and service to the people.”
Warning to Appointed Officials
He repeated his admonition to his officials at the recently held cabinet retreat, calling on his appointed team of public servants that “all of you need to remember that wearing your titles on your sleeves is not the way to serve our people. Rather, your focus should be on delivering on the government’s development priorities.”
“Remember that you are appointed to serve, not to be served. We have a great deal of work to do for our people, including the formulation and execution of a new development plan over the next five years, so it’s crucial that everyone contributes,” he added.
In an apparent attempt to counter a barrage of criticisms making rounds on the social media and press regarding the state of affairs under his stewardship, President Boakai retorted: “Let me remind you again that this administration does not conduct its business on social media nor on frequent talk show appearances. We have a competent and energized Ministry of Information. Ministries and Agencies should speak through the Ministry of Information and so in doing you allow them to do their job!”
He also called on all government officials to demonstrate integrity and uphold high ethical standards in their work, underscoring the importance for them to understand what behavior is acceptable and what is unacceptable in the course of their duties.
“As role models for our children, public officials should conduct themselves in a manner befitting their positions and any behavior unbecoming of this will not be tolerated,” he warned sternly.
“I refuse to accept the typical saying, ‘that is the way we have done it, and it should remain and be the way.’ The Liberian people did not elect us to continue business as usual. We must set a new standard to achieve optimum success.”
The president then growled, “You can choose to align with these standards, or you can choose to step aside.”
Public officials, he further noted, must learn to coordinate, be tolerant, and work with each other while respecting ranks.
“Those who believe public offices are their exclusive preserve and those who plan to express grievances in an unorthodox manner to embarrass the government should thoroughly rethink,” the President also indicated, further warning that “This government will not allow errant behavior that will deflect its focus from the people’s business.”
He admonished the commissioned members of his government to affirm to commit to the development of Liberia and the good of the citizens. “I have confidence in your ability to perform as each of you brings particular talents and competencies to your respective roles as public servants,” he said.
Hinting Apathy in Ousting House Speaker
In what seemed to be a reaction to rumors about his alleged attempt to unseat the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Liberian Chief Executive stated his administration intends to work and coordinate with the other branches of the government to make the lives of the Liberian people better.
“In the last five months,” he clarified, “we have had an active relationship with the leadership of the two branches of government, which we intend to maintain to ensure the seamless functioning of government.
“However, we believe ministers must be allowed to work mostly without interruption to allow optimum performance.”
He thanked Speaker Fonati Koffa and President Pro Temp Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence for what he called their openness and constant exchanges of ideas for the betterment of the country.
“I also understand and respect the oversight functions of the Legislature. As someone who has been in public service for this long, I am also aware of the thoughts of our framers of the Constitution when they spoke and wrote about 3 coordinate branches of government.”
He also said he it was hard to believe that the “constant summons of ministers and other officials of his administration on nearly every single matter of disagreement improves and elevates our synchronization.”
“In fact, I believe that it limits the spirit of cooperation and coordination. We are in this together. The campaign is over, and the elections are won. I am convinced that all of us love Liberia and want the best for our country. We are patriots. We hope we can work together to find an alternate way to address our concerns and improve our collaboration.”
Commissioned Officials Thank President
Speaking on behalf of the rest of commissioned officials, Defense Minister- Geraldine George promised the Chief Executive of their determination to work as a team, upholding the value of the Constitution.
“We are grateful to the president and pledge our continuous support to the president for the upliftment of the Republic of Liberia and its people,” she said.
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