MONROVIA: former Liberian Journalist, Jarwinken Wiah, has urged President Joseph N. Boakai to put to end a patronage system in the country and engage in initiative that will benefit all Liberians.
He described a patronage system as a system of personal ties and networks in which a patron or superior offers protection and support to an inferior or client, who owes him loyalty and service in return.
According to him, in politics and government, a patronage system is a practice in which a political party, after winning an election, gives government jobs to its supporters, friends (cronies) , and relatives (nepotism) as a reward for working toward victory, and as an incentive to keep working for the party. “This system is also known as the spoils system,” he said.
Addressing a news conference in Monrovia, Mr. Wiah made specific reference to the US$5,000 each which was allegedly given to the 73 electoral districts in Liberia for celebration of the President’s inauguration across the country.
He calls on lawmakers, government officials and Others with interest in elected political offices to avoid the patronage system, by presenting themselves as humanitarians.
“It is not their work to build hand pumps, public toilets or any other temporary community developments that is not sustainable that can only be carried out meanly around electioneering period” he said.
Mr. Wiah underscored the need for government to initiate a system that enables citizens to be in the position to work for themselves and do away with this patronage system in the country that is now being practiced by Liberians politicians.
He used the occasion to call the Liberian Electricity Corporation (LEC), and the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation to quickly address the water and electricity supply problems faced by the citizens.
He said availability of electricity and water are essential in enhancing economic development in any country.
