MONROVIA: The former Standard-bearer of the opposition Liberia People’s Party (LPP), Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe, has opined that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai is not serious to fight corruption in Government.
Cllr. Gongloe indicated that despite early promises of reform by President Boakai, corruption continues to severely impact Liberia, even under the Boakai leadership.
According to him, several high-level state officials who are thought to be involved in corrupt practices remain untouched, while civil servants, who struggle daily for economic survival see no improvements in their wages or working conditions.
Addressing a news conference late Friday afternoon, September 6, 2024, at his law offices in Monrovia, the Liberian Human Rights Lawyer and Advocate stated that, the fight against corruption must begin with the leaders being held accountable.
He noted that “the people of Liberia will have confidence in the government’s seriousness about fighting corruption, if it begins to hold its own officials accountable and not make excuses for them.”
“I want to let the current government officials know that there is no secret in government. When you steal, the comptroller, the chief accountant, the procurement director will know. Even your driver, personal assistant and security officers will know,” he said.
Torching on a government of inclusion Cllr. Gongloe indicated that in line with the Executive Law of Liberia (Section 10.2, 1973) President Boakai promised a government of inclusion.
Conversely, under President Boakai, Liberians have seen an administration that is “deeply exclusionary.”
Gongloe, former President of the Liberia National Bar Association stressed that the Boakai-led government is failing to follow the long-established formula for inclusion, as mandated by the Executive Law of Liberia (Section 10.2, 1973).
“The Executive Law Section 10.2 says, as much as practicable, the President of Liberia shall appoint one cabinet minister from each of the counties of Liberia,” he said.
He stressed that, former President William Tolbert followed this law when in 1975 and appointed Jackson F. Doe of Nimba County as Minister of Education; Throho Kpahai of Grand Gedeh County, Minister of Posts and Telecommunications; James Y. Gbabea of Bong County, Minister of Defense; and Dr. Edward Beyan Kesselly of Lofa County, Minister of Information, when Liberia had nine counties.
‘This law provides a blueprint for ensuring that all Liberians, irrespective of their political or ethnic affiliations, have a stake in the governance process. Sadly, this has not been the case,’ he noted.
On the issue of Freedom of Expression, he said “We cannot ignore the dismissals of government employees for expressing their views on social media”.
Gongloe cautions the government to embrace criticisms and opposition, to not silent critics and opposition leaders.
He expressed the belief that freedom of expression is the bedrock of any democracy, and this administration’s actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for this fundamental right.
He further said a better Liberia is possible with people’s-oriented policies and leadership.
“We need a leadership that is inclusive, that takes the rule of law seriously, that fights to win corruption with vigor, and that places the interests of the Liberian people above all else,” Gongloe added.
He stated that, government is a place to serve, not to steal. He cautions the Boakai administration to acknowledge these missteps and correct them, or we risk continuing down a path that further marginalizes the people of Liberia.
Cllr. Gongloe: “As one of the political leaders that called on my supporters in Liberia and around the world to support the election of Mr. Joseph Nyuma Boakai as President, I have a moral obligation to speak to him truthfully about his positive steps and missteps.”
He used the occasion to call on all Liberians who supported Boakai to tell him that what was wrong yesterday is also wrong today.
“We must not make excuses for missteps. We must put the interest of Liberia above partisans or any other relational interests,” he said.
Committing on salary disparities and neglect of civil servants, Cllr, Gongloe noted that, there are significant salary disparities between the high-ups in the three Branches of Government (Legislature, Executive and the Judiciary) and our civil servants, particularly teachers, healthcare workers, and law enforcement officers.
He emphasized that this administration has failed to address this issue, leaving many of our essential workers in financial distress.
He pointed out that, while there has been no increase in the budget for civil servants, the wage gaps between officials and civil servants remain wide and unjust.
“In fact, many civil servants voted for President Boakai because they had the hope that he would reverse the harmonization of their salaries, noting that, they are now disappointed,” he stressed.
He said in order to stimulate public trust in his leadership on the issue of salary disparity, President Boakai, recently announced that he has reduced his salary by 40%. This sounded good.
However, he said President Boakai did not tell Liberians about his take home pay.
“Similarly, President George Weah told us that he reduced his salary by 25%. But he did not tell us his take home pay. A percentage is meaningless unless the whole number is known,” he averred.
He added that, by behaving similar to President Weah on the salary issue, President Boakai is engaging in business as usual!
