Monrovia -– The political leader of the Liberian People’s Party (LPP), Cllr. Taiwan Saye Gongloe has launched a sharp critique of President Joseph Boakai’s administration, accusing it of failing to deliver on key promises, particularly in the fight against corruption and addressing pressing national issues.
In a statement issued on Friday, September 6, 2024, Cllr. Gongloe acknowledged some efforts by the Boakai administration but expressed deep frustration over “missed chances” to bring about significant change.
He highlighted the government’s inability to tackle corruption and implement reforms that could strengthen governance and improve the lives of ordinary Liberians.
At the heart of Cllr. Gongloe’s criticism was the administration’s failure to combat corruption. He emphasized that despite early promises to strengthen the rule of law, corruption remains widespread, with government officials acting with impunity.
Cllr. Gongloe lamented that the Boakai government has not made good on its commitments to restore accountability and ensure justice for all Liberians.
“The Boakai administration has not fulfilled its promises to strengthen the rule of law and fight corruption. Government officials continue to act with impunity while ordinary Liberians are left struggling,” Cllr. Gongloe said.
He called for more robust anti-corruption measures, including holding officials accountable and making the fight against corruption a priority.
Cllr. Gongloe also criticized the government for failing to include diverse voices in national appointments, as mandated by the Executive Law.
He argued that Liberia’s leadership needs to better reflect the country’s diversity in terms of gender, ethnicity, and regional representation. Without this inclusivity, he said, the government is losing the trust of the people.
He also decried the significant salary gaps between civil servants and top government officials, calling them unfair. “The salary gap is unfair and unacceptable. How can we expect our civil servants to perform their duties effectively when they are barely making ends meet, while top officials live comfortably? This needs to change immediately,” Cllr. Gongloe said, demanding reforms to create a more balanced and just wage structure across the government.
Cllr..Gongloe expressed concern over what he described as increasing government intolerance toward free speech.
He criticized the administration for limiting criticism, particularly on social media platforms, which he sees as a sign of growing authoritarianism within the government.
“Free speech is a fundamental right, and the Boakai administration must ensure that all Liberians can express their views without fear of reprisal. Attempts to silence criticism, especially on social media, are signs of an authoritarian approach to governance,” Cllr. Gongloe stated.
In a surprising critique, Cllr. Gongloe questioned President Boakai’s failure to reconcile with former President George Weah.
He described this as a missed opportunity for national unity and healing, arguing that such a reconciliation could have played a key role in bridging political divides and fostering national cohesion.
“The administration’s failure to reconcile with George Weah is a missed opportunity for national unity. Instead of bridging the gap between political leaders, the government has allowed divisions to persist,” Cllr. Gongloe said.
Cllr. Gongloe did not shy away from criticizing the administration’s handling of national crises, particularly accusing top officials of leaving the country during moments of urgency. He described this behavior as indicative of a lack of commitment to addressing Liberia’s pressing problems.
“The president and his cabinet need to be more responsible. Leaving the country in times of crisis is unacceptable,” he said.
Cllr. Gongloe urged the administration to prioritize addressing national crises rather than delegating responsibilities while traveling abroad.
Cllr..Gongloe further criticized the Boakai administration for wasteful spending on large delegations for foreign trips, which he described as unnecessary and not beneficial to Liberia.
He accused the government of failing to strengthen ties with Liberia’s traditional allies, calling on the administration to focus on fostering meaningful diplomatic relations.
“The administration should focus on real diplomacy and strengthening our international relationships, not on sending large, costly delegations abroad for meetings that bring little to no benefit to the people of Liberia,” Cllr. Gongloe noted.
He called for more prudent spending and a redirection of resources toward national development.
Cllr. Gongloe urged the Boakai administration to focus on issues that are directly affecting the Liberian people.
He pointed to the growing number of unsolved criminal cases, unexplained deaths, and the financial burden of graduation fees on parents and students as areas requiring immediate attention.
“Liberians are tired of empty promises. It’s time for the government to focus on the real issues affecting the daily lives of the people. Unsolved cases, unexplained deaths, and the burden of graduation fees on parents are just some of the problems that need immediate attention,” he said.
Recalling the LPP’s Ten-Point Agenda for a Better Liberia
In his statement, Cllr. Gongloe recalled the ten-point agenda of the LPP for a better Liberia, which he had outlined when pledging his party’s support to the Unity Party on October 25, 2023.
The LPP agenda included bold measures to strengthen the rule of law and combat corruption, beginning with the publication of government officials’ assets and salaries, conducting quarterly lifestyle audits, and prosecuting those found to be corrupt.
The agenda also prioritized providing free, compulsory, and quality education from kindergarten to 12th grade for all Liberian children, eliminating adult illiteracy, and expanding technical and vocational education for high school dropouts and graduates to prepare them for the workforce.
“These are the concrete steps needed to move Liberia forward. Without addressing corruption, education, and the rule of law, we cannot hope for lasting progress,” Cllr. Gongloe said.
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