As President Joseph Boakai boarded a private jet to attend the ECOWAS Summit in Abuja over the weekend, critics pounced, accusing the administration of extravagance. The uproar is symptomatic of a political culture in Liberia rooted in the past of the very administration. At The Liberian Investigator, we firmly support the President’s decision to use private jets for his foreign travels. This stance is grounded in pragmatism, national security, and a keen awareness of the logistical realities of the region.
The movement of a President is not an ordinary affair. It entails intricate protocols, extensive logistics, and meticulous planning. Unlike a regular traveler, the President carries the weight of the nation’s dignity and security with him. A missed connection or an unforeseen delay is not merely an inconvenience; it could be a diplomatic setback or even a security breach. Unfortunately, our regional and continental airline systems are woefully inadequate in meeting the demands of high-level state travel.
The President, by choosing private travel, is avoiding the indignities and inefficiencies that have marred his previous attempts to fly commercial. It is no secret that business class on some regional airlines leaves much to be desired. Reports of Presidents being seated in cramped cabins while passengers brush past to find their seats are not only embarrassing but diminish the stature of the office. Such scenarios, though avoidable, persist due to the glaring shortcomings of our aviation sector. It is unconscionable for the President of Liberia to endure such humiliations when alternatives exist.
Criticism of the President’s use of private jets appears to be unique to Liberia. Across the continent, heads of state routinely utilize private aircraft, not for luxury but as a practical necessity. This raises the question: why is Liberia so quick to scandalize a practice that is standard elsewhere? The answer may lie in the political baggage the current administration carries. When in opposition, President Boakai and his Unity Party criticized the George Weah-led government for its use of private jets. The tables have turned, and the reality of governance has set in. Managing a nation requires decisions that may not align with campaign rhetoric but are essential for the greater good.
Flying private is not merely about comfort; it is a national security imperative. A commercial flight exposes the President and his entourage to unnecessary risks. The unpredictability of airport security, potential threats from disgruntled individuals, and the general lack of confidentiality on commercial flights make private travel the safer choice. Furthermore, the preservation of the state’s integrity demands that its highest officeholder travels with dignity and efficiency. These considerations far outweigh the cost, which, when compared to the cumulative expenses of business-class tickets for a presidential delegation, is often comparable.
However, this discussion cannot be divorced from the principles of transparency and accountability. The Liberian people have a right to know the specifics of these arrangements, as far as national security considerations allow. Who provides the private jet? What is the cost? If the aircraft is a gesture from a friendly state or private entity, it must be disclosed in accordance with the national code of conduct. Secrecy breeds suspicion, and the government must ensure that the President’s travel arrangements are above reproach.
The administration must also address the broader issue of the aviation sector’s inadequacies. While private jets may be a short-term solution for presidential travel, Liberia cannot remain dependent on ad hoc arrangements. A long-term vision for improving regional and national airline infrastructure is essential. The President’s choice of transportation should not be viewed in isolation but as part of a broader conversation about the country’s development priorities.
In defending President Boakai’s use of private jets, we acknowledge the criticisms as a natural part of democratic discourse. However, these criticisms must be rooted in an understanding of the unique demands of the presidency. The convenience, security, and dignity of the nation’s highest office are not luxuries but necessities. The opposition, media, and civil society have a role to play in ensuring accountability, but this must be balanced with a recognition of the realities of governance.
The lesson here is clear: governance demands pragmatism. While the government must be transparent about its decisions, the public must also rise above petty criticisms and consider the bigger picture. Liberia deserves a presidency that commands respect at home and abroad, and sometimes, that requires decisions that are unpopular but necessary. President Boakai’s use of private jets is one such decision, and The Liberian Investigator stands in full support of it. We come in pursuit of truth and integrity.
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