Published: July 2, 2026
MONROVIA – Human rights lawyer and politician Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe criticized the Unity Party administration Thursday, saying Liberia needs a project manager rather than a president in the normal sense and accusing the government of operating on a combination of greed, ignorance and arrogance.
Speaking at the National Anti-Corruption Policy Dialogue in Monrovia, Gongloe said Liberia’s leadership must redirect the country’s resources toward development instead of maintaining costly government privileges while many citizens continue to struggle with poverty.
The dialogue, organized by the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia in partnership with the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission and the Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia, with support from the Embassy of Ireland, brought together senior government officials, lawmakers, diplomats, civil society organizations and development partners.
“Look, this country does not need a president in the normal sense, we need a project manager to redirect this country,” Gongloe said, citing the president’s reported use of a 29 vehicle convoy as an example of poor leadership and misplaced priorities.
Gongloe said Boakai’s administration is burdened by a combination of greed, ignorance and arrogance that he said has fostered a culture of mediocrity in government.
He criticized what he described as excessive government spending on presidential and vice presidential security convoys despite Liberia’s economic challenges, saying the money could instead fund education and other public services.
Gongloe questioned the necessity of the president’s reported 29 car convoy and the vice president’s reported 15 car convoy, arguing the expenditures waste fuel and taxpayer money that could build schools and improve the lives of ordinary Liberians.
He dismissed claims that large convoys are necessary for protection.
“Nobody kills vice presidents in Africa,” Gongloe said, arguing that threats to public officials often come from within security institutions rather than from ordinary citizens.
Gongloe said corruption and the absence of the rule of law cannot be separated, and that meaningful national progress requires disciplined and accountable leadership.
He cited former President William R. Tolbert as an example of prudent leadership, noting that Tolbert traveled with a three car convoy and enforced punctuality by dismissing ministers who repeatedly arrived late for official engagements. Gongloe said Tolbert’s personal habits also influenced the behavior of ordinary Liberians, including fashion trends, arguing that leaders set the tone for national conduct.
He warned that if current leaders continue to preach morality while engaging in dishonest practices, younger generations will conclude that corruption, not integrity, is the path to success.
“If current leaders continue to act dishonestly while preaching morality, the youth will learn that dishonesty is what actually works in practice,” Gongloe said.
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