Published: June 26, 2026
MONROVIA – Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung has delivered one of the strongest public warnings yet to officials serving under President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, urging them not to repeat what he suggested were some of the governance failures that contributed to the defeat of the former Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) administration.
Speaking during the 2026 National Public Service Day celebration in Sanniquellie, Nimba County, Koung cautioned appointed officials against becoming inaccessible, dismissive, or disconnected from ordinary Liberians. He stressed that public office is a responsibility to serve the people rather than a privilege for personal benefit, warning that the conduct of government officials could determine the Unity Party’s political future in the 2029 elections.
His remarks come amid growing public conversations about the accessibility of government officials, with some citizens accusing members of the current administration of becoming increasingly detached from the everyday struggles of ordinary Liberians.
Drawing lessons from recent political history, Koung indicated that the behavior of public officials toward citizens can have lasting electoral consequences.
“I said it before and I will say it again. Those of you in our government who the President appointed, the President cannot be everywhere,” Vice President Koung declared. “If you can’t impact everywhere, impact your hometown. Impact your community. Impact the next house.”
The Vice President reminded officials that President Boakai alone cannot meet the needs of every Liberian and that appointed officials must become extensions of the administration by making meaningful contributions in the communities they represent.
He encouraged officials to use their appointments to create opportunities, assist vulnerable citizens, and remain connected to the people who supported the Unity Party’s rise to power.
Koung warned that political appointments should never be viewed as permanent entitlements, emphasizing that many equally qualified Liberians could have been selected for the same positions.
“The election is coming in 2029, and the President will still look at the numbers he won with and see where he won them from,” Koung warned. “If you are mean in your community and your people didn’t vote for the President because you are mean, you will not get a job.”
His comments underscored concerns that the personal conduct of government officials could significantly shape public perception of the Boakai administration as the next presidential election approaches.
The Vice President further urged officials to empower others rather than use public office solely for personal advancement.
“If the President empowers you, empower somebody,” he said. “It’s a privilege for you to get a job. You’re not the only qualified person. You’re not the smartest person in the country. But two persons cannot be here together. That’s why you are there.”
He also cautioned against arrogance and self-centered leadership, saying public servants who neglect the people around them should not expect sympathy when political fortunes change.
“And so if you get there, you’re mean and mean to yourself, then tomorrow don’t cry on nobody,” the Vice President stated. “I said it.”
Koung’s remarks amount to both a governance message and a political caution, reinforcing the administration’s call for public servants to remain accountable, accessible, and responsive to citizens. They also reflect a broader recognition within the government that the actions of appointed officials at the community level could play a decisive role in how Liberians judge the Boakai administration’s performance ahead of the 2029 elections.
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