Published: February 4, 2026
Monrovia — Bomi County Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe has publicly questioned the credibility of information contained in President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s recent State of the Nation Address (SONA), urging the Executive Mansion to formally correct what he described as inaccurate data presented to the Legislature.
Senator Snowe’s call follows acknowledgements by government officials that portions of data cited in the President’s constitutionally mandated address—particularly claims of approximately 70,000 jobs created—were inaccurate. The admission came after media fact-checking and heightened public scrutiny, triggering criticism and demands for clarification.
Senate Asked to Demand Breakdown of ‘70,000 Jobs’ Claim
In response, Senator Snowe has formally written the Senate plenary, requesting that the Legislature summon relevant executive institutions to provide a comprehensive breakdown and explanation of the job creation figures announced by the President.
He argued that information delivered during a State of the Nation Address becomes part of Liberia’s official legislative record and must therefore meet the highest standard of accuracy.
Speaking on OK FM on Tuesday, February 3, Senator Snowe said misinformation presented during a presidential address cannot be dismissed as a simple mistake.
“We’re talking about people giving the President wrong data and wrong information,” Snowe said, warning that public officials must now recognize that citizens, civil society, and the media routinely verify government claims.
He noted that following independent fact-checking, government officials later admitted that some figures cited in the SONA were incorrect—an action he believes requires a formal and transparent correction process.
“The President’s address to the Legislature is a constitutional requirement,” Snowe explained. “So when the President goes there under oath and delivers information that later turns out to be wrong, it is not just a simple thing.”
He contrasted Liberia’s approach with other democracies where presidential addresses are debated and rigorously scrutinized in parliament.
“In Liberia, it’s becoming more of a ceremony,” he said, adding that the SONA should instead serve as a serious national accountability exercise rather than a symbolic event.
Senator Snowe insisted that the Executive Mansion has a responsibility to formally notify the Legislature of any inaccuracies and submit corrected information for the national record.
“By this time, there should be a letter to the Legislature saying this information was not correct and here is the corrected version,” he said.
According to him, failure to correct the record undermines institutional credibility and weakens public trust in governance.
The Bomi County lawmaker also argued that officials responsible for supplying inaccurate data to the President should face consequences, including warnings or administrative actions, to deter future misinformation.
“You can’t take your work for granted. It’s not a public relations exercise,” Snowe cautioned, noting that exaggerating government achievements to project success ultimately damages credibility when facts are challenged.
“When you give the President wrong information, there should be some accountability, so people know the Legislature is serious business,” he added.
However, Snowe clarified that he is not necessarily calling for dismissals but believes corrective actions should demonstrate seriousness and professionalism in governance.
Senator Snowe concluded that correcting the legislative record is essential to preserving accountability and public confidence, warning that leaving misinformation unaddressed sets a dangerous precedent.
“If misinformation is allowed to stand, it weakens trust in government and the very institutions meant to safeguard accountability,” he said.
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