John Morlu, the former Auditor General of Liberia, has urged the nation to confront the problem of corruption directly. In a statement issued on Monday, August 26, 2024, Morlu reflected on President Joseph Boakai’s speech at the National Black Business Conference, where he expressed both admiration and doubt about the President’s vision for Liberia. “President Boakai gave a strong message,” Morlu acknowledged. “But can any of it actually be achieved? Liberia has been weighed down by corruption for so long that it’s hard to believe real progress can be made.” Morlu’s comments come as Liberia continues to struggle with the ongoing issue of corruption, which has affected the country for decades. He stressed that even with the potential of President Boakai’s ARREST agenda, any development plan will only succeed if corruption is addressed first. “Liberia’s history is full of corruption—so much that it has been the focus of many studies, documentaries, and international investigations,” Morlu noted. He pointed out a past audit by the U.S. Comptroller General as proof of the deep-rooted corruption that still holds the country back. With Liberia facing difficulties in paying off its $46 million debt to the World Bank, Morlu expressed concerns about the country’s ability to attract foreign investors. “No serious American businessperson will want to invest in a corrupt environment like Liberia. The risks are just too high,” he warned. Despite the challenges, Morlu remains committed to fighting corruption. He shared President Boakai’s words of encouragement: “People may not like you for your stance, but they respect you, and that’s what matters.” Morlu made it clear that he will continue to speak out against corruption, driven by his desire to see real economic and political change in Liberia. Morlu also mentioned the pushback he has received from some members of President Boakai’s economic team, who see his anti-corruption efforts as a threat. However, he emphasized that his goal is not to cause trouble but to fight for a corruption-free Liberia that can create jobs and reduce poverty. “Some of us have been fighting this battle since 1997. Sometimes it feels like we’ll never win, but we’re still hopeful. If not now, then maybe by 2030, we’ll see victory,” Morlu said with cautious optimism. He expressed a personal responsibility to protect President Boakai’s legacy from those who might undermine it. He called on all Liberians to join the fight against corruption, saying, “The future is in our hands—let’s make it one free of corruption.” By Jeremiah Mulbah/Lib Latest News231
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