Message Loud & Clear: ‘No Business As Usual’ -As Boakai Denounces Predatory Behavior

Liberia’s 25th President Joseph Nyumah Boakai has decried what he called ‘predatory behavior’ of public servants during the execution of duties in office in Liberia over the years. President Boakai made the assertion Monday, January 22, 2024 at the Capitol Building in Monrovia, when he and Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung were inaugurated, following a runoff presidential election which the Unity Party won in November 2023. The assertion of the 25th President of Liberia seems to stem from the continual manner, form and practice of which public officials are accused of abusing power at the detriment of the governed. President Boakai termed as “celebration, proud and historic moment of Liberia,” programs marking their inauguration which was attended by a record number of foreign dignitaries. According to him, their preferment by Liberians is a manifestation of the determination to pursue and nurture democratic governance in Liberia. He used the occasion to congratulate members of the 55th National Legislature for being elected and admonished them to coordinate and work together with the executive and judicial branches of government for check and balance in the supreme interest of the Liberian people. “The message is loud and clear! No more business as usual,” President Boakai stressed, as he lauded Liberians for voting the Unity Party ticket into state power for the next six years. He noted that the mandate given him is that he is president  of all Liberians; adding, “ Election is over,” vowing that his regime will be a government of inclusion. President Boakai also vowed to combat corruption, bad governance, injustice, impunity and other inimical practices that have eroded good governance system in Liberia for too long.

President Bakari also sounded an early warning to Liberians to have a realistic expectation because he is inheriting alleged ills. He named some of the ills as alleged corruption, lack of transparency and accountability as well as bad governance and the rule of Law while he also called on Liberians to be more realistic on what they will expect of him over the period.  According to him, it is time to discourage the culture of unfinished businesses whilst admonishing Liberians to unite and join him in the rebuilding process of  the country.  However, his statement has so far been characterized by mixed feelings and reactions in the political corridors of the country. According to some Liberians, it is  the high expectations to rescue Liberia that prompted their decision to remove former President George Weah and elect President Joseph Boakai as such, his comment is untimely.  Another Liberian stated that even though Boakai stated that he has come to rescue and transform Liberia, his statement of having a more realistic expectation especially from the people is confusing.  “Boakai is right because there are lots to be done and he will be under pressure so his early statement of warning us Liberians is in the right direction,” said another Liberia. ” We love and believe in Amb. Boakai and he is our new President so we need to join together, support him in order to move our country forward,” another Liberian based in the USA who   came to grace the occasion added. Amongst other things, some members of the intellectual class including prominent Liberians the President of the University of Liberia, Dr. Julius Sarwolo Nelson said President Boakai needs to focus on education while Dr. Kimmie Weeks recommended youth empowerment and job creation to be prioritized by President Boakai respectively.  At the same time, a cross- session of guests encouraged President Boakai to focus on good governance, the rule of law and national security. As for former Assistant Minister at the Ministry of Gender , Children and Social Protection, Meima Sirleaf Kanneh, she summed up everything by urging President Boakai to prioritize  national issues in the supreme interest of the people.  As the debate will continue on the speech of President Boakai; especially on critical national issues, it is anticipated that Liberians will see their country as the bigger picture and common denominator.