By Bill W. Cooper
Former Vice President, Joseph Boakai says he will put an end to the ‘long-standing practice of bribing’ lawmakers for the passage of bills from the Executive Branch if he is elected President of Liberia.
Boakai, who is also the standard bearer of the Unity Party (UP) made the vow during a press interaction with a team of journalists in commemoration of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking at his Rehab residence in Paynesville.
The strong worded statement from the former VP, who is also the lead contender vying to unseat incumbent President George Weah, came with just four months to the October 10, 2023 Presidential and Legislative elections where Liberians are poised to elect new President including 15 Senators and 73 Representatives to steer the affairs of the state for the next six years.
In a frank reaction to a question concerning the overstay of the Drugs Law at the legislature, Boakai described the act as a ‘tradition norms’ and stressed, “It is a tradition and we all know what normally happen behind the scene. But this country is not going to continue this way.”
“Because we are going to change those systems and make sure that its enforcement would be something that we will use to the benefit of our people. The law might be on book or before the legislature, but a JNB-Koung leadership will make sure that these laws be enforce to the letter,” he added.
Even though it is not the first-time former VP Boakai has vowed to come down High on corruption, but his critics and other political pundits are still doubting the statement by the UP standard bearer on grounds that he has served in past administration including the UP government which they believe was corrupt.
But Boakai, laying out his plans for good governance if elected to the nation’s highest office has always assure the Liberian people of his administration’s willingness to rage war on the importation of Drugs and corruption, as well as restore law and order including the revamping of the country’s economy among others.
For corruption, the UP standard bearer has also assured, “The practice of giving bribes to lawmakers for the passage of bills from the executive branch is a major impediment to progress and development in our country, and it is time to put an end to this corrupt practice once and for all.”
He added that if elected, he would work to strengthen Liberia’s institutions and eliminate the culture of impunity that has allowed corruption to thrive in the country.
Additionally, Boakai’s continuous pledge comes amid growing concerns about corruption in Liberia, with many citizens calling on the government to take stronger action to address the issue.
In recent years, there have been several high-profile corruption scandals involving government officials and public institutions.
The former vice president’s campaign has focused heavily on issues of good governance and anti-corruption, with Boakai positioning himself as a candidate who can bring real change to Liberia by introducing a campaign slogan, “Rescue Mission in Think Liberia, Love Liberia and Build Liberia.”
“Corruption is a cancer that is eating away at the fabric of our society, and we must take strong action to root it out and ensure that our government works for the people, not for the enrichment of a few corrupt individuals,” He noted at a gathering recently in Barnersville.
He has emphasized the need for political will and a commitment to change, from both the government and the Liberian people themselves.
“We cannot expect to achieve real change if we continue to tolerate corruption and impunity. We must all work together to create a new culture of accountability and transparency in Liberia.”
Boakai, whose campaign has also focused on other key issues facing Liberia, including the need for economic development, job creation, and improved social services, has also pledged to work to improve Liberia’s infrastructure, expand access to education and healthcare, and create an enabling environment for private sector growth and investment.
If elected, Boakai would inherit a country facing significant challenges, including poverty, unemployment, and social inequality, as well as ongoing political instability and insecurity in some parts of the country.
However, the UP frontliner said he is confident that with the right leadership and a strong commitment to change, Liberia can overcome these challenges and realize its full potential as a prosperous and democratic nation.
“Our country has so much potential, but we need the right leadership and the right policies to unlock it. So, as president, I will work tirelessly to build a better future for all Liberians, and to create a country that we can all be proud of,” Boakai added.
