By Bill W. Cooper
Since his donation of L$10,000,000 and 200 25kg bags of rice to Totota gas explosion victims in Bong County, President-elect Joseph Boakai continues to receive series of criticisms, with some Liberians questioning the source of the funds donated.
On December 26, 2023, it is reported that a tragic incident took place in Totota, Bong County, leaving the nation in mourning, following the death of a least 70 Liberians who lost their lives in the tragic gas tanker explosion.
As a result of the tragic situation, President-elect Boakai, on January 1, 2024, visited to express his condolences to the Totota explosion victims and bereaved families of the incident, where he called for an investigation into the matter.
During his visit, President-elect Boakai also pledged a commitment of L$10 million, including the donation of 200 25kg bags of rice, as a way of identifying with the bereaved families.
As a result of the incoming President’s kind gesture, many Liberians have now begun to question the source the President-elect’s donation, amidst his commitment to fight against corruption, including transparency and accountability in the public space.
The latest of such individuals is a stalwart of the outgoing ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), Kanio Bai -Gbala, questioning the source of the President-elect’s funds amidst his public revelation that he is living on bank loans.
Pointing to Boakai’s commitment to ensuring transparency, accountability, and the eradication of nepotism in government, Bai-Gbala, on his Facebook yesterday, said, “He branded himself as a fearless thinking man; the alleged Rescuer One appears to be the risky one.”
“They said they came to rescue Liberia. Ok, they claim that audit and investigations will roll, ok. But before even taking power, many questions are already swirling about their so-called commitment to transparency, good governance and accountability,” he said.
Cllr. Gbala further wondered, “So, where Amb. Boakai got his 10 million to make that donation in Totota, especially after informing the Liberian people that he has been surviving on loans, or is it a gift or a bribe?”
The CDC former campaign Spokesperson also alleged that the President-elect has already started meddling in the separation of powers doctrine of the government, which he disclosed is a signal of bad governance.
This, Kanio maintained, was allegedly demonstrated after instructing Mo Ali to convene elected legislators at his home to financially influence their decision on who to vote into the Speakership when he has not even taken office.
According to him, it is very important for President-elect Boakai to be accountable to his people at the early stage by informing them where has he secured resources to finance the massive renovation of his private home in Rehab, that for many years lay in desolation, despite receiving his just emoluments from the CDC-led government.
The CDC Executive further questioned why Boakai allegedly appointed his daughter (Randa Boakai) to the transitional team, which means she may most likely get appointed in government, despite criticizing nepotism and cronyism.
At the same time, he also wondered why Jake Kabakolie (his cousin) and Samuel Nagbe (his nephew) are playing prominent roles in his transition and slated to be appointed also into prominent roles.
“Who has financed my own friend, Tantan Boakai’s trip to Lebanon, where he is seen hanging out with prominent Lebanese businessmen in Liberia? Is it a pay to play expedition?” he continued.
He further warned that if the incoming government thinks that they as the new opposition will be silent, they will be mistaken because they will remain resolute in engaging them on the same issues which they criticized the outgoing government for over the last six years.
