The Movement for Progressive Change (MPC) has condemned recent controversial statement made by President Joseph Boakai wherein he pleaded with officials that are bend on being corrupt to allow their loots to be used to bless Liberians.
MPC, through its National Chairman, Onell Passaway said they viewed the President’s assertion as deeply ‘troubling and worrisome’ by blatantly encouraging corruption by government officials who steal public fund as long as they direct their illicit wealth towards aiding the poor.
Chairman Passaway cautioned that such statement is not only an endorsement of corruption but also a dangerous precedent that undermines the integrity of the government and institutions in the country.
President Boakai while delivering a heartfelt address during the 60th anniversary commemoration of Bong, Grand Gedeh, Lofa, and Nimba Counties acquiring county status, he controversially spoke on the issues of corruption across the government.
The President said, “We want to encourage those who want to remain corrupt and steal money, I beg you, the money should be used to bless our people,” a statement that since ignited public debate.
However, the Executive Mansion has since issued a statement in reaction to the public perception regarding the President’s statement, clarifying that the assertion is in no way an endorsement of corruption into his government.
The Executive Mansion release issued said, “Contrary to recent claims, President Boakai’s remarks were not an endorsement of corruption but a clear denunciation of this vice and a call for integrity in public service and judicious use of public resources.”
“As a statesman known for his honesty and humility, the President emphasized the need for public officials to reject corruption and use resources entrusted to them for the benefit of the Liberian people, reaffirming his Administration’s zero-tolerance for corruption,” the release added.
But the MPC Chairman further narrated that as a political party, they are appalled by the president’s remarks, which suggest that theft from the public purse is acceptable if it is purportedly used to “bless the people.”
According to him, said statement is an egregious misstep from a leader who should be focused on strengthening transparency, accountability, and ethical governance, ensuring that his administration do all it can to charge the living conditions of the citizenry.
“No serious leader in Liberia or anywhere in the world should tolerate or encourage corrupt practices under any circumstances. Boakai’s statement reveals a disturbing lack of commitment to the fight against corruption,” he asserted.
“And it sends a dangerous message that stealing from the state is permissible as long as it is done with the intention of benefitting the poor, and we believe that this sad and unfortunate on the part of the President,” he noted.
The MPC Chairperson further narrated that such rhetoric directly contradicts the values of good governance, fairness, and justice, but only serves to perpetuate a culture of impunity, disclosing that statement also undermines the critical work that needs to be done to restore trust in the government and build a society based on fairness and transparency.
Passaway also intoned, “It is precisely this kind of weak and irresponsible leadership that has allowed corruption to flourish in Liberia for decades, but we call on the President to retract his statement and take immediate steps to demonstrate a genuine commitment to ending corruption.”
“Because the MPC will continue to stand as a strong voice for justice, transparency, and change, and this President must be held accountable for his words and actions. We will ensure that the people are never again misled by such reckless and destructive rhetoric,” he added.
