By Precious D. Freeman
The Faith and Justice Network (FJN), a pro-democracy organization, has expressed alarm and outrage over what it describes as “gross fiscal irresponsibility and economic mismanagement” revealed in the recent financial reports from Liberia’s National Legislature.
Speaking at a press conference in Monrovia on Tuesday, the Executive Director of the Faith and Justice Network, criticized the Legislature for prioritizing personal enrichment over the dire needs of the Liberian people, the majority of whom are grappling with extreme poverty.
“We are raising our voices to expose the irresponsible misuse of public funds and the absolute insensitivity displayed by the very people entrusted with the responsibility to improve the lives of Liberia’s citizens,” Reverend Jallah said.
Reverend Jallah detailed alarming increases in budgetary allocations for lawmakers’ personal and operational activities.
He revealed that the constituency visit budget for legislators had ballooned from $330,000 to $2,054,913 within a year. Similarly, funding for “Legislative Committee Hearings” and “In-house Meetings” surged from $3.6 million to $13.9 million—an increase of over 300%.
“In total, the Legislature has consumed an astounding $53.2 million in less than a year,” he said. “This figure is not only a misuse of public funds but also an indictment of a system that prioritizes the comfort and luxury of a few over the urgent needs of the Liberian people.”
The Faith and Justice Network condemned these expenditures, describing them as a betrayal of trust.
Reverend Jallah emphasized that these funds are the hard-earned taxes of Liberians and should be used to address pressing social needs, including healthcare, education, and infrastructure development.
“At a time when Liberia is ranked the 8th poorest country in the world, it is deeply troubling that our legislators have chosen fiscal profligacy over the well-being of the citizens,” Reverend Jallah lamented.
The FJN has called on the Legislature to provide full transparency and accountability for these expenditures. The organization demanded that lawmakers explain the purpose and outcomes of the allocations in the 2024 fiscal year budget and demonstrate how the funds have improved the lives of ordinary citizens.
The Faith and Justice Network affirmed its commitment to standing with Liberia’s poor and marginalized communities, who continue to suffer under what it describes as an elitist system.
“This is not the change citizens were promised,” Reverend Jallah said. “It is, in fact, a betrayal of the very people who entrusted their votes to elected officials in hopes of better governance and a more equitable society.”
The organization called for a drastic reduction in excessive government spending and urged that future budgets prioritize accountability and investments in citizens.
Reverend Jallah concluded with a call to action for all Liberians to hold their leaders accountable.
“We will not sit back and watch as Liberia’s future is sold for short-term political gain,” he said. “The people of Liberia deserve dignity, respect, and justice. We must stand together to ensure their voices are heard and their rights upheld.”
The FJN warned the government to prioritize the standard of living for all citizens in the 2025 national budget, emphasizing that every cent of public funds must go toward improving the lives of the people.
