By John Morlu II,former Auditor General of the Republic of Liberia
Joe Boakai represents our version of the U.S. founding father, George Washington. In Joe Boakai, we envision hope for constructing a new nation. Boakai declares Liberia as the “Final Destination,” signifying a future where people will settle in Liberia due to its development and prosperity. This profound vision deserves our collective support and protection. For some, Joe Boakai is our last stop, motivating us to fiercely defend his legacy. This transition marks the beginning of that legacy.
In Liberia today, we navigate a complex political landscape shaped by George Weah’s strategic maneuvers. The disconcerting delay in a pivotal letter until the December 26th has been exposed, with credible insiders revealing Weah’s alleged backdating to December 18, 2023. This delay facilitated manipulation of the government payroll, distribution of severance payouts, and safeguarding officials who left Liberia after December 18, actions expressly prohibited in Weah’s initial letter.
Complicating matters, Weah encouraged key officials to take vacations in Europe and America, aligning with the truncated transition period from December 27th, 2023, to January 10th, 2024. Notably, these officials are not set to return until January 15th, strategically limiting the JNB Transition Team’s access during the officially set transition activities.
In the eleventh hour, Weah hastily finalizes appointments, leaving us on edge. While constitutional rights grant Weah authority for appointments and contracts until noon on January 22, 2023, concerns mount. Weah appointed Attorney General Musa Dean as Associate of the Supreme, and there’s contemplation of appointing a loyalist as Commissioner General at the Liberia Revenue Authority, pivotal for Joe Boakai’s success in achieving a billion-dollar annual national budget.
Finance Minister Samuel Tweah emphasized the need for appointing someone of the highest integrity and incorruptibility in such a post, revealing a $300 million missing revenue crucial for a $1 billion annual budget. Unfortunately, the source he indicated, Thomas Nah Doe, passed away shortly after making the revelation, leaving critical details unspoken. Now, Weah rushes to maintain secrecy through a swift nomination process.
Our strategy involves utilizing the same constitutional process to scrutinize and potentially remove appointees amid allegations of widespread corruption within the Weah government. We’re collecting evidence on last-minute Weah appointees to swiftly present irrefutable proof for their removal, assuring Liberians that the law will both put them in and oust them.
We recognize Weah’s attempts to distract Liberians from the significant transition process through these appointments. We will ensure that what Joe Boakai is inheriting from Weah is based on facts and documentary supporting evidence, committing to transparent accountability validated by institutions and dedicated professionals. Joe Boakai will not be tricked and fall prey to the Sirleaf-Weah, “you say, I say” scenario.
Liberians should focus on the upcoming inauguration, recruitment, and thorough vetting processes. Despite Weah projecting an image of peace, there’s a perceived discontent beneath the surface for losing the elections.
Joe Boakai aims for a modest inauguration, contrasting with the extravagant expenses of Weah’s 2017 ceremony. Concerns arise as the Weah government purposefully delays financial support until January 10th, just 12 days before the inauguration. This delay, coupled with officials on taxpayer-funded vacations, raises unsettling questions, especially considering the fully funded Weah-Taylor inauguration by the Sirleaf-Boakai government. Some gratefulness was expected from Weah, but he is not giving Boakai the same treatment accorded in 2017.
We’ve rallied supporters, emphasizing the need to protect Joe Boakai’s legacy. A fundraising effort will be initiated, open to all Liberians, echoing the model seen in the USA where business people largely finance inauguration activities.
Despite challenges, we express confidence in confronting Weah’s administration, armed with information that could lead to indictments, prosecutions, removals, and asset recoveries. We call on fellow Liberians to join us in safeguarding the democratic processes of our nation.
In Joe Boakai, a nation is built, and in his own words, Liberia will become the “Final Destination.”
The fight for a clean government is in full swing. We are back online as were busy sorting things out internally. The fight in Joe Boakai’s JPTT was necessary. Now we are working again, knowing Weah and team can trick us and delay us. For Joe Boakai and Liberia, we will push aside anyone who will not change or deliver results. Share this far and wide. Liberians will change or be forced to change.
