I. Introduction
After enduring President Joseph Boakai's delusional and self-congratulatory State of the Nation Address, it is imperative that we dismantle this blatant attempt to mask the harsh realities faced by the Liberian people. While the President and his detached advisors bask in an echo chamber of scripted praise, their fabricated narrative of success collapses under the weight of undeniable public suffering.
As the hollow chants of paid supporters fade into irrelevance, the brutal truth remains: Liberia is drowning in economic despair, a collapsing healthcare system, rampant corruption, and the failures of an incompetent administration--all within just one year. The absurd spectacle of today's address, laden with empty rhetoric and political fanfare, stands in stark contrast to the grim existence of millions of Liberians who sleep hungry and live in extreme poverty.
In response to this shameful attempt to deceive the nation, Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND), one of Liberia's leading civil society organizations, is compelled to expose the myths woven into President Boakai's speech. His so-called achievements amount to nothing more than political charlatanism. We will systematically dissect the deceit, scrutinize the failures, and unveil the devastating consequences of his first year in power. Liberia deserves truth, not propaganda--and today, we deliver it.
II. Evaluating the President's 'Refocus and Rebrand to Rescue' Campaign--A Year of Deception and Betrayal
In August 2023, at the launch of his presidential campaign manifesto, President Joseph Nyumah Boakai made grand proclamations about his so-called mission to rescue and develop Liberia. With striking certainty, he declared:
'I will develop the country in the same manner as the contemporary developments taking place around Africa and in the world.'
He went further, pledging 'No vehicle will hitch in his first 100 days', and committing to 'pave all highways connecting counties'. He went further, vowing that Liberia would "no longer patch up, renovate, and make do"--a bold promise to end what he termed as "business as usual.'
Yet, one year later, these promises have crumbled under the weight of corruption, incompetence, and a glaring absence of leadership. Despite unveiling his ARREST agenda, which supposedly prioritized Accountability, Reform, Empowerment, Security, and Transparency, his administration has delivered the exact opposite.
Instead of a rescue, Liberia is witnessing a regime that has perfected the art of deception, looting, and negligence. Boakai's leadership has not ushered in reforms--it has only deepened the very failures he once condemned.
a. We begin with the President's Lip Service on Corruption: Empty Promises and Weak Accountability
The man who campaigned as 'Rescue-1' has instead emerged as a grand betrayer of public trust, presiding over an administration riddled with corruption and incompetence. His government has turned into a network of political profiteers, where national resources are being pillaged at an alarming rate, public institutions are crumbling, and the suffering of ordinary Liberians has intensified.
President Boakai has repeatedly claimed to be committed to ending the culture of "business as usual" and has spoken about empowering integrity institutions, even stating that auditing units have been established in government agencies. However, these statements are nothing more than lip service, as the reality of corruption within his administration remains pervasive and unaddressed.
Despite acknowledging in his SONA that corruption is a formidable challenge in Liberia, President Boakai continues to downplay its severity by hypocritically asking the public to recognize the supposed "progress made., when he knows full well that little or no progress has been made. In reality, his government's efforts in combating corruption have been very very weak and largely ineffective. The establishment of auditing units and empowering integrity institutions have had minimal impact, as the structures in place lack the necessary teeth to hold his high-ranking officials accountable.
The most glaring evidence of this failure is the lack of prosecution for ministers and other high-level government officials who have been accused of corruption. Over the years, numerous scandals have surfaced, but instead of taking decisive action, President Boakai has consistently looked the other way. The long list of unpunished corrupt activities--ranging from embezzlement of public funds to misuse of resources--speaks volumes about the lack of political will to tackle the issue head-on.
Moreover, the financial toll of these corrupt activities cannot be ignored. Tens of millions of dollars have been siphoned from the national coffers, leaving the people of Liberia to suffer from inadequate infrastructure, healthcare, and public services. The failure to prosecute those responsible for these crimes sends a clear message that corruption is not only tolerated but allowed to thrive at the highest levels of the Boakai government.
President Boakai's claims of progress are simply an attempt to mask his administration's failure to address corruption and ensure accountability. His leadership on this issue has been far too weak and reactive, and it has ultimately left Liberia's fight against corruption in a state of paralysis. If President Boakai is serious about ending corruption, he must stop offering empty promises and take immediate, concrete actions to prosecute corrupt officials, restore trust in public institutions, and put an end to the rampant stealing of public funds.
Until then, his rhetoric on fighting corruption remains nothing more than a hollow slogan, with no real impact on the people who continue to bear the burden of a corrupt government.
b. President Boakai's False Claim on Road Conditions: His promise to ensure 'No vehicle hitches in first 100 days'; The Reality vs. the Rhetoric
Roads continue to deteriorate, with entire counties cut off due to impassable conditions. Instead of bold infrastructure development, we see makeshift repairs, botched projects, and empty rhetoric. His much-hyped 'Yellow Machine' initiative has failed to deliver, leaving road connectivity in a disastrous state.
During his today's State of the Nation Address, President Joseph Boakai claimed that he had fulfilled his promise to ensure that no cars are hitched on bad roads within his first 100 days in office. However, this statement is a lie, starkly contradicting the daily reality faced by Liberians who continue to struggle with deplorable road conditions across the country.
The Truth on Liberia's Road Conditions
Despite the president's claims, road infrastructure remains in a critical state of disrepair, with many areas still plagued by severely damaged roads in urban and rural areas;
In Interior and Rural Roads: Many unpaved roads in Liberia's counties remain impassable, especially during the rainy season. Reports from Bong, Lofa, Nimba, Rivergee, Grand Bassa, Rivercess, Maryland and Grand Gedeh counties indicate that vehicles still struggle through thick mud, leaving passengers stranded for hours, days or even weeks.
Vehicles Continue to Get Stuck on Bad Roads;
Transport operators and local commuters frequently report vehicles getting hitched in mud on key highways, including the Monrovia-Ganta Highway, Buchanan Highway, and the road leading to southeastern Liberia.
Motorcyclists and taxis are often forced to abandon routes or increase fares due to the terrible condition of these roads, making transportation even more difficult for ordinary Liberians.
c. On Healthcare: A Crisis Ignored
President Boakai's attempt to downplay and mislead the public about Liberia's healthcare crisis in his State of the Nation Address is not only deceptive but also a blatant disregard for the suffering of the Liberian people. His claim that child mortality has decreased and that health facilities across the country are well-stocked with drugs and providing quality care is a dangerous lie and deception and, frankly, amounts to perjury--an utter distortion of the truth. In reality, Liberia's healthcare sector is on the brink of collapse.
Consider, for example, the nation's largest public hospital, JFK. Despite its status as the flagship healthcare institution, it is chronically underfunded and lacks even the most basic prescription medications. Nurses and doctors are forced to contribute their personal resources to buy food for new mothers and their infants, highlighting the dire state of healthcare in the country. If JFK, the central hospital, is in such a precarious state, it is unimaginable how much worse conditions must be in rural health facilities, where resources are even more scarce.
Thus, President Boakai's claims are nothing but a blatant falsehood. Healthcare in Liberia is at its lowest point, and the government's failure to address these urgent issues is leaving the most vulnerable--especially mothers and children--at the mercy of a broken system. This is not progress; this is outright neglect.
Even more alarming is the catastrophic decline of Liberia's healthcare system, with major hospitals struggling to function, essential medical supplies in dangerously short supply, and healthcare workers overburdened and underpaid. The Boakai administration has shown no urgency in responding to this humanitarian crisis, allowing countless lives to be lost due to incompetence and neglect.
Again, nowhere is this failure more evident than at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center (JFK), once touted as Liberia's premier referral hospital, but now a place of despair. Expecting mothers and critically ill patients are dying needlessly due to a lack of proper care, with many describing JFK as a 'haunted house where poor people go only to die.' The situation is even more dire in rural areas, where access to basic medical supplies is nonexistent, and healthcare is a distant dream.
d. On the Economy: A Nation in Economic Freefall
President Boakai's attempt to paint a picture of economic progress in his State of the Nation Address is not just misleading--it is an outright insult to the intelligence and struggles of the Liberian people. The reality on the ground is brutal: inflation is out of control, unemployment is at an all-time high, and businesses--large and small--are collapsing at an alarming rate. While the President and his allies fabricate narratives of economic recovery, quoting growth corridors here and there, ordinary Liberians are battling unprecedented financial hardship, unable to afford even the most basic necessities.
The Liberian economy is teetering on the edge of collapse. Inflation has eroded purchasing power, leaving families unable to afford food, rent, or healthcare. The job market is virtually nonexistent, forcing thousands of young people into despair and hopelessness. Meanwhile, corruption and reckless financial mismanagement continue unabated, as government officials live lavishly off the suffering of the people, enriching themselves through unchecked looting of state resources.
Perhaps the most disgraceful failure of Boakai's leadership is in agriculture--a sector in which he claimed over 50 years of expertise. He boldly promised to make Liberia 'food secure and self-reliant,' yet under his watch, Liberia is experiencing extreme levels of hunger--bordering on famine. Instead of implementing policies to empower local farmers, invest in food production, and reduce dependency on expensive food imports, Boakai's administration has done nothing but pay lip service to agricultural development, leaving the nation more vulnerable than ever to food shortages and hunger.
Liberians are not only getting poorer under Boakai; they are hungrier, more desperate, and more hopeless. His administration has no coherent, achievable fiscal strategy, no tangible economic recovery plan, and no vision for job creation. Instead of offering real solutions, his government continues its band-aid approach--temporary fixes that do nothing to address the structural problems keeping Liberia trapped in economic stagnation.
The people of Liberia deserve more than false hope and failed leadership. They deserve policies that drive real economic growth, create sustainable job opportunities, and empower local industries. Boakai's failure to deliver on these fundamental promises is not just an economic disaster--it is a betrayal of the very people he swore to rescue.
e. President Boakai's Hypocrisy on Inclusive Governance and Arbitrary Dismissal of Civil Servants
President Boakai speaks of a government of inclusion, urging the opposition to work with him. However, his actions tell a different story. While making grand calls for unity, he passively watches as low-level civil servants are dismissed, often under the pretext of being suspected opposition members or based on allegations from the Civil Service Agency.
This blatant contradiction exposes the hypocrisy of his administration. On one hand, he preaches inclusivity, yet on the other, he sanctions the removal of ordinary Liberians who are simply trying to earn a living in an already struggling economy. These are not political elites--they are everyday workers seeking to feed their families in a time of economic hardship.
Despite repeated warnings from STAND and other institutions against the politically motivated dismissal of civil servants, the Boakai-led government relentlessly pursued a mass termination policy. Thousands of civil servants were dismissed under circumstances widely perceived as a political witch-hunt targeting opposition members and individuals deemed unsympathetic to the ruling administration. These dismissals not only disrupt the livelihoods of the affected employees and their families but also undermine the stability and professionalism of the civil service, replacing merit-based appointments with political loyalty. The government's uncompromising stance on these terminations sets a dangerous precedent, eroding public trust in the administration's commitment to fairness, rule of law, and democratic principles.
If Boakai truly believes in national unity, he must prove it with actions, not just words. Purging perceived opposition sympathizers from government jobs while calling for collaboration only deepens division and reinforces the culture of political retaliation. A truly inclusive government does not silence or sideline those with different political views--it creates space for all Liberians to contribute, regardless of affiliation.
Boakai Cashless economy Ambitions;
President Boakai's promise to transition Liberia to a cashless economy is ambitious, but its practicality faces significant hurdles. While a cashless system can enhance financial transparency, reduce corruption, and boost economic efficiency, the reality of Liberia's current infrastructure and socio-economic conditions make this transition highly unlikely.
First of all, for a cashless economy to work, Liberia needs:
Robust Digital Payment Systems - The country must develop and expand reliable mobile banking, fintech services, and electronic payment platforms.
Public Trust in Digital Transactions - Many Liberians, especially in informal sectors, rely on cash due to distrust in banking institutions and fear of fraud.
Government and Private Sector Readiness - Businesses, including small vendors, need digital payment infrastructure, training, and incentives to transition.
Stable Electricity Supply - Frequent power outages could disrupt digital transactions, causing reliability concerns.
Key Bottlenecks
Low Financial Inclusion - Many Liberians remain unbanked, relying on cash for daily transactions. Without financial literacy programs and easy access to digital banking, the transition would exclude a large portion of the population.
Weak Cybersecurity and Fraud Risks - A digital economy requires strong cybersecurity measures to prevent fraud, hacking, and data breaches, which Liberia currently lacks.
Limited Government Capacity and Policy Framework - Clear policies, regulations, and investments in digital infrastructure are necessary but currently insufficient.
Cultural and Economic Resistance - Many Liberians prefer cash transactions due to ease, tradition, and lack of familiarity with digital alternatives.
Corruption and Political Will - A cashless system reduces corruption by ensuring transaction transparency, which will definitely face resistance from a government whose officials are large beneficiaries of cash-based corruption.
Conclusion
While the idea of transitioning to a cashless economy is forward-thinking, it is far from practical under current conditions. Without addressing the critical issues of infrastructure, trust, financial inclusion, and policy enforcement, Liberia risks deepening economic inequalities rather than advancing its financial sector. If President Boakai is serious about this transition, he must first prioritize strong digital infrastructure, expand internet access, improve financial literacy, and build trust in banking systems.
f. The Illusion of Transparency: A Government in Shadows
Despite his lofty promises, corruption remains deeply entrenched at every level of government. The President has failed to establish credible oversight mechanisms, allowing officials to loot public funds with impunity. Misuse of government resources, inflated contracts, and fraudulent deals have become the hallmark of his administration. Shockingly, Boakai's State of the Nation Address sought to downplay the extent of this corruption crisis--a glaring attempt to mislead the public rather than confront the issue head-on.
g. The Absence of Meaningful Reform: Broken Promises, Worsening Conditions
Boakai campaigned on a promise of sweeping reforms in critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and governance. However, one year into his leadership, Liberia has seen little to no structural improvements.
h. As already discussed, healthcare remains a disaster, with hospitals lacking even the most basic supplies and medical personnel underpaid and overworked.
i. The education system continues to deteriorate, with schools in rural areas left to struggle without proper funding, trained teachers, or learning materials.
j. The Weaponization of Justice and Governance Under President Boakai: A System Built on Injustice
Contrary to his distorted facts as contained in his state of the nation address just recently delivered, Under President Joseph Boakai's leadership, Liberia's justice system has not only faltered--it has been corrupted and weaponized for political gain. The decision of members of the Supreme Court bench to boycott today's SONA, does little to repair the already damaged image of a President who has chosen to weaponize Liberia's judiciary to his selfish advantage. This step by the Supreme Court's justices, send a firm message of a nation on the brinks, solidifying the fact that Liberia has lost its respect as a constitutional democracy built on the rule of law. It's pathetic that under President Boakai, an independent and impartial institution has instead become a tool for consolidating power and eliminating opponents. These actions have undermined the very fabric of the rule of law, taking advantage of legal systems meant to serve justice, transforming said systems to serve personal or political ambitions.
Exploitation of the Judiciary for Political Advantage
President Boakai's decision to exploit the judiciary has led to a severe distortion of the law. The judiciary, traditionally an institution meant to uphold justice and fairness, has instead become an instrument of political manipulation. Boakai has used the court system to maintain control, replacing political opponents with loyalists and kin, and doing so in ways that directly violate the law.
Stealing Tenure Positions: In a clear violation of the law
Boakai has used judicial decisions to overturn legal protections meant to ensure the tenure of public office holders. This has led to the unjust removal of individuals in key government positions who do not align with his political agenda, only to replace them with his political allies. These actions show a disregard for the legal framework that should govern Liberia's institutions.
A Weaponized Legislature
Boakai has not limited his manipulation of the legal system to the judiciary. He has also used a compliant group of lawmakers to do his bidding. The removal of the sitting Speaker of the House was a blatant example of how the legislative body can be bent to serve his needs, rather than functioning as an independent branch of government. This abuse of power further exacerbates the weakening of Liberia's democratic structures.
Targeting the National Elections Commission
Perhaps most alarmingly, Boakai appears to have initiated a plan to remove the Chairman of the National Elections Commission (NEC), who has been suspended without proper cause or adherence to the law. The groundless suspension of a person protected by law, followed by an anticipated dismissal, is a clear and continuous violation of tenure rights and undermines the integrity of Liberia's electoral processes. These actions are a direct assault on the institution meant to safeguard free and fair elections.
Stalled Reforms and the Rise of Corruption
Governance and judicial reforms, which were once seen as critical to Liberia's recovery from years of instability, have effectively stalled under Boakai's watch. His refusal to prioritize reform has allowed corruption to take root and flourish across government institutions, from the judiciary to the legislature. The lack of meaningful reform has created a system where nepotism, political favoritism, and lawlessness reign supreme.
Extrajudicial Killings
President Boakai's failure to comprehensively address the alarming increase in extrajudicial and ritualistic killings is a grave neglect of his responsibility to protect Liberians. Across Monrovia and rural Liberia, citizens continue to disappear under mysterious circumstances, only for their bodies to resurface without any substantial investigation or accountability. These killings, often linked to criminal syndicates, political intimidation, or ritualistic practices, instill fear among the population, eroding the sense of security and justice. Law enforcement agencies have either been complicit or grossly ineffective in addressing this crisis, further emboldening perpetrators. The absence of a clear government response only deepens public concern that the state is either unwilling or unable to combat these heinous crimes. Urgent reforms and independent investigations are necessary to ensure justice for the victims and to restore public confidence in Liberia's security apparatus.
Fire Disasters
The recent surge in fire outbreaks across Liberia has disproportionately affected ordinary citizens, despite a few incidents impacting government officials. The lack of adequate fire prevention measures and emergency response capacity has left communities vulnerable to devastating losses, including destruction of homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure. Recognizing the urgency of the crisis, STAND has reached out to international institutions, advocating for enhanced support and capacity-building for the Liberia Fire Service Agency. However, the government's response remains inadequate, as evidenced by President Boakai's failure to meaningfully address the issue in his State of the Nation Address. Moreover, the legislature's continued failure to allocate sufficient funds for firefighting equipment and emergency preparedness further demonstrates the administration's disregard for the well-being of ordinary Liberians. With the dry season exacerbating fire risks, the government's inaction reflects a broader pattern of neglect and lack of empathy, leaving citizens to fend for themselves in the face of preventable disasters.
In all these crises--arbitrary dismissals, extrajudicial killings, and fire disasters--President Boakai's administration has displayed a concerning lack of leadership and accountability. The failure to address these pressing issues not only threatens livelihoods but also endangers national stability, highlighting the urgent need for policy reforms and independent oversight.
A Pattern of Unwillingness to Address Failures
What is perhaps most disturbing is President Boakai's refusal to acknowledge the magnitude of these failures. His silence in the face of abuses, whether in the judiciary or the legislature, reveals a stark unwillingness to address the deeply entrenched corruption that permeates his administration. By failing to take action or even publicly acknowledge these failures, Boakai has exposed the truth: he is either incapable of bringing about change or unwilling to do so.
What Time is it now? It's time for Reform & Holistic Change
Liberians deserve a system of justice and governance that functions for the people, not for political elites. President Boakai's weaponization of the judiciary, legislature, and other key institutions must end. There needs to be an urgent, transparent investigation into the unlawful removals of public officials and the manipulation of legal processes. Liberia's future depends on true reform--on rebuilding the trust between the government and the people and restoring the rule of law.
Without genuine reforms to address corruption, hold power accountable, and protect institutions from political interference, Liberia's democracy will remain at risk. It is clear that if Boakai continues on this path, his administration will be remembered not for its successes, but for its role in dismantling the very systems that are meant to protect and serve the Liberian people.
k. The Betrayal of Youth and Women: A Leadership That Offers No Future
One of the core pillars of Boakai's campaign was empowering young people and women. He repeatedly vowed to create opportunities, increase access to capital, and expand job prospects for the youth. Yet, in reality:
Youth unemployment has skyrocketed, with thousands of young Liberians left with no means of survival or access to economic opportunities;
Despite the President's bold and far-fetched claims today at the SONA, more women remain marginalized, with no clear policies implemented to support female entrepreneurs, protect women's rights, or enhance their political participation;
Rather than investing in skills development and employment programs, Boakai's government has resorted to empty rhetoric and ineffective policies that do nothing to alleviate the struggles of Liberia's most vulnerable groups.
l. Exposing the Security Crisis Under President Boakai: A Government Failing to Protect Its People
President Joseph Boakai's administration is increasingly demonstrating a dangerous disregard for Liberia's security sector, as recent events expose a pattern of human rights violations and unaccountable security forces. While the country has remained peaceful, the actions of police and other security agencies tell a troubling story--one of unchecked brutality and government indifference.
A Pattern of Abuse and Impunity
In just his first year in office, the country has already witnessed alarming security incidents that highlight the government's failure to ensure accountability within its forces:
A Disturbing Attack on Press Freedom in Liberia
While President Boakai attempts to paint an optimistic and often unrealistic picture of the nation's state, his address failed to provide any assurances regarding the protection of press freedom. This omission is particularly concerning given the escalating threats to free speech and media independence in Liberia.
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In a deeply troubling incident, Daily Observer Managing Editor Bai S.G. Best and reporter David A. Yates were recently subjected to threats, unlawful detention, and coercion by the Liberia National Police (LNP) following their investigative reporting on the mysterious death of Boulevard Palace Hotel's General Manager, Anwar Futloo. This blatant act of intimidation against journalists is a direct assault on press freedom, signaling a dangerous precedent for media practitioners across the country.
Compounding this alarming trend, BBC correspondent Moses Garzeawu was allegedly attacked on camera while carrying out his journalistic duties, adding to a growing pattern of violence against members of the press. Numerous other journalists have reported instances of harassment, intimidation, and physical assault. Disturbingly, reports indicate that in at least one case, a petrol bomb was used in an attack against broadcast journalist Austin Kawa, raising further concerns about the safety of media professionals operating in Liberia.
These incidents reflect a deteriorating environment for press freedom, where journalists are increasingly being targeted for simply doing their jobs. A free and independent press is a cornerstone of democracy, and any attempt to stifle it threatens the fundamental rights of citizens to access information. The government must take immediate and decisive action to end these attacks, hold perpetrators accountable, and reaffirm its commitment to protecting journalists and upholding the principles of free speech.
Four Innocent Protesters Killed in Kinjor, Grand Cape Mount County
Security forces opened fire on peaceful demonstrators protesting in the mining region, killing four innocent Liberians. Instead of protecting the right to protest, the government allowed its forces to turn a peaceful demonstration into a bloodbath, reinforcing the notion that economic interests--especially in the mining sector--are prioritized over human lives.
Protesters Beaten on Capitol Hill
When citizens staged a peaceful pro-constitutional protest demanding lawmakers uphold the rule of law, security forces responded with brutality. Rather than addressing the legitimate concerns of the people, the government resorted to force, further eroding public trust.
A Leadership That Turns a Blind Eye
President Boakai's silence in the face of these abuses is deafening. His administration's failure to hold security forces accountable suggests either complicity or a lack of control over the very institutions meant to serve and protect. Without swift and transparent investigations, these incidents will only embolden security forces to continue their abuses unchecked.
President Boakai campaigned on the promise of integrity, but without immediate action, his legacy may be defined by government-sponsored brutality and silence in the face of injustice. The Liberian people deserve better.
Conclusion: A Leadership That Protects the Corrupt, Betrays the People
Boakai's administration has failed spectacularly on the fundamental principles of accountability, transparency, and good governance. Instead of leading with integrity, his government has enabled corruption, ignored urgent reforms, and abandoned the very people he swore to uplift.
If his first year in office is any indication of what's to come, Liberia is heading toward deeper crisis, greater economic hardship, and further institutional decay. The Liberian people cannot afford another year of broken promises, deception, and failure. Boakai must be held accountable--not just for the promises he has failed to keep, but for the suffering and stagnation he continues to impose on the nation.
A Presidency of Contradictions and Excuses
Boakai's refusal to implement bold reforms is not due to a lack of understanding but a deliberate choice to protect his circle of corrupt loyalists. His administration has made no meaningful progress on governance reforms, anti-corruption efforts, or economic revitalization. Instead of governing with vision and urgency, he has spent the past year making excuses, passing blame, and pretending to be a bystander in his own administration.
His State of the Nation Address today was nothing but a fictional narrative, carefully scripted to disguise his glaring failures.It was an insult to the millions of Liberians suffering under his watch. The Liberian people were promised leadership, but instead, they have been deceived, defrauded, and abandoned.
Liberia Deserves Better
Under the Boakai presidency, Liberia has been thrust into a period of unprecedented crisis. The man who once promised to be the nation's savior has, instead, deepened its woes--perpetuating corruption, ignoring the plight of the people, and betraying the very promises he made. His recent State of the Nation Address, which many had hoped would reflect the reality of Liberia's struggles, served only as a carefully crafted façade--a cover-up designed to deceive the nation into believing things are better than they truly are. But the truth cannot be hidden any longer. Liberians know the harsh reality:
They know their financial struggles have worsened, their pockets emptier than a year ago;
They know that while corruption flourishes unchecked, justice remains a distant dream;
They know their hospitals are failing, roads are in ruins, and their children's futures are slipping away.
The Liberian people deserve far more than the deceptive rhetoric that now defines this administration. Liberia does not need hollow speeches or empty promises. What Liberia needs is genuine leadership, authentic reform, and a government that truly serves the people, not one that prioritizes the interests of a privileged few while the masses suffer in silence.
Mr. President, the time for misleading narratives has passed. The Liberian people can no longer be swayed by empty promises or superficial speeches. It is time for you to confront the stark reality and engage in an honest self-assessment of your administration's true successes and failures.
On the matter of truth-telling, today you presented a string of falsehoods, failing to adequately address the failures of your first year in office. Your attempt to cover up these shortcomings through a series of misleading claims was, quite frankly, ineffective. Even your own supporters can no longer ignore the overwhelming discrepancies in your statements. The people of Liberia deserve honesty, accountability, and real action, not rhetoric designed to deflect from the urgent issues at hand.
