As Liberians continues to grapple with deepening economic challenges, the Political Leader of the Citizens Movement for Change (CMC), Musa Hassan Bility, has drawn public attention and criticism, after making a series of statements boasting about his personal wealth during a recent nighttime talk show.
Speaking candidly, Bility declared that his personal net worth exceeds US$34 million, claiming that his lifestyle surpasses that of many national leaders and is out of reach for the average Liberian citizen.
“Where I am living, you people can’t afford to live there. The same car that President Joseph Boakai is riding is the same car I’m riding,” Bility said, emphasizing the disparity between his wealth and that of ordinary Liberians.
Bility went on to mock the financial limitations of everyday citizens, stating:
“I told you people that I have $34 million dollars. Do you people have some—or your parents? You can’t even borrow $1,000 from the banks. I can borrow millions from the banks.”
In a country where many families struggle to make ends meet and youth unemployment remains high, Bility’s remarks have sparked intense public debate.
Critics argue that his comments are not only insensitive but also highlight the growing disconnect between Liberia’s political elite and the broader population. Despite the criticism, Bility continued his boastful tone during the program.
He claimed to have accounts with every bank in the country and revealed the launch of a new business venture in Athens, Greece.
“My company has accounts with all the banks in Liberia. I have just established a company in Athens, Greece. So, if you people [are] doing nonsense here, I will still be earning money in Europe,” he stated.
Bility also claimed to have personally financed his political party’s logistics, including purchasing 28 vehicles and printing thousands of t-shirts for campaign purposes.
“I took money and bought t-shirts and 28 vehicles for my party. I don’t ride a car for over thirty (30) days—I change it to ride another one,” he said.
The CMC leader didn’t hold back from disparaging his critics either, branding them as “poor and rechecked people” who he believes do not have the means to live in his upscale neighborhood.
“These are poor and rechecked people who can’t afford to live where I am living. I lived among ambassadors in Liberia,” he said.
Public Reaction
The remarks have been met with sharp criticism across social media and within civil society circles.
Many see Bility’s comments as tone-deaf and emblematic of a political class detached from the daily realities of most Liberians.
“This kind of arrogance in the face of poverty is not only disheartening, but also dangerous,” said James Kollie, a youth activist based in Monrovia. “Leaders should be talking about lifting people up, not mocking them.”
Liberia’s economy has faced significant setbacks in recent years due to a mix of global economic pressure, domestic mismanagement, and post-pandemic recovery issues. Inflation remains high, and food insecurity continues to rise, particularly in rural areas.
While Bility’s flamboyant rhetoric may be aimed at projecting success and strength as a political newcomer, many are questioning whether such bravado resonates with the very electorate he seeks to lead.
