Monrovia – A newly acquired Infiniti QX80 SUV, reportedly valued at over US$100,000 and owned by Senator Albert Chea, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Works and former Senate Pro-Tempore, has stirred widespread public debate and criticism.
The luxury purchase comes at a time when Liberia is grappling with serious economic challenges, including rising living costs and unemployment fueling public anger and questions about the priorities of elected officials.
Many Liberians have taken to social media and radio talk shows to express frustration, describing the senator’s lavish expenditure as “tone-deaf” and “insensitive” to the daily struggles of ordinary citizens.
Critics argue that the acquisition underscores the widening gap between the ruling elite and the people they serve, while others are calling for greater transparency and accountability in how government officials spend their earnings and allowances especially those overseeing key sectors like infrastructure and public finance.
Verity Newspaper has reached out to Senator Chea for clarification on the matter. However, as of press time, the senator has not issued any public statement in response to the growing criticism over his high-end vehicle.
“Grand Kru County where he represents is very poor. The county does not even have access to safe drinking water, better healthcare, good roads, quality education, etc. We still live in shacks and huts here but he is buying over US$100,000 car when we are suffering, no jobs. Even the bridge connecting Grand Kru and Sinoe is damaged. We saw the car, and we were shocked that someone elected to serve the people would buy such a luxurious car while we don’t even have jobs and continue to suffer.” Citizens told Verity.
