Maryland County Senator James Biney’s criticism of President Joseph Boakai’s leadership has ignited public debate, drawing sharp reactions from civil society actors and political observers. During a February 25, 2025, Senate session, Biney expressed disappointment in the President’s handling of the country’s development, accusing him of lacking the determination to drive progress.
“This President I supported doesn’t have the spine to develop the country. I am disappointed,” Biney remarked, voicing dissatisfaction with the administration’s performance. His blunt assessment has sparked mixed reactions, with some questioning his legislative record while others praising his willingness to speak out.
Anderson Miamen, Executive Director of the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL), was quick to respond. In a Facebook post on February 26, 2025, Miamen criticized Biney for distancing himself from the nation’s developmental failures while ignoring the Legislature’s role in those shortcomings. He argued that as a senior legislator, Biney shares responsibility for approving major concession agreements and overseeing critical sectors like forestry and mining.
“You and your colleagues in the Legislature are part of the problem, Senator Biney, and should be taking responsibility,” Miamen wrote. He urged Biney to hold public officials accountable through the Senate’s oversight powers instead of simply blaming the executive branch. According to Miamen, the Legislature can summon key stakeholders and demand answers, yet lawmakers have often failed to exercise this power effectively.
While Miamen’s critique was scathing, Biney’s remarks also found supporters. Karbahker Toweh, another political commentator, commended the Senator for speaking candidly about Liberia’s developmental stagnation. In a social media post, Toweh compared Biney’s comments to previous statements made by Bomi County Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe Jr., who has also criticized the government’s handling of national affairs.
“Senator Biney spoke well, just as Senator Snowe did a few months ago. I hope they and others in power will speak and act,” Toweh remarked. Given their influence over national decision-making, he stressed that long-serving politicians like Biney should focus on delivering results rather than shifting blame.
