For days, President Joseph Boakai’s recent comments have upset the political scene, which have drawn widespread condemnation for allegedly encouraging corrupt government officials to steal from the public treasury under the guise of redistributing wealth to the poor.
The Movement for Progressive Change (MPC), led by political figure Simon Freeman, has been particularly vocal, calling the President’s remarks a dangerous endorsement of corruption that undermines the integrity of the government.
In a press release on December 28, 2024, the MPC criticized President Boakai for suggesting that theft from the public purse could be justified if the stolen funds were directed toward the impoverished. According to the MPC, this notion not only endorses corrupt practices but also sets a perilous precedent that could unravel the fragile framework of governance and accountability in Liberia.
The MPC’s statement denounces the President’s comments as an egregious misstep for a leader who should be championing transparency, accountability, and ethical governance. Rather than taking concrete steps to combat corruption and address the systemic causes of poverty, President Boakai’s comments were perceived as an implicit validation of theft for redistribution, a stance that deeply troubles the MPC and many Liberians who are yearning for reform.
“No serious leader, in Liberia or anywhere in the world, should tolerate or encourage corrupt practices under any circumstances,” the MPC declared, asserting that Boakai’s rhetoric was both harmful and irresponsible. Such rhetoric, the party argues, contradicts the principles of good governance, fairness, and justice. The idea that stealing from the state could be permissible if it benefits the poor is not only a betrayal of those values but also a dangerous endorsement of a culture of impunity.
The MPC is particularly concerned that such statements from the President signal a lack of commitment to the ongoing fight against corruption, an issue that has plagued Liberia for decades. The party insists that this type of weak leadership has allowed corruption to flourish unchecked within the government, and the statement has only exacerbated these issues.
Asserting that Liberia’s governance needs a fundamental shift, the MPC is calling on President Boakai to retract his statement and publicly reaffirm his commitment to eliminating corruption. In doing so, the MPC believes the President could restore some faith in the government and make an important gesture toward a new era of integrity and accountability.
While the President’s office attempted to clarify the remarks in a December 24 press release, claiming that Boakai’s comments were misrepresented and distorted, the MPC remains unconvinced. The official response reiterated that Boakai’s address was intended to highlight the need for ethical governance, transparency, and a rejection of corruption. According to the President’s office, the intention behind the statement was to call for a judicious use of public resources for the benefit of all citizens, rather than encouraging theft.
Despite these clarifications, the MPC continues to assert that the President’s original comments were damaging and that no amount of rewording can negate the underlying implication that corruption could be acceptable if it serves a charitable purpose. The MPC firmly rejects any suggestion that the end justifies the means regarding public funds, calling for a zero-tolerance policy on corruption in all forms.
The controversy has highlighted challenges facing Liberia’s leadership, particularly as it struggles with widespread poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of essential public services. The MPC has promised that, should it be elected to power, the fight against corruption will be a top priority. The party stresses that every government official will be held accountable for their actions, and resources will be directed toward the nation’s most pressing needs, rather than benefiting a few corrupt elites.
In addition to condemning the President’s remarks, the MPC has emphasized that corruption must be eradicated at every level of government. The party has vowed to continue holding the Boakai administration accountable, particularly for actions that threaten to undermine trust in Liberia’s public institutions.
The criticism stemming from these comments highlights the growing frustration among Liberians regarding the state of governance in the country. Public confidence in the government is at a low point, and the President’s remarks have only intensified the sense of distrust that many citizens feel towards those in power. As the political landscape continues to evolve, critics of the ruling Unity Party, including members of the MPC, are positioning themselves as strong advocates for justice, transparency, and change.
For many Liberians, including MPC members, the idea that corruption could be tolerated, even under the guise of helping the poor, is simply unacceptable. It is this kind of rhetoric, they argue, that has allowed corruption to persist unchecked for far too long. In its press statement, the MPC firmly asserts that true progress can only be achieved when the government operates with transparency, integrity, and a commitment to serving all citizens equally.
Political commentators have noted that, as the controversy surrounding Boakai’s statement unfolds, the pressure on the President to clarify his position and retract his remarks is growing. The MPC and many other Liberians are watching closely to see whether Boakai will take the necessary steps to rebuild trust in his leadership and restore confidence in the country’s institutions.
