MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Former Liberian Auditor General John S. Morlu has urged President Joseph Boakai to address Liberia’s challenges, accusing him of having “slept too long.” Morlu emphasized the importance of Liberia’s relationship with the United States, appreciating America’s contributions while criticizing individuals, including Dr. Robtel Neajai Pailey, for allegedly undervaluing this partnership.
Morlu stated that 99.999% of Liberians appreciate America’s support, noting that it has contributed more to Liberia than it has received. He recalled President Boakai’s 2017 acknowledgment of wasted opportunities by Liberian leaders and cited a 1987 incident where millions in PL 480 funds were mismanaged.
Dr. Pailey, the 177th Independence Orator, was criticized by Morlu for blaming America for the mismanagement of aid by Liberian leaders. He claimed that since 1946, America has provided $20.8 billion to Liberia, which has been squandered by corrupt officials.
Morlu highlighted America’s contributions: building Liberia’s military and police, providing infrastructure, resolving the Ebola crisis, and aiding during COVID-19. He noted America finances 75% of Liberia’s healthcare, education, and infrastructure, and acknowledged the role of Liberian refugees in the U.S. economy.
He dismissed a critic with a PhD from an “unknown school,” labeling her statements as uninformed. Morlu argued that her claims lacked any economic analysis and questioned her understanding of Liberia’s geopolitical benefits from its U.S. alliance.
Morlu expressed concern about the current administration’s integrity, questioning whether its agenda aligns with the purported “Rescue Mission” or is another ploy to defraud Liberians. He urged President Boakai to take decisive action and criticized his alignment with an inexperienced orator, implying Dr. Pailey lacks appreciation for successful Liberians in America.
He argued that America’s presence in a country boosts GDP by 25%, citing Japan, South Korea, and others as examples. Morlu lamented Liberia’s failure to leverage American opportunities, contrasting it with Ghana’s tourism success.
Concluding, Morlu praised former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s advocacy for U.S. military presence, recognizing the stability it could bring. He questioned President Boakai’s understanding of these benefits and called for proactive leadership, while thanking the Information Minister for distancing the government from the contentious oration.
