MONROVIA – As political tensions rise in Liberia, Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe of Gbarpolu County and a member of National Patriotic Party (NPP) has delivered a stark warning to the ruling Unity Party (UP), declaring that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s administration is on track to be a one-term government. Addressing Henry Saamoi, the nominee for Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) Governor, Snowe asserted that the current leadership is failing to inspire confidence and risks being ousted in the next election cycle.
Snowe’s remarks come at a time when President Boakai’s government is facing mounting scrutiny over its handling of public institutions, particularly the CBL. His concerns mirror the frustrations of many Liberians who see the administration’s approach to governance as increasingly questionable. The senator alluded to the controversial dismissal of former CBL Governor Aloysius Tarlue, whose abrupt removal in 2024 followed an audit exposing financial mismanagement at the bank. The report detailed unauthorized loans totaling $83 million and contract awards worth $11 million made without competitive bidding—irregularities that sparked public outrage.
While the government justified Tarlue’s suspension as a necessary step toward accountability, critics argue that the outcome of the case tells a different story. The former governor challenged his removal in court, only to later accept a financial settlement of $375,000 in exchange for dropping his lawsuit. The quiet resolution of the dispute has fueled speculation that the administration is using financial deals to sidestep legal battles and avoid deeper investigations into its own governance lapses.
The controversy surrounding the CBL is only one of several governance issues plaguing the Boakai administration. Since taking office, the president has struggled to implement decisive reforms, often drawing criticism for indecisiveness in appointments and failure to address widespread corruption allegations. His handling of key officials, such as the resignation of Deputy CBL Governor Nyemadi Pearson following an audit report, has raised questions about whether dismissals are genuine anti-corruption measures or merely politically motivated reshuffles.
Beyond financial mismanagement, Liberia has seen a rise in political grievances, with opposition leaders and civil society groups increasingly vocal about the lack of transparency in government affairs. The recent dismissal of employees at the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC) over alleged political insults against Boakai has reinforced concerns about political intolerance and abuse of power. Similarly, allegations that the administration is selectively targeting former government officials for corruption probes while shielding allies have only deepened skepticism about its commitment to accountability.
Senator Snowe’s prediction that the UP will not survive past 2029 is reflective of growing dissatisfaction, even among those who initially supported Boakai’s bid for the presidency. His statement is also a strategic signal to opposition forces that the time is ripe to consolidate against what he describes as a failing administration. With public trust wear away and economic struggles persisting, many Liberians are beginning to question whether the current government can deliver the progress it promised.
