MONROVIA – In a fiery press conference held on Sunday, Montserrado County District #10 Representative, Yekeh Kokubah, made bold accusations against the Unity Party government under President Joseph Boakai, alleging corruption and mismanagement. Kokubah announced the formation of a new movement aimed at opposing Boakai’s presidency and revealed plans for a nationwide campaign to raise awareness.
“During the campaign, we talked about prosecuting Samuel Tweah for the theft he committed at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, including the misappropriation of public funds by the former ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC). Why are we not prosecuting Tweah and those involved in stealing the Liberian people’s money?”
“Why are we not addressing Samuel Tweah’s corruption? Because Pres. Joseph Boakai has come to steal along with his associates, we are not seeing the accountability and transparency we campaigned on,” Kokubah declared. He accused Boakai of misappropriating funds, claiming, “In three months, Boakai used $22 million for personal gain while neglecting the $11 million intended for road maintenance.”
The press conference, which started at 4:00 PM, saw Kokubah passionately addressing the audience, stating, “When Yekeh is speaking, I speak the way I want to speak. We need to talk and address what should be said in this press conference.”
Kokubah emphasized the resilience of his movement, asserting, “If anybody thinks this movement is to come and die, that means Joseph Boakai will be buried before the movement dies. We are here. The process has started. We want to officially talk about the movement today.”
He showcased merchandise, including caps, motorbikes, and T-shirts emblazoned with “The Power, The People’s Power” and “Movement Against Boakai Presidency.” Kokubah revealed that the movement plans to distribute 50,000 T-shirts in the coming months to spread their message across the country.
Addressing the press, Kokubah alleged a scandal involving Walter McCarthy, whom he called “the original BM and crook.” According to Kokubah, McCarthy, along with Boakai and Jojo (Joseph Boakai, Jr.), met with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Mittal Steel and requested $6 million, ultimately receiving $4 million for executive projects. “I challenge them and back my life on these claims,” he stated.
Kokubah’s accusations extended to various press members, urging them to investigate and expose the alleged corruption. He criticized McCarthy for lobbying and securing funds for Boakai, calling him “a consultant to most companies in the country.”
As the movement gears up for its campaign, Kokubah made it clear that they are determined to hold Boakai accountable and prevent his presidency. “If anybody thinks this thing is a joke, then you are wasting your time,” he concluded.
The movement plans to tour the country, creating awareness and mobilizing support against Joseph Boakai, whom Kokubah described as “a disgrace and embarrassment to this country.”
It is worth noting that during the 2023 presidential election, Representative Yekeh Kokubah was one of the lead campaigners for then-presidential candidate Joseph Boakai of the Unity Party. The pair campaigned on good governance, including accountability, integrity, and transparency, which led to Boakai’s election as President of Liberia. Political commentators, Unity Party stalwarts, and ordinary citizens are now wondering why there has been a fallout between the President and Rep. Kokubah so soon after the election.
During the administration of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) under former President George Manneh Weah, Kokubah did not mince his words on corruption. He accused the former President of rampant corruption and actively participated in anti-corruption and governance campaigns against the CDC government. Known as a combative lawmaker, Kokubah has consistently spoken out against corruption in the Executive, Judiciary, and Legislature.
