spot_imgspot_img
Tuesday, October 8, 2024

LIBERIAN OFFICIALS ACCUSED OF LAVISH SPENDING AS CITIZENS SUFFER

Date:

MONROVIA – The everyday struggle of Liberia’s masses is often fueled by hopes of electing officials who will better their lives and improve the country’s troubled economy. However, for many, these dreams are continually shattered as public officials prioritize their own interests and those of their families. Dishonest behavior and corruption have become rampant, leading to a widespread outcry from civil society activists, political commentators, and ordinary citizens alike.

Today, renowned activist Martin K. N. Kollie added fuel to this fire with a damning breakdown of government spending, revealing how public officials are benefiting at the expense of the impoverished populace. In a social media post, Kollie detailed the government’s alleged misuse of funds, citing a staggering $1.5 million spent on a one-week special sitting by the House of Representatives, $812.6K by the Senate, $350K for a Judiciary Annual African Meeting, and $1.12 million on armored vehicles for the President and Vice President.

In his post, Kollie sarcastically wrote, “Y’all really know how to ‘RESCUE’ Poor People,” taking a sharp jab at the ruling Unity Party (UP) government headed by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai. Kollie, once a strong advocate for the UP during the presidential election, is now exposing what he perceives as a continuation of corrupt practices from the previous administration of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC). His criticism of the government’s spending practices sparked widespread reactions, with over 400 comments on Facebook within hours of the post.

While many supported Kollie’s claims, others were less sympathetic, accusing him of hypocrisy. One commenter, Togar Alexander Bealded, questioned Kollie’s judgment and foresight, stating, “At some point I wonder if you didn’t know these people and this trend? I wonder about your 2029 mission as you believe in the same folks’ stewardship. Why are you making noise now? You brought this! You will support these same folks after all this—stop fooling our people, they know you.”

Her Excellency Brenice Wesseh, another critic, expressed her frustration over the government’s tactics, calling them “daylight robbery” and accusing officials of using tricks to siphon funds. William B. Carl Martin, however, praised Kollie’s shift in loyalty, commending him for speaking against the ills of the same administration he once supported, and adding, “Your loyalty is not to a person or government but to the country.”

Despite the range of responses, one thing is clear: the ordinary people of Liberia are growing increasingly disillusioned with their leaders. The government’s lavish spending, contrasted with the everyday struggles of the masses, has amplified the frustrations of many citizens who are now more vocal about holding their leaders accountable.

As Kollie continues to shine a light on these issues, his bold stance could signal a wider movement calling for transparency and change in Liberia’s government. However, whether or not these calls will lead to substantial reform remains to be seen. For now, the tension between the government and its people grows, with activists like Kollie refusing to stay silent in the face of dishonesty and corruption.

Socrates Smythe Saywon
Socrates Smythe Saywon is a Liberian journalist. You can contact me at 0777425285 or 0886946925, or reach out via email at saywonsocrates@smartnewsliberia.com or saywonsocrates3@gmail.com.

LATEST DEVELOPMENT

BOAKAI’S MISPLACED AMBITIONS AS LIBERIA BLEEDS AND THE PRESIDENT COURTS GLOBAL VANITY

Eight months into his presidency, Joseph Boakai’s administration is...

TAKE IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONS TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF MPOX – STAY ALERT, STAY PROTECTED

As Liberia confronts the resurgence of Mpox, the confirmation...

NO JUSTIFICATION FOR HIGH SALARIES OF BOAKAI ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS AMID ECONOMIC STRUGGLES

In the midst of Liberia's current economic struggles, revelations...

LIBERIA’S POLITICAL CRISIS: A CALL FOR RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP AMID ESCALATING TENSIONS

The recent clash between the Coalition for Democratic Change...

COMMENTARY

THE MASS DISMISSAL OF LIBERIAN PUBLIC SERVANTS: A TROUBLING TREND UNDER THE BOAKAI ADMINISTRATION

A Commentary by Wondah L. Jah Since assuming the presidency,...

SECURITY RISKS: IS PRESIDENT BOAKAI UNKNOWINGLY SETTING THE STAGE FOR EARLY COUP D’ÉTAT?

In his commentary, Liberian political analyst Vandalerk R. Patricks...

IS JOSEPH BOAKAI LISTENING TO PROTESTS AROUND AFRICA?

A Commentary By Wondah L. Jah In January, Joseph Boakai,...

LATEST NEWS

Share post:

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

OPINION

AMERICA’S NEGLECT OF LIBERIA: A CALL FOR CHANGE

An Opinion By Bishop Dr. Rudolph Q. Kwanue, Sr A...

AMID AN UNENDING WAR AGAINST POVERTY, INJUSTICES – HAS THE PROGRESSIVE STRUGGLE BECOME LOST IN TRANSLATION?

A Patriot's Diary With Ekena Wesley What manner of Liberian progressives...

HAS PRESIDENT BOAKAI’S GOVERNMENT BEGUN BEARING GOOD FRUITS? (PART1)

By Jacob N.B. Parley Following a careful reflection, I have...

ELEVATING THE AG BIBLE COLLEGE TO A UNIVERSITY: A MILESTONE ACHIEVEMENT

By Jacob N.B. Parley After many years of successful preaching...

THE DILEMMA OF PRESIDENTIAL SUPREMACY IN LIBERIA: EXAMINING THE BALANCE OF POWER

By Dr. Clarence R. Pearson, Sr. Superior presidency is the...

THE GALLERY

spot_imgspot_img

MORE ARTICLES

spot_imgspot_img

MORE NEWS

LATEST DEVELOPMENT NEWS

LATEST CRIME NEWS

Share via
Copy link