MONROVIA – Liberian political commentator Vandalerk R. Patricks, known for his vocal opposition to bad governance, has expressed disappointment in the first quarter of the Unity Party (UP) led by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai. In a recent commentary posted on his Facebook page, Patricks highlighted what he perceives as a lack of progress and internal division within the government.
Patricks noted that the much-anticipated “Rescue Mission” of the Unity Party has so far been marked by unmet promises and a failure to deliver tangible results. He referenced the statements of Senator Amara Konneh, who had previously urged Liberians to manage their expectations regarding the new administration’s capabilities. This stance was publicly rebuked by John Morlu, a notable political figure, who insisted that the Unity Party’s mission was to fulfill promises, not to temper expectations. However, Patricks suggests that Morlu himself now seems disillusioned with the current state of affairs.
According to Patricks, the most concerning issue is the lack of a coherent strategy to create jobs for young people who were disenchanted with former President George Weah’s administration and voted for President Boakai and Vice President Jeremiah Koung. He argued that the rising political ambitions among public officials for the 2029 elections have overshadowed the Unity Party’s focus on governance. This internal competition, he claims, is leading to what he describes as a “serious political accident.”
“The government is becoming fragmented with ambition, greed, and ethnic division,” Patricks warned. He criticized the current trend of appointments being influenced by political calculations for the 2029 elections, rather than being based on merit or the needs of the country. Drawing parallels to the Unity Party’s previous term under President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Patricks suggested that similar internal wrangling and premature pursuit of political ambitions had weakened the party’s focus, allowing the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) to capitalize on the situation and win the 2017 elections.
Patricks stressed that addressing economic issues should be the government’s priority. He argued that focusing on job creation, controlling prices, and giving the economy back to Liberians is essential for the Unity Party’s success. “They can cut the nutt-bags of all the known corrupt officials from now to 2029, but if they do not address the issue of jobs and restore the sanctity of the economy, they will be disappointed at the ballot box,” he stated.
He also pointed out the challenges in the education sector, with schools overburdening students with high tuition and fees, and criticized the government’s weakening regulatory ability. In closing, Patricks warned those in the security sector to exercise caution to avoid unnecessary provocations, hinting at the potential for unrest if the public’s frustrations continue to grow unchecked.
Patricks’ commentary reflects a growing sentiment of dissatisfaction among some segments of the Liberian public, particularly concerning the perceived slow pace of change and the internal conflicts within the government. As the Unity Party navigates these challenges, it remains to be seen whether they will be able to regain focus and deliver on the promises that brought them to power.
