MONRORVIA – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, known for his upright Christian values and esteemed reputation, now faces a significant challenge to his leadership as allegations of bigamy and ethical misconduct surface against his Senior Political Advisor, Macdella Cooper. Despite Boakai’s promises during the 2023 presidential election campaign to lead with integrity, recent events have cast a shadow over his administration.
Macdella Cooper, a high-ranking advisor and political leader of The Movement for One Liberia (MOL) political party, has been accused of bigamy, allegedly marrying Alioune Kebe while he was still legally wed to her former close friend, Sajo Juwara Kebe. Juwara, who claims to have known Cooper for 18 years, publicly voiced her frustrations in a letter to President Boakai, stating that Minister of State Sylvester Grigsby had been informed but failed to communicate this critical issue to the President, suggesting possible negligence or a cover-up.
The scandal has attracted significant attention, with political commentator Morris A.S. Swen condemning Cooper’s actions as disgraceful and potentially criminal. Swen’s remarks highlight the gravity of the situation, emphasizing that Cooper’s alleged involvement in bigamy is a matter of public concern and legal scrutiny, particularly given her prominent role within Boakai’s administration.
Adding to the controversy, Youth and Sports Ambassador Alioune Kebe confessed on social media to being married to Cooper, exacerbating the situation and raising concerns of nepotism and ethical misconduct. This revelation has sparked outrage among Liberians, who view it as a blatant disregard for moral and legal principles, particularly in a high-profile government position.
Recently, Grace R.K. Guar, President of the Liberian Women Advocacy Network International (LWANI), voiced serious concerns. Guar claims the allegations against Cooper undermine her moral standing and disqualify her from serving as an advisor to the President. “Macdella Cooper lacks morals and should not be serving as an advisor to the President at this time,” Guar asserted. “She is a prominent woman whom many young women in society look up to. Her actions have set a bad example for those who seek direction and inspiration from leaders like her.”
Guar urged that Cooper should step down from her position to resolve her domestic issues, arguing that the scandal is harming the reputation of the Liberian government and distracting from the country’s progress. “Cooper, an advisor to the President of the Republic of Liberia, Joseph N. Boakai, is embroiled in a scandal that is tarnishing the reputation of the newly elected government,” Guar said.
Swen has called for swift and decisive action from President Boakai, stressing the need for accountability to maintain public trust. The allegations against Kebe and Cooper directly contradict the values Boakai’s leadership represents, demanding an immediate and transparent response from the administration.
Cooper’s recent social media activity, including a video with a dismissive caption towards the unfolding scandal, has done little to quell the mounting criticism. Her silence and apparent indifference only serve to fuel speculation and intensify scrutiny, further tarnishing her reputation and that of the administration.
As Liberians await President Boakai’s response, the pressure mounts for a thorough investigation into the allegations and appropriate disciplinary measures. The integrity of Boakai’s administration is at stake, and failure to address these issues swiftly risks perpetuating a culture of impunity and eroding public trust in the government.
The unfolding scandal not only threatens Cooper’s credibility and authority within her political party but also poses a significant challenge to Boakai’s administration. Known for his commitment to integrity and Christian values, President Boakai must navigate this crisis carefully to uphold the ethical standards of his leadership and restore confidence in his administration.
