MONROVIA, LIBERIA – In a striking critique of the nearly 10-month-old Unity Party government, Mr. Vandalerk R. Patricks has delivered a scathing analysis of President Joseph Boakai’s leadership. Patricks argued that Boakai’s slim victory in the 2023 election, with a margin of less than 18,000 votes, highlights deep political divisions in Liberia and signals that a second term is far from guaranteed for any leader or political party.
Reflecting on the political landscape, Patricks pointed out that George Weah, who won the presidency in 2017 with 62% of the vote, was decisively defeated in the 2023 election. “With the margin so narrow, the Rescue Missionaries should be focusing on addressing the nation’s issues instead of engaging in corruption and endless rhetoric,” he stated, referencing President Boakai’s administration.
Patricks expressed concerns over President Boakai’s failure to address key issues like drug abuse and corruption effectively. Despite Boakai’s pledge to combat drugs and his declaration of a National Public Health Emergency on the matter, the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) received a paltry allocation of less than $3 million. Additionally, the suspension of three directors of the LDEA, despite an attack on the Director General by his deputies, has left many questioning the president’s commitment to the anti-drug campaign. “It’s almost four months now, and the results of the LDEA investigation should have been made public to demonstrate Boakai’s stance on the drug fight,” Patricks noted. “But it seems he is not in charge.”
Further fueling criticism, Patricks pointed to the upcoming ECOWAS meeting with President Boakai following a complaint by the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) about political unrest allegedly incited by Boakai’s security forces. He attributed the chaos to the inexperience of the current Officer in Charge of the LDEA.
Corruption, another significant issue highlighted by Patricks, remains rampant in Boakai’s administration. He cited the example of the Minister of Public Works, who allocated approximately $22 million for dubious road contracts without adhering to the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC) law. “Why hasn’t he been dismissed yet?” Patricks questioned, calling the situation “deception.”
Adding to the controversy, Patricks highlighted the numerous rescinded presidential appointments on the Executive Mansion’s website, often accompanied by the recurring notice: “This appointment supersedes all other appointments.” He criticized these frequent changes as signs of indecision. “A serious President will think before writing,” Patricks said.
In a final blow to the administration, Patricks criticized reports of the Unity Party planning a celebration on September 17th. “You have not rescued us yet from drugs, poverty, and corruption, but you want to celebrate? Celebrate what? A child that keeps running while scratching their butt is bound to fall,” he concluded, underscoring his dissatisfaction with the current state of governance in Liberia.
Patricks’ remarks reflect growing discontent among some Liberians who feel that President Boakai’s administration has not lived up to its promises of reform and effective governance. As the nation grapples with significant challenges, the pressure mounts on the Unity Party to demonstrate tangible progress and restore public trust.
