MONROVIA – The Solidarity & Trust for a New Day (STAND) has launched a sharp attack on the Unity Party, accusing the ruling party of blurring the line between public service and partisan politics by involving senior government officials in plans to construct new party headquarters across Liberia.
In a press release issued Monday, October 20, 2025, Mulbah K. Morlu, Jr., Chairman of STAND, described the development as “a blatant abuse of public trust, a flagrant violation of the Code of Conduct, and a troubling signal that President Boakai’s administration is erasing the line between public service and partisan enrichment.” He urged all Liberians to remain vigilant against “the creeping misuse of public office for party gain.”
STAND’s statement highlights that the Unity Party’s appointment of senior government officials to its partisan fundraising committee violates the Code of Conduct for Public Officials, particularly Part V, “Political Participation.” Section 5.1 of the Code explicitly prohibits officials appointed by the President from using government resources or participating in political activities in ways that support a partisan cause. Morlu stressed that the party’s action constitutes a deliberate conflict of interest that undermines both the spirit and letter of the Code.
“By appointing senior government officials to its partisan fundraising committee, the Unity Party and those involved have blatantly violated the Code of Conduct, committing a grave conflict of interest that undermines the very foundation of ethical governance,” Morlu said. He described this politicization of public office as “utter disregard for accountability, transparency, and the rule of law,” warning that such actions constitute a shameful betrayal of public trust.
STAND also recalled that under the Boakai administration, nearly US$400,000 in public funds was reportedly funneled through Unity Party channels to finance partisan celebrations during President Boakai’s inauguration. The organization questioned whether Liberians’ taxes are once again being diverted to serve party interests, noting that the decision to involve senior officials in raising potentially millions of dollars for party headquarters construction raises serious ethical concerns.
In conclusion, Morlu demanded the immediate withdrawal of cabinet officials from the partisan fundraising activities, warning that failure to act would be viewed as a deliberate misuse of public funds. “State power is not party property, and public funds are not campaign fuel. The people of Liberia are watching, and they will not stand idle while their resources are abused under the guise of ‘party development,’” he said.
STAND’s release ended with a pointed call for accountability: “The line between party business and public service must remain sacred. To cross this line is to invite the judgment of history and the wrath of the Liberian people. Lead or leave. Enough is enough.”
