Anderson Miamem: True leadership requires very strong “Political Will”. And “Strong Political Will” requires leading by example and going beyond the normal to show to others how things are done, rightly.
MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) executive director says Liberia’s new President Joseph Nyuna Boakai has made it clear that he would deviate from the past by being corruption -free, more accountable and transparent.
Mr Anderson Miamen’s statement posted today on Facebook is referenced to the Liberian leader’s recent asset declaration on February 8, 2024, at the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), which was in fulfillment of the President’s campaign promise.
The President’s declaration of assets is in keeping with the Code of Conduct for public officials, which mandates all public officials to declare their assets upon taking office.
But in the statement, CENTAL boss indicated while President Boakai’s declaration of asset is welcoming, according to him, it has to be shown by and through the President’s initial actions and the ones that follow, throughout his administration, saying “From the look of things, he has not made a very strong start in terms of matching his words with deeds.
Miamen said the President has not made a strong start, so far, adding that president should set high standards by publishing his assets, incomes and liabilities.
According to CENTAL boss, President Boakai is making some questionable appointments, while the audits he has requested for only cover the Weah’s administration, when they should be extended to the days of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and himself, while serving as Vice President.
“Audits and accountability should be holistic and not otherwise”, Miamen said.
CENTAL boss further stated also, the President took nearly three weeks before declaring his assets, incomes and liabilities with the LACC. Unlike Senator Dillon and others, and the President is yet to publish his assets.
“The Legislature, which has been largely non-complaint when it comes to assets declaration, appear to be leading the President and his executive branch of government on this. We cannot point to the President and any executive actors or appointees publishing their assets, so far. More than two Legislators have done so already”.
Miamen continued in his statement that, in short, President Boakai needs to start on a very strong note. He is not doing so at the moment. Even forming his cabinet is taking longer than expected. With his ‘experience” and having been announced as a winner of the Presidential election in November 2023, he should not be struggling to form his government.”
Also, CENTAL boss said the President needs to publish his assets, incomes, and liabilities and require same of the President’s officials, adding if lawmakers can do it, why not the President and his executive branch that are enforcing the law?
The President’s words must be matched by his actions. At the moment, the President Boakai’s words are far ahead of his actions, especially in leading by example when it comes to transparency and accountability,” Mr. Miamen concluded.
