By John Morlu
Weah, Tweah, and their allies thought they would remain in power for 18 or 24 years and acted accordingly, disregarding the broader interests. This should serve as a lesson for the JNB administration.
Assume your administration will be in power for six years, with a subsequent administration in 2030 that will scrutinize your actions. Sirleaf was fortunate to align with Weah in 2017 against Boakai, thereby avoiding the scrutiny that Weah and his team will face over the next six years.
Accountability, transparency, and the rule of law are essential but only effective when individuals are held accountable and punished. Sirleaf initially pursued this in 2006 but reemployed figures like Sam Wulu, whom she had previously arrested and pretended to prosecute. Notably, only two instances of actual conviction and imprisonment occurred: Albert Bropleh and those involved in the fraudulent bank account in Sirleaf’s name at Ecobank, transferring $1.1 million and exposing systemic banking flaws.
Despite efforts to prevent large over-the-counter cash withdrawals at the CBL, it resumed under Weah, with $178 million cashed over the counter, raising concerns about potential misuse of public funds.
To put this in perspective, the U.S. government spends $163 million annually in Liberia to save lives and improve conditions, while some individuals withdraw millions over the counter at the CBL, perpetuating dependency on American and other donor aid despite Liberia’s 177-year history.We commend Boakai’s initial steps to end impunity and hope he can address both past and current corruption.
Boakai and his team should act with the awareness that they may face electoral defeat in 2029 and risk arrest in 2030 if they fail to uphold integrity. Boakai’s “Rescue Mission” should learn from Weah’s grassroots movement, which assumed it would remain in power for 18 to 24 years—a fallacy then and now. Liberian voters are known for ousting non-performing, corrupt, and incompetent incumbents.
The proof is in the pudding: George Weah’s grassroots movement fallacy of 18 to 24 years in power.
I still assume that Weah can put up a good fight and win in 2029. Vengeance then will be the order of the day. Today there is widespread regret among citizens that Weah gave up power too easily, so you hear the drum: 17,000 vote difference and the country is divided down the middle. True, but in that middle, minus the Rescue Coalition, including myself, Weah has the edge. Let’s not forget that and ignore the potential coalition realignment that could give Weah a big edge.Let’s celebrate seeing people going to prison for corruption and corrupt acts.
But let’s not repeat what we are prosecuting because 2029 is right around the corner and Weah could win, again.
This is my fair assessment and position.
