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Monday, November 11, 2024

Liberia: A Message that Demand your Undivided Attention

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By John Morlu (former Auditor General, GAC)

Good morning, my dear friends in Liberia and beyond. I come to you today with a sobering message—a message that demands your undivided attention. If you have the eyes to truly see, the ears to genuinely listen, and the hearts to feel the suffering of our people, then hear me out, just this once:

Liberia is in trouble. Our nation is not at peace, and the political economy is in shambles. The political risks associated with doing business in Liberia are off the charts, as confirmed by British and American companies that specialize in political risk analysis for multinational corporations.

The Heritage Foundation and Wall Street Journal’s economic freedom indices rank Liberia as a high-risk, economically oppressive environment, a place where private direct foreign investment dares not venture.

But there’s an even more alarming truth: Liberia’s opposition is strong—commanding nearly 50% of the population. This reality places CDC’s George Weah in a precarious position as the most critical custodian of our nation’s peace and security. His actions will either stabilize or destabilize Liberia.

This is why it was utterly foolish to deny him access to a simple presidential VIP lounge. Joseph Boakai needs Weah—not just for peace, but also in the fight against corruption. You may get angry with me, but this is the hard truth. Ignore this reality at your peril.

Boakai knows I’m right—after all, it was me he turned to when his presidential bid came down to a margin of less than 1% between him and Weah. Just ask Mamaka Bility, James Fromoyan, Amara Konneh, and others. So, attack me if you wish, but understand this: no serious investor will come to Liberia if Weah feels threatened.

Yet, Liberians are spectacularly missing the point. While the political circus and courtroom dramas between UP and CDC rage on, the real crisis—the crippling lack of jobs—remains conveniently ignored. Jobs, which bring dignity and peace, are nowhere to be found. Instead, we’ve perfected the art of pretending that stability exists in a jobless nation. And let’s not forget, corruption is the true architect of our misery.

Boakai’s legacy is on the line, and it won’t be built on diplomatic photo ops or globe-trotting to the White House, Beijing, or Brussels. No, my friends, only a fierce battle against corruption will pave the way for jobs and, ultimately, peace. Corruption doesn’t just deter private investment; it sends genuine investors fleeing for the hills.

Remember Sirleaf’s legacy? She ushered in $16 billion in shady investments. Weah, in a masterstroke of inactivity, brought in nothing. And Boakai? He’s poised to do even worse unless he ditches the blame game and rolls up his sleeves to tackle corruption head-on. These petty skirmishes with Weah and the CDC are a recipe for disaster.

Here’s a revolutionary idea: Boakai and Weah should sit down together and sign an anti-corruption communique, holding everyone accountable, starting with their own cronies. Boakai could make a grand start by addressing the NASSCORP scandals, like Grisby’s vehicle purchases and the Yellow machines fiasco, before taking aim at Weah’s allies.

In this country, where over $66 million was spent on county development funds without creating a single job, it seems we’ve become masters of voodoo economics. But let’s not kid ourselves—only jobs can bring peace, and corruption is the relentless executioner of those jobs.

And now, in my desperation to rescue my dear Uncle Joe from the clutches of bullards, hyenas, and rattlesnakes, I strive to save his legacy and imprint it in an unshakable cornerstone.

Tomorrow, we will be thanked, not condemned. Call it my stoic naivety, but I remain steadfast in our fight against corruption, believing that unity between Boakai and Weah, with Sirleaf watching over them as they sign this long-awaited anti-corruption communique, will lead us to victory.

Only a united Liberia can solve Liberia’s problems. This requires strong leadership from Boakai, Weah, and Sirleaf—perhaps even with consultation from Charles Taylor in his London hideout.

We are winning the war on corruption. Do not be discouraged, and do not waver. Stay the course, Liberians, stay the course.

Uncle Joe, it’s time to wake up. Liberia is teetering on the edge, and we need you alert and ready to lead. Wake up, Uncle Joe. The nation’s future depends on it.

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