Who goes down in history as Liberia’s most rigid, successful and uncompromising leader in the fight against corruption, against illicit drug, against human trafficking and all forms of bad governance might just not be known in the current political leadership dispensation. Nervelessness, the struggles to get to the finished line and receive the crown of political glory are being fought with all might. Could it be current President Joseph Boakai, who continues to make strong avouchment to get the job done or someone still being fashioned beyond the unseen? As Stephanie M. Duncan of our staff reports, what happens at the end of his leadership will speak aloud, especially as he faces daunting task with his anti-drug rigidity in the case of $19 million cocaine case.
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Thursday continued what has become to be known across the political spectrum as ‘spate of cabinet meetings’ – the bringing together of appointed officials to review progress, adopt new approaches and make other determinations about the state of governance.
Those familiar with the President’s unceasing cabinet gatherings put the number a little over twenty-two sittings – the most frequent cabinet meetings in post-war democratic governance, according to policymakers.
During these sittings, President Boakai revealed new developments, issued warnings to his officials against complacency and other actions that have the potential to undermine government’s development agenda.
At one of his cabinet meetings, he sent a strong ukase to officials dreaming of becoming president in 2029 to quit and focus on their presidential ambition.
What the President is yet to do, according to political observers, is to dismiss any official showing interest in becoming president or whose actions might have contravened his plans and policies, leaving many to suggest that these meetings are just met to speak his mind, but not to take action.
So what was highlighted at Thursday’s cabinet meeting? According to our reporter, the President used the time to praise ongoing investments in Liberia’s energy sector, and called for stronger national disaster preparedness.
More than that, the Liberian leader was quoted as expressing his firmness and rigidity in ensuring drug zero tolerance, vowing that no one implicated in the country’s recent US$19 million drug seizure will be spared from justice. In his address to the nation few days after the seizure of the drug at the RIA, President Boakai made similar push, vowing that “no one will be untouched” if found to be connected to the case.
While the President says he is remains firm on the matter, vowing to deal with anyone connected to scheme, Liberians are yet to see tangible outcome from the weeks-long investigation, and are raising questions and calling for independent, international investigation – a call which is seen as expression of lack of trust in the government’s sanctioned investigation.
The President also commended investors partnering with Liberia to improve the country’s electricity infrastructure.
He made reference to the Memorandum of Understanding signed earlier this year in Kenya to support the production of transformers and other electrical equipment, describing the initiative as a significant step toward strengthening the energy sector and expanding reliable electricity access nationwide.
President Boakai said the partnership is expected to improve electricity distribution and support the government’s broader efforts to enhance power supply across the country.
Turning to climate-related challenges, President Boakai expressed concern over the recent devastating floods in Ghana, saying he was deeply moved after watching footage of the disaster. He disclosed that he immediately sent a message of solidarity to Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama.
Using the tragedy as a reminder of the growing impact of climate change, President Boakai urged Liberia to strengthen its disaster preparedness and response mechanisms.
He called on citizens to cooperate with the Ministry of Public Works by refraining from constructing buildings in waterways and other flood-prone areas, stressing that preventing disasters is more effective than demolishing illegal structures after they have been erected.
“The changing climate demands that we prepare ourselves to respond effectively to disasters before they occur,” the President said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening national resilience through improved planning, infrastructure development, and coordinated disaster management.
Addressing the country’s fight against narcotics, President Boakai also declared that his administration will not shield anyone found to be connected to the recent seizure of drugs with an estimated street value of US$19 million.
The President vowed that all individuals implicated in the case will face the full weight of the law, underscoring his government’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and holding those responsible accountable.
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