By Jamesetta D Williams
Monrovia ,Liberia National Union (LINU) political leader Clarence Moniba is calling on Liberians to shift national attention away from ongoing debate over the size of the Armed Forces of Liberia and instead focus on how the country’s national budget is being utilized.
Speaking on Spoon FM, Moniba argued that the real concern for citizens is not the recent claim made by Senator Amara Konneh regarding a proposed 2,000-man army, but rather the allocation, transparency, and effectiveness of government spending.
He stressed that public discourse should prioritize how national resources directly impact ordinary citizens.
Moniba raised concerns about what he described as limited funding to key public institutions, pointing specifically to the John F. Kennedy Medical Center, which he claimed received approximately US$9 million in the national budget.
He further questioned legislative expenditures, alleging that significant funds were allocated for non-essential purposes, including around US$500,000 for entertainment under the Speaker’s Office.
The political leader also criticized what he termed excessive government spending on foreign travel, arguing that such expenditures reduce opportunities for investment in vocational and technical education for young people across Liberia.
According to him, national budget priorities should be more closely aligned with pressing social needs such as healthcare, education, and employment creation.
In response to growing public debate on governance, Minister of Information Daniel Sando has defended the government’s communication strategy and development priorities, emphasizing that public criticism and opinion, while important in a democracy, do not define the official work or performance of state institutions.
He stated that government communication remains structured and coordinated, with a focus on ensuring that accurate information about national development is consistently delivered to the public.
Minister Sando also urged that discussions on national issues be guided by facts and historical context, noting that Liberia’s past challenges require careful reflection and responsible public dialogue.
The Minister highlighted ongoing reconciliation efforts by the government, including initiatives aimed at honoring victims of past conflicts and promoting national healing and unity.
He reiterated that the administration remains committed to strengthening institutions and addressing historical divisions.
Addressing political criticism directed at government officials, Sando called for restraint and responsibility among public figures, warning against statements that could mislead citizens or deepen national divisions.
He maintained that the government’s focus remains on delivering key development priorities, including roads, education, healthcare services, and broader institutional strengthening.
He further underscored the importance of the national budget as Liberia’s central development tool, explaining that it guides infrastructure projects and public service delivery across the country.
According to him, proper understanding of the budget process is essential for informed national discussions.
Concluding his remarks, Minister Sando reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusive communication, pledging continued engagement with the media and citizens to ensure that accurate information supports national progress and unity.
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