PHOTO: The Author
By Austin S Fallah – A Son of the Soil
The rule of law is a cornerstone principle of a democratic society, ensuring that all individuals, institutions, and entities, both public and private, are accountable to laws that are publicly promulgated, equally enforced, and independently adjudicated.
In this respect, Liberia, a nation with a history stained by civil unrest and corruption, stands at a critical juncture.
President Joseph N. Boakai, as the leader of the nation, is faced with a decision that has far-reaching implications for the integrity of the government and its commitment to transparency and accountability, whether to suspend or dismiss officials of the executive branch who refuse to declare their assets.
The gravity of this decision is tantamount to setting a precedent for the entire governmental framework, including high-ranking officials such as Speaker Koffa (Declared), President Pro-Tempore Lawrence (Declared), and Chief Justice Youh (unknown).
The Liberian populace keeps a vigilant eye on these developments, with expectations of adherence to the nation’s laws and a desire for leaders to set an example for a law-abiding Liberia.
The mandate for asset declaration is a preventative measure against corruption, a leviathan that engulfs nations globally.
For Liberia, this requirement is more than a formality.
It is pivotal in the post-conflict reconstruction.
The Accountability Lab Report (2020) asserts that such measures are an integral part of engendering trust in public institutions and fostering an environment where abuse of power is minimized, if not eradicated.
Asset declaration serves as a deterrent to corruption, a means to detect illicit enrichment, and a mechanism to foster public confidence in elected and appointed officials.
As Liberia aspires to solidify its democratic institutions, the obligation of its leaders to adhere to the laws of asset declaration has never been more pronounced.
This disquisition argues that President Joseph N. Boakai must act decisively against officials who flout the asset declaration law, as a failure to do so would compromise the credibility of the government, erode public trust, and hinder the progress of a nation striving for lawfulness and order.
The Importance of Asset Declaration:
Asset declaration is not just a bureaucratic checklist.
It is a transparent window through which the public can view the integrity of their leaders.
It is a form of social contract where public servants demonstrate their commitment to the nation’s welfare over personal gain.
The refusal of an official to declare assets must be seen as a violation of this social contract.
The explicit requirement for office bearers to regularly and accurately declare their assets is more than a prophylactic against financial malfeasance; it is a symbol of moral and ethical commitment to the people they serve.
The Legal Mandate
The Liberian Code of Conduct (2014) mandates that public officials declare their assets to the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC).
This requirement acts as a legal safeguard that not only provides a baseline against which to measure future wealth accumulation but also fosters accountability in office.
Moreover, in a country like Liberia, where history is marred by corruption allegations against public officials, upholding this regulation is akin to breathing life into a waning trust in governance.
Falling Short of Expectations:
The Consequences
Failure to take action against officials who neglect their duty to declare assets breeds a culture of impunity.
It signals to both the officials and the citizenry that the laws are mere suggestions rather than mandates.
The message that is inadvertently conveyed is that those in power are beyond reproach and immune to the legal requirements placed upon every officeholder.
This has a myriad of downstream effects, including eroding public confidence in the legal system, disenfranchising citizens, and delegitimizing the moral and ethical standards expected of public servants.
The Act of Leadership
Leadership is not merely about steering a course for a nation but also about embodying the principles upon which that course is set.
President Boakai (Thank you for declaring), along with Speaker Koffa(Thank you for declaring), President Pro-Tempore Lawrence (Thank you for declaring), and Chief Justice Youh(Not known if declare), must recognize that their willingness to uphold the law will set the tone for the nation.
Genuine leadership is demonstrated through actions consistent with rhetoric, and it is through adherence to legal obligations, like asset declaration, that they will legitimize their commitment to a progressive Liberia.
Society’s Watchful Eyes: The Role of the Liberian People:
In a democracy, the real power lies within its citizens.
The Liberian people, through civil society groups, the media, and as individual constituents, play a vital role in holding public officials accountable.
They must, therefore, remain vigilant, ensuring that their leaders comply with the legal frameworks they are meant to uphold.
However, for society to fulfill this role effectively, it requires the government to act transparently, providing the necessary information for public scrutiny.
The Path Forward: Recommendations for an Accountable Liberia:
For Liberia to advance on the path towards a more accountable and transparent government, several steps should be implemented:
- President Boakai must set a clear ultimatum for asset declaration compliance, backed by robust enforcement for non-adherence.
- Public awareness campaigns must be increased to educate citizens about the significance of asset declaration and their role in ensuring compliance.
- Strengthening the independence of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) to facilitate impartial investigations is paramount.
- Establishing a public online database for asset declarations, ensuring ease of access and verification by the public and civil organizations.
The directive for asset declaration across all branches of Liberia’s government stands as a litmus test for the nation’s commitment to good governance, integrity, and transparency.
President Boakai, along with other high-ranking officials, must recognize that their actions will be scrutinized and will set an example for those to come.
The call for these leaders to adhere to the law is not merely about compliance, but it is about forging a culture of trust, responsibility, and legal observance that will bolster Liberia’s integrity on the global stage.
The symbiotic relationship between the governed and those who govern is predicated on mutual respect for the law.
As such, it is incumbent upon President Boakai to suspend or dismiss any official who refuses to declare assets.
In doing so, he will affirm the rule of law and set the stage for a law-abiding Liberia, with repercussions that will echo far beyond his tenure.
Liberians are watching, and history will record the deeds of today’s leaders accordingly.
Do not forget yesterday (fugeratively) for which those who mismanaged state resources thought they would have gone with impunity but are today being brought out to account through Liberia’s jurisprudence.
The country’s quest for progress hinges on the steadfastness with which it upholds its laws, and the time for decisive leadership is indisputably now.