Urges Boakai Gov’t To Strengthen LACC And Other Integrity Agencies
PHOTO: Rev. Dr. Tolbert Jallah, Faith and Justice Network Executive Director
A faith-based civil society organization, the Faith and Justice Network, has called on President Joseph Boakai to conduct thorough vetting of individuals for public offices, in order to not derail international support to Liberia.
The network’s Executive Director, Reverend Doctor, Tolbert Jallah, said the future of the country depends on the election and appointment of leaders who prioritize the interest of the people who are committed to transparency and accountability.
Addressing a press conference in Monrovia recently, Rev. Dr. Jallah maintained that Liberia is rich in human resources with many competent and qualified rather than appointed recycled politicians who have been linked to bad governance.
The Liberian cleric and rights advocate is therefore, recommending that the government strengthens the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission, the General Auditing Commission and the Internal Auditing Commission.
“Our country has struggled for years with the challenges of poverty, underdevelopment, and corruption, all of which continue to hinder progress,” he said; adding: “yet, instead of rising above these challenges and promoting capable, ethical, and visionary leaders, we see the same discredited individuals being reappointed and recycled into critical government roles—people with tainted records, questionable integrity, and a legacy of failure.”
According to him, the Liberian people can either continue down a path of mediocrity, corruption, and stagnation, or they can rise to the challenge of building a nation grounded in justice, integrity, and accountability.
Rev. Jallah described the recycling of failed leaders is a direct threat to Liberia’s future, and the faith group cannot afford to stand by in silence.
The Faith and Justice Network Executive Director argued that the recycling of failed and alleged corrupt politicians perpetuates a vicious cycle of underperformance, lack of accountability, and public disillusionment.
He pointed out that these individuals, many of whom have been linked to corruption, have shown time and again that they are more concerned with personal enrichment than the well-being of the Liberian people and this his practice must end now.
According to him, their continued presence in government undermines public trust; because when known or alleged corrupt individuals are reappointed to key positions, it sends a message that integrity and accountability are no longer valued.
“This erodes public confidence in government institutions and fosters a culture of impunity,” Reverend Doctor Jallah said.
“Their continued presence in government stalls national development because leaders with track records of failure are incapable of driving the reforms necessary to address the pressing issues facing Liberia today.”
Jallah claimed that the continued presence of such individuals in leadership roles leaves our country stuck in a cycle of stagnation.
“When these same failed politicians are appointed to represent Liberia at international bodies, he went on, “it tarnishes our national image and it diminishes the credibility of Liberia on the global stage, making it difficult for our country to attract meaningful partnerships, investments, or support from international organizations.”
The network (FJN) called upon the Liberian government and all citizens to take immediate and decisive action to halt the alarming trend of recycling failed and alleged corrupt politicians into positions of leadership, particularly in roles representing Liberia at international bodies.
“This practice is a grave disservice to the nation and a betrayal of the sacred trust placed in our public servants by the Liberian people,” he claimed.
“We, the Faith and Justice Network Board of Directors, believe in the power of good governance and integrity.”
“Liberia is rich in human resources, with many competent and qualified individuals who are capable of leading this nation with distinction and honor.”
“It is time to give new, untainted voices an opportunity to contribute to our nation’s development.”
The Liberian clergy man pointed out that future of country depends on electing and appointing leaders who prioritize the interests of the people, who are committed to transparency and accountability, and who have the vision to move Liberia forward.
“We cannot afford to continue recycling individuals whose records are stained with allegations of corruption or failure.”
Based on these prevailing circumstances, the network is demanding that the Liberian government end the practice of recycling failed and alleged corrupt politicians and deal with recommendations coming from the General Auditing Commission (GAC) and Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC).
The network is also urging the government to stop reappointing individuals with a history of incompetence, corruption, or misconduct to national and international bodies.
There must be a renewed focus on appointing leaders with proven integrity and a track record of success in public service.
Reverend Doctor Jallah admonished President Boakai to conduct thorough vetting of candidates for public office because all individuals considered for leadership roles, especially those representing Liberia at international bodies, must undergo laborious vetting processes.
“This must include an examination of their past records, financial dealings, and any allegations of corruption.”
He said the process of appointing public officials must be transparent, with the public given an opportunity to scrutinize and hold their leaders accountable.
“The government must commit to appointing individuals based on merit, competence, and a demonstrated commitment to the national good.”
The faith group called on the government to strengthen the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission and the General Auditing Commission .
“These institutions must continue to play central role in ensuring that those appointed to leadership positions are free of corruption and misconduct.”