By Hun-Bu Tulay
“Geniuses prevent problems, Intellectuals solve problems, and slow-witted create and escalate problems”
When Tubman assumed the presidency, he stepped into a nation grappling with numerous pressing challenges. The country’s landscape was marred by a dismal education system, crumbling road networks, a failing healthcare system, an erratic electricity supply, and a chronic lack of clean water and sanitation (In fact in 1948 the World Health Organization threaten to impose travel ban on Liberia citizens because of ubiquitous of Cholera and dysentery, and diarrhea in Monrovia). In response to these daunting issues, President Tubman crafted an ambitious “Five-Year Development Plan”, presenting it with determination to the National Legislature. This plan targeted crucial sectors: education, transportation, healthcare, water and sanitation, energy, and security. The Legislature recognized the urgency of the situation, rallied behind the initiative, approved the plan, and earmarked a budget for its ambitious implementation while committing to rigorous oversight to track progress.
As a result of this dedicated effort, Liberians experienced a wave of transformative initiatives. New roads connecting Gbarnga to Harper and Gbarnga to Mendakoma were constructed, paving the way for better access and mobility. The revitalization of the Mount Coffee Hydro Plant breathed life into the national energy grid, while a state of the art Water Treatment Plant was built in White, alongside a much-needed conventional sewer system in Monrovia. The establishment of water facilities in three of Liberia’s five original county capitals—Buchanan, Greenville, and Harper demonstrated a strong commitment to public health. Moreover, the construction of elementary and junior high schools across the nation provided alternatives to farming for many families, as educational infrastructure began to flourish with the opening of teacher training schools such as Zorzor, Kakata, and Webbo, ensuring that local schools could provide quality education. Tubman also launched a Government Foreign Scholarship Program, empowering talented Liberians to pursue their studies abroad, thereby enhancing the nation’s intellectual capital. His cabinet, composed of bright minds, diligently worked to tackle the intricate challenges facing the country.
Upon Tolbert’s rise to the presidency, he prioritized key sectors like agriculture, road development, water management, education, and national security. Faced with the grim reality of a nation that imported a staggering 95% of its rice, Tolbert sought to change this trajectory by making significant investments in the Center of Agriculture Research Institute located in Bong County. He recognized that education was paramount and sought to make higher learning accessible by slashing tuition fees at the University, reducing costs from $75 to a modest $37.50 per semester. Generous scholarships were offered to students maintaining a GPA of 3.00 or above, specifically targeting those in agriculture, medicine, and teaching, with the requirement that they serve their country for two years after graduation.
During the Tolbert administration, Liberia witnessed the emergence of various factories, igniting economic activity nationwide. Notable establishments included the African Fruit Company in Sinoe and a sugar factory in Maryland, along with numerous agricultural ventures in Bong, Nimba, and Lofa counties. These initiatives resulted in job creation, breathing life into local economies. Tolbert also undertook the construction of the Madina-Robertsport road and established Hotel Wakolo, providing additional employment opportunities for residents. His administration, characterized by the presence of many intellectuals, demonstrated a commitment to addressing the nation’s needs.
In the aftermath of Liberia’s devastating civil war, the country continues to struggle against significant hurdles. The education system has been described by one president as “messy,” while the roads remain deplorable. Healthcare is insufficient, and energy supplies are notoriously unreliable. The lack of clean water and sanitation facilities is a critical concern, compounded by dismal solid waste management processes. A diplomat even labeled Monrovia as the “filthiest city in West Africa.” The country is gradually returning to 1948 period. For over twenty three years, ten months, and 25 days, the government has grappled with these urgent issues, resulting in a continuous cycle of ineffective responses and a growing sense of frustration among the populace. This stagnation reflects poorly on the leadership, many of whom have been characterized as slow-witted, a sentiment evident in the disarray of the National Budget.
On Monday, November 18, 2024, we were privileged to be the guest resented at a thought-provoking discussion hosted by The Center for the Exchange of Intellectual Opinion on Carey Street. The event revolved around the topic “Factors Contributing to Liberia’s Longstanding Underdevelopment Crisis, Vices Impeding Liberian Progress, and Undermining National Growth.” The audience varied in age from 18 to 50, creating a dynamic and engaging atmosphere for dialogue. During the discussion, we highlighted three major vices (greed, envy, and corruption) that hindered our nation’s development. According to Mr. E. F. Schumacher, the author of a book entitled “Small is Beautiful”, he wrote on two of these vices (greed and envy). He wrote the following:
- These vices impede progress and undermined national development.
- These vices if systematically cultivated in any country the result is nothing less than the collapse of human intelligence.
- If leaders of a nation are driven by these vices, they lose the power of seeing things as they really are.
- And that if a whole nation becomes infested by them, the people become increasingly incapable of solving the most elementary problems of their everyday existence.
Do you agree with the author? Before you answer read the next few paragraphs.
The most commendable budget passed by the Legislature during this post-war era was the 2012/2013 budget in the amount US$672 million. This budget allocated 68% (US$433 million) to recurrent costs, while 36% (US$239 million) was dedicated to the Public Sector Investment Program (PSIP). This strategic investment led to a remarkable year of progress, highlighted by ambitious development projects such as the pavement of the Cottee Tree-Buchanan Road, the Harper-Fish Town Road, and the construction of the Caldwell Bridge. Additionally, we witnessed the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure like the Mount Coffee Red Light-Gbarnga Road and the pavement of the Gbranga-Ganta Road. Had we maintained this forward momentum, we could have already realized our long-cherished dream of the Coastal Highway.
Regrettably, the Legislative approach has shifted dramatically since then. The 2024 budget, totaling US$625 million, reveals a startling allocation of 95% for recurrent costs as compare to 68% in 2012/2013, leaving a mere 5% for the PSIP as compare to 36% in 2012/2013. What would have been causes for such a shift in PSIP allocation reducing it by 31%? Is it because the Legislative Branch is now mostly infested by people of greed and envy or people, who we can now call the Robin Hood and Illiterates of the 21th Century. The Robins of the 21st Century are people who take the resources from the poor and give them to themselves or the rich. For example the waiving of US$14.0M of the Social Development Fund due to the people of Bomi and Grand Cape Counties. And the appropriation in the budget. Despite the fact the Legislators are the highest paid in West Africa, they get 500 gallons of gasoline monthly, Funds for legislative projects (US$150K for each senator and 100K for each Representative, they are entitled to duty-free on imported goods, etc.
Within 2024 budget, agriculture receives only US$9 million, while J. F. Kennedy Hospital and Jackson F. Doe Hospital are allocated US$9 million and US$2.5 million, respectively. This funding is woefully inadequate to keep these essential healthcare facilities operational for six months, which poses a serious risk to the health and well-being of many.
We should seriously consider revisiting the policies implemented during President Tolbert’s administration, specifically those concerning vehicles, education, agriculture, and related sectors. Under his leadership, a notable practice was that public officials, including ministers, senators, and representatives, were tasked with purchasing and maintaining their own vehicles, which included covering fuel expenses. The government reserved vehicle allocations primarily for the President, Vice President, and Speaker of the House, President Pro Tempore, Chief Justice, and Foreign Minister, thus emphasizing a certain prioritization of roles. Revisiting this policy would save millions of United Dollars, which could be used for development.
Moreover, it is essential to examine the recent capping of escort vehicles. In a truly democratic government, which should fundamentally serve the people, such an arrangement raises questions. If our officials were to act in alignment with the interests of the public, there would be no pressing need for the extensive number of escort vehicles currently utilized. Recent observations indicate that an alarming amount of resources is being disproportionately funneled into these escort vehicles and their fuel, which poses a significant concern for the financial health of our nation.
As we navigate these challenging times, it is crucial to reject the notion of presenting a façade of wealth, especially in the face of prevailing hardships. By making strategic and thoughtful sacrifices now, we can lay the groundwork for a more prosperous future for all. This moment presents us with an invaluable opportunity to critically reassess our spending patterns over the past nineteen years and to embrace innovative and sustainable approaches moving forward.
In the words of President Boakai, “We have the opportunity to change the course of history in this country. As I have said, our country holds much promise, and it is up to us as a generation to seize it and transform our nation, ensuring everyone has a fair chance at a better life. I will reiterate, as I have always maintained, that Liberia is not a poor country; rather, the challenges we face stem from a lack of SOUND and HONEST leadership. The elections are behind us; now is the time for us to engage in the hard work ahead.”
The question is has this president shown the characteristics of a sound and honest leaders? Before you answer, let us look at the definition of “SOUND LEADERS” and “HONEST LEADERS.”
- SOUND LEADERS is defined as leaders that make GOOD DECISIONS and make the RIGHT and BEST CHOICES for their PEOPLE. Leaders that UPLIFT their PEOPLE from POVERTY.
- HONEST LEADERS is defined as LEADERS that show TRANSPARENT, SINCERE, STRAIGHTFORWARDNESS with their TEAMS and PEOPLE. Leaders that are WILLING to ADMIT THEIR MISTAKES AND LEARN FROM THEM.
Our father told us that if you want to be a SOUND and HONEST LEADER, you should strive to do BETTER for your people today than yesterday. This means you should constantly review your yesterday’s activities and promise yourself that today I will do better. Unfortunately we are not seen this in actions of our leaders including the current one.
The current president has a SLOGAN “THINK LINERIA, LOVE LIBERIA AND BUILD LIBERIA.” This slogan is great but has it been reflected in the eleven months of his presidency? Your answer is as good as mine.
We resonate with the president’s call to action, yet it is imperative that our activities are well-defined, with appropriate allocations made in the budget for their implementation. We must focus on initiatives that uplift our citizens, addressing their needs comprehensively moving them from mat to comfortable mattresses and providing their basic necessities. Key sectors requiring our attention include education, infrastructure development, agriculture, information technology and communications (ITC), healthcare, and security. Specific examples of this focus could include renovating the Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS) and ensuring the establishment of science laboratories and libraries in each school, many of which lie in a state of disrepair such as the Boatswain School, which the current Finance Minister attended for his junior high education and revitalizing all multilateral schools across the nation.
Our post war democratic presidents have forgotten the country asset that cost millions and millions of United States Dollars. We mean the OAU Center in Virginia and the famous Ducor Palace Hotel in Mamba Point. These assets currently laid in ruin. This is a SHAME.
If we maintain the Public Sector Investment Program (PSIP) at a compelling 36% and work diligently to reduce waste, we could potentially allocate over US$325 million for PSIP initiatives. Channeling these funds into critical areas such as roads, education, agriculture, and healthcare could significantly uplift the majority of our population. However, for this strategy to achieve maximum impact, it is vital that we amend the Anti-Corruption Act to classify corruption as a NON-BAILABLE OFFENSE, thereby reinforcing our commitment to transparent governance and ethical leadership. We do not always need loan to achieve the country development agenda. We just need to adjust on our priorities.
The Crisis in the House of Representatives
The current crisis in the House of Representatives could have been averted had there been a presence of intellectuals and visionary leadership within our government. It is regrettable that notable figures such as Bishop Francis, Bishop George Browne, Sheikh Kafumba Konneh, Mother Rev. Wilhelmina Dukuly, Rev. Thelma Reeves, and others are not among us to offer their guidance. Similarly, esteemed legal scholars such as J.J. Dossen, James A. A. Pierre Sr., C. Abayomi Cassell, Louise Arthur Grimes, and Winfred Smallwood are also absent. These distinguished individuals would have been capable of effectively navigating and resolving the current crisis. During previous conflicts, religious leaders engaged with members of the House of Representatives and negotiated with warlords, which, in conjunction with support from ECOWAS, facilitated the restoration of peace. Our political leaders, particularly the so call majority block does want to hear ECOWAS. Tomorrow, when things fall apart, they will be running to ECOWAS for answer.
From a legal standpoint, none of these respected lawyers would have drafted the prohibition filed by the Speaker without incorporating appropriate legal reasoning and thorough citations of the law. This situation recalls Judge Golda Bonah Elliot’s remarks at the Civil Law Court “C” during the March Term, in which she stated that “the legal memorandum submitted by certain attorneys is merely a recitation of facts and lacks substantive legal reasoning and citations.” The Judge communicated her disappointment regarding the negligent manner in which some lawyers continue to handle legal documents on behalf of their clients. Had the legal team representing Speaker J. Fonati Koffa exercised greater diligence, it is conceivable that this crisis could have been resolved at the Supreme Court with the initial prohibition filed. Judge Elliot’s observations were entirely justified. It is pertinent to note that a second prohibition filed by lawyers of J. Fonati Koffa on the action of the so call majority block.
In prior discussions, we indicated that the resolution to this crisis is readily identifiable but remains unaddressed due to factors such as greed, envy and corruption. Let us now scrutinize certain pertinent clauses within the constitution.
Chapter V, Article 29: “The Legislative Power of the Republic shall reside in the Legislature, which shall consist of two separate houses: a Senate and a House of Representatives.” The language here expressly identifies these two legislative bodies, with no reference to a Majority Block or Minority Block. The legal team for the Speaker failed to address this critical point in their filing.
Article 49: The House of Representatives is mandated to elect a Speaker once every six years; the Speaker serves as the presiding officer, along with the Deputy Speaker and other officers responsible for the House’s proper functioning. It should be noted that the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and other officers may be removed from office for cause by a resolution supported by two-thirds of the House members. Since this resolution was signed outside of the official chamber, it must be verified within the chamber by roll call or vote. The Capitol comprises three chambers: one designated for the House of Representatives and another for the Senate. The House’s chamber is the official meeting space. Throughout this crisis, the Speaker has remained present, yet a group identifying itself as the Majority Group has convened in a chamber reserved for joint sessions.
Article 42: Members of the House shall enjoy certain privileges from arrest while attending, entering, or returning from legislative sessions, except in cases of treason, felony, or breaches of peace. Given that one individual who signed the resolution has been implicated in bribery, and the relevant information was submitted to the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), it is incumbent upon the LACC to investigate those named, ascertain culpability, and ensure appropriate prosecution. Timely action by the LACC could have mitigated the escalation of this crisis.
House Rules:
Rule 6: The Speaker and all committee members, including chairpersons, are elected for a term of six years.
Rule 8, 8.1: In the Speaker’s absence, the Deputy Speaker shall preside over the sessions. Therefore, the Deputy Speaker presiding over a session in a different chamber while the official Speaker is present in the designated chamber contravenes Rule 8.1.
Rule 9: The Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and other officers may be removed from office for cause via a resolution supported by two-thirds of House members. In the United States, this process requires a vote within the official chamber, not merely the signing of a resolution outside it. Accordingly, the process for removing a Speaker in Liberia should similarly follow voting protocols within the chamber.
Rule 10: Succession of Leadership
10.1: Should the office of the Speaker become vacant due to removal, death, resignation, or other incapacity, the Deputy Speaker shall act as Speaker until a new Speaker is elected within sixty days. Consequently, as Speaker Koffa has neither been removed, deceased, nor rendered incapable of fulfilling his duties, the act of the Deputy Speaker presiding over sessions violates both constitutional provisions and Rule 10 of the House of Representatives. When the Speaker is absent from a session, the Deputy Speaker.
The Problems Ahead
Morons create problems, they also escalate the issues. In many cases, morons are just White Collars Zogos. They can be found in all sectors of the society. They are in churches, mosques, government ministries and agencies. The White Collars Zogos are the greatest threat to any nation. They are often the most corrupt, the most undisciplined people in society. They think they know everything but in reality, they know nothing. They are what we call the illiterates of the 21st century. These are people, who cannot unlearn or relearn. They read but do not understand what they read. Some of these people are in our Legislature. We can identify them by their actions. The president needs to be careful. They will destroy his legacy, which he has worked and acquired over the past forty years. Some are lawyers, ministers, representatives, senators, and consultants. They are the problem creators and they have no solutions or answers.
The problem has started, we know that the joint committee of the Senate and Representative often work on the budget to ensure the timely passage. Unfortunately, this time around the Senate has decided to do the review of the draft budget separately. This is the first problem. The biggest will come when the Supreme Court Ruled on the Prohibition from the Speaker be it negative or positive. And we say this to the Yuoh’s Bench, Justice is blind, it sees no money, sees no friends, it sees no mother or father nor partisans. We ask that this bench interpret the constitution particularly Articles 38, 48, and 49 as well as the House Representative Rule particularly the clauses mentioned above. This bench has the opportunity to be like that of Grimes, Dossen and Pierre’s Benches.
The House of Representatives will never be the same again for the next five years and this might be a problem for the president’s agenda. It implies that the Liberian people will be the victims. We should have never allowed the crisis to reach this level. Someone is been used and that person knows but because he is a moron, he allow himself to be used.
It will take the president months if not years to focus on his agenda. Mr. President, the lives of Liberian people presently hang in balance and waiting for rescue. But to rescue your people, you need to dismiss some of your inner cycle. The President should enforce the Supreme Opinion. Too often our leaders in Post War have failed to enforce opinions of the Supreme Court and that is why we are where we are today. For the country to be BETTER, the Executive should enforce the laws. Chapter VI, Article 50 gives the president that much power. The presidency enforces all the opinions of the high courts.
What we have learned, in Liberia people like to be fooled. Someone is been used and that person knows but because of greed, he allow himself to be used. This is sad for a poor country like Liberia. The choice is yours, A word to the Wise is sufficient.
God Bless the nation.
