The Proverb, “He who comes with equity must come with clean hand,” has been fulfilled by President Joseph N. Boakai by declaring his assets to the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission on Thursday; writes Ojuku Silver-tongue Kangar, Jr.
President Boakai’s message, which has kept resonating in the public before his ascendancy and immediately after his inauguration, is to fight corruption, audit former President George M. Weah’s administration, prosecute corrupt officials, minimize drugs from the Liberian society, exercise transparent governance, and so on. However, he vowed to be an example.
Owing to his promises, the President and his Vice President, Jeremiah K. Koung, took drug tests on Wednesday and on Thursday, he declared his asset, displaying the exemplary leadership style he has to offer the Liberian people.
After the President declared his asset to the LACC in Congo Town, he shortly spoke to Executive Mansion reporters, saying the problem Liberia faces is that leaders have not been living by example, which they should be doing.
“The problem we have in our country is that we need to set example as leaders. And when we say things, we should do them. Today I declare my assets because I believe that’s what we should be ding,” President Boakai said. “You have to start with yourself. If we want to prosper in this country, develop, make this country better for the future younger generation, we have to do the right things. So I declare my asset to make sure that what I am bringing to the table can be on record, so that in the future I can be judged by it.”
The President’s action fulfils the 2014 Code of Conduct, which mandates all public officials to declare and publish their assets for transparency and accountability.
“So this is a fulfilment of my promise. Yesterday, I did the drug test; today we declared our assets,” the President said.
In a resuscitating tone, the President said he will pursue the 100-day commitment since he has taken the drug test and has declared his assets.
“We made commitment in the first 100 days, and we are pursuing them. We are going to do it for the Liberians. I tell people that I am not here for presidency; we are here that our country may have a new beginning, honesty, transparency and making sure we serve the Liberian people,” President Boakai stated, putting out life-reviving assurance to desperate Liberian citizens who are yarning for permanent reform.