–Pres. Boakai Reminds Security Sector Heads
His Excellency President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has told security sector heads that wearing their titles on their sleeves is not the way to serve the people; rather, focus should be on delivering on the government’s development priorities. “Remember that you are appointed to serve, not to be served. We have a great deal of work to do for our people, including the formulation and execution of a new development plan over the next five years; so, it’s crucial that everyone contributes,” President Boakai stated.
The Liberian Leader was speaking at the commissioning program of the Minister of Defense, Director of the National Security Agency, deputy ministers, and heads of agencies, held at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex, Congo Town, Monrovia, on June 11, 2024.
He observed that the expectations of the people are high, and rightfully so, and that is why he was delighted that among those to be commissioned were some of the country’s experienced and dedicated women and men.
President Boakai emphasized that his administration does not conduct its business on social media nor on frequent talk show appearances. “We have a competent and energized Ministry of Information. Ministries and agencies should speak through the Ministry of Information, and in doing so you allow them to do their job!
“I also expect all government officials to demonstrate integrity and uphold high ethical standards in their work. It is important to understand what behavior is acceptable and what is unacceptable in the course of your duties. As role models for our children, public officials should conduct themselves in a manner befitting their positions and any behavior unbecoming of this will not be tolerated.
“I refuse to accept the typical saying, ‘That is the way we have done it, and it should remain and be the way.’ The Liberian people did not elect us to continue business as usual. We must set a new standard to achieve optimum success. You can choose to align with these standards, or you can choose to step aside.
“Public officials must learn to coordinate, be tolerant, and work with each other while respecting ranks. Those who believe public offices are their exclusive preserve and those who plan to express grievances in an unorthodox manner to embarrass the government should thoroughly rethink. This government will not allow errant behavior that will deflect its focus from the people’s business.
“To you the soon-to-be-commissioned members of the government, I admonish you to affirm to commit to the development of your country and the good of the citizens. I have confidence in your ability to perform as each of you brings particular talents and competencies to your respective roles as public servants.
“Let me reiterate that we intend to work and coordinate with the other branches of the government to make the lives of the Liberian people better. In the last five months, we have had an active relationship with the leadership of the two branches of government, which we intend to maintain to ensure the seamless functioning of government. However, we believe ministers must be allowed to work mostly without interruption to allow optimum performance,” President Boakai observed.