—Says President Boakai “the most corrupt president ever” in Liberia’s history
IPNEWS: Simeon Freeman, the political leader of the Movement for Progressive Change (MPC), as accused President Joseph Boakai’s administration of using the nation’s drug enforcement policies as a political weapon rather than an actual war on substance abuse.
Freeman’s comments were triggered by the abrupt airport arrest and detention of former Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor in connection with a massive US$317 million cocaine case.
The MPC Political Leader argues that the Ministry of Justice is selectively weaponizing investigations to intimidate political opponents, while deliberately ignoring drug allegations levied against members of the ruling Unity Party (UP).
According to Freeman, the administration’s aggressive targeting of high-profile opposition leaders is purely strategic. He asserts that the ruling party’s ultimate objective is to dismantle potential rivals early to clear the path for the 2029 presidential elections.
The Broader Political Landscape
In contrast to Freeman’s criticisms, the Boakai administration has defended its actions as part of a newly declared, “non-selective” National Anti-Drug Action Plan and maintains that it is making significant structural progress to curb Liberia’s growing drug crisis.
Freeman has positioned himself as an aggressive critic of the current administration. Alongside other opposition figures like Alexander Cummings, he has continuously accused the government of institutional decay, economic mismanagement, and undermining the rule of law.
Meanwhile, Mr. Freeman, has publicly accused President Joseph Nyuma Boakai of corruption, labeling him as “the most corrupt president ever” in Liberia’s history.
Freeman, a prominent businessman-turned-politician, has leveled a series of intense critiques against the Boakai administration, arguing that it has entirely failed to meet public expectations since taking office.
Freeman has alleged that the current administration is actively misusing and “stealing” public resources. He even declared that if he is elected president in the 2029 election, he intends to arrest Boakai on his first day in office for the alleged misappropriation of country assets.
He points out that despite the allocation and expenditure of massive public funds, critical sectors like healthcare, infrastructure, education, and electricity continue to stagnate or decline.
Freeman highlights the stark reality of Liberia’s economic crisis, citing high inflation, persistent youth unemployment, and the fact that more than 60% of Liberians live below the poverty line under the current leadership.
Freeman also strongly criticized the administration’s controversial attempts to procure 285 pieces of heavy-duty earth-moving equipment (referred to as the “yellow machines”), calling it an ill-timed, misplaced priority given the hardships of ordinary citizens.
In response to widespread political opposition and criticisms regarding governance, President Boakai has vigorously defended his anti-corruption efforts. In public statements, the President has maintained that his administration is committed to institutional transparency and accountability, dismissing claims of political witch hunts by stating his government “owes no apologies to anyone” for targeting corrupt practices.
