—Says Koon’s J.F.K. USD 20 Million Budgetary Increment is ‘Deceptive Promise’
IPNEWS: Former Chairman of the Opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), now Human Rights Advocate Mulbah K. Morlu says Majority bloc Speaker Richard Koon’s promise of US$20 million for the 2026 budget to support the JFK Medical Center is not leadership—it’s a blatant, dishonest attempt to gain legitimacy during a crisis orchestrated by President Joseph Boakai.
Former CDC Chairman Morlu stated that Koon’s approach was simple, though deceitful intended to make empty promises about JFK, in an attempt to extend the duration of his illegitimate speakership, and hope that people will forget his lack of legitimacy by 2026. He thinks he can buy time with false hope. But we are not fooled, Koon. No amount of money can make you Speaker.
“Liberia’s healthcare system is indeed in urgent need of reform, but it will not be saved by political bribes disguised as goodwill. True leadership is based on honesty, not deception, and legitimacy cannot be purchased.
Koon is not the Speaker. His deceitful tactics, supported by Boakai’s reckless disregard for the Supreme Court, only worsen Liberia’s governance crisis. But the power ultimately lies with the people, and soon they will rise at the Capitol to reclaim their House and restore true leadership.
Liberia’s healthcare crisis requires a real, systemic overhaul, not the trickery of a man desperately clinging to power at the cost of the people’s suffering. Koon, you may walk around in a suit all day with endless bodyguards, costing the taxpayers, but your suit doesn’t bring dignity, your words don’t command respect, and your bodyguards won’t intimidate anyone. You are not the Speaker—nor will you ever be. You are a disgraced lawmaker, a puppet of a weak and distracted president who has handed over control of governance to corrupt factions and gangsters.
History will remember when the people rise to take back their House, demanding change sooner rather than later. No bribe, threat, or force will stop the power of the people, driven by the unstoppable force of an idea whose time has come.
Liberia’s healthcare system will be reborn, hopefully with more resources than your deceitful US$20 million promise. You may witness that rebirth, perhaps even vote for it, but you will never hold the position of Speaker to make it happen, because you are illegitimate and a tool of the regime—not a servant of the people. So, tell us, Richard, how could you possibly care about the people when you are nothing more than a Rogue Speaker?” Fromer Chairman Morlu questioned.
Last week, Mulbah Morlu, the former chairman of the erstwhile ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), returned from the United States and vow to spearhead plans for a mass mobilization aimed at highlighting the suffering of the Liberian public.
Morlu Monday’s Press statement highlights the critical national issues plaguing Liberia, including the breakdown of law and order, an escalating economic crisis, and a political deadlock within the National Legislature.
In addition to these pressing concerns, Morlu will highlighted rampant government corruption, and the unjust targeting of commercial bike riders—a situation that has further fueled public anger.
As the government grip on power appears to weaken, the movement, led by the advocacy group STAND, is committed to promoting a people-centered approach to justice and accountability.
They aim to inspire a renewed vision for Liberia’s future, one that resonates with the frustrations of everyday citizens facing economic adversity.
With the situation evolving rapidly, all eyes are on the upcoming event as both supporters and critics of the Boakai administration prepare for what could become a pivotal moment in Liberia’s political landscape.
On Monday, March 3, 2025, Majority bloc Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon proposed allocating $15 to $20 million in the upcoming national budget to modernize the John F. Kennedy Medical Center (JFKMC), citing the hospital’s deteriorating condition. His proposal on Monday, March 3, 2025, comes after revelations that the hospital’s kitchen now relies on coal pots due to broken equipment.
During a tour of the medical facility, Speaker Koon emphasized the urgent need for substantial healthcare investment to reduce the number of patients seeking treatment abroad. He described the hospital’s current state as unacceptable and stressed that improving its infrastructure is vital for national development.
“For a country like Liberia, we cannot continue to send our people overseas for basic medical care. It is time to prioritize our healthcare system and transform JFK into a state-of-the-art medical facility,” Koon stated during his visit.JFK Chief Executive Officer Dr. Linda Birch welcomed Speaker Koon’s proposal, outlining the hospital’s ongoing challenges. She highlighted issues such as inadequate staffing, medical supply shortages, and aging infrastructure, which she said continue to hamper service delivery.
The Fiscal Year 2025 national budget stands at $880.7 million, with $98 million earmarked for public sector projects. Last year, JFK received $7.1 million for upgrades, but Speaker Koon’s proposal represents a significant increase in funding.Koon assured JFK’s leadership of the government’s commitment to long-term healthcare improvements, arguing that modernizing the country’s largest referral hospital is essential to improving public health and advancing national progress.
