Analyst Liberia

BOAKAI PRIORITIZES AGRICULTURE, MCC COMPACT -CABINET EYES MCC, UN SECURITY COUNCIL IN COMMUNIQUE

MONROVIA - President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has convened Cabinet Communiqué No. 006/2026 around a single overriding theme: agriculture as the engine of Liberia's economic future. The June 11 cabinet meeting at the Tea House of the Executive Mansion heard substantive briefings on the National Agriculture Development Plan 2024–2030, the Liberians Feed Yourselves Agenda, Liberia's Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact eligibility drive, and the country's standing as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. Cabinet noted Liberia's forthcoming presidency of the Security Council in December 2026 as a significant diplomatic milestone. Taken together, the meeting's deliberations signal a government determined to connect domestic food production with international institutional standing. THE ANALYST reports.

The Cabinet of Liberia convened a regular meeting on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Tea House of the Executive Mansion under the chairmanship of His Excellency President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., under the theme: "Leveraging Agriculture for Growth and Improved Livelihoods."

In his opening remarks, President Boakai reaffirmed the government's commitment to transforming agriculture into a major driver of economic growth, food security, job creation, and rural development. He emphasized the importance of increasing domestic food production, reducing Liberia's dependence on imported food commodities, strengthening agricultural value chains, and ensuring that public and private investments improve the agro sector.

Agriculture as Driver of Growth
The Ministry of Agriculture presented progress under the National Agriculture Development Plan (NADP) 2024–2030, highlighting improvements in food production with agricultural mechanization, irrigation infrastructure, extension service delivery, value chain development, and private-sector investment as drivers.

Cabinet noted other progress including expanded rice, cassava, and maize production, the establishment of hybrid cocoa plantations, the construction of agricultural mechanization hubs and farm-to-market roads, and the strengthening of extension services through the deployment of trained personnel.

Cabinet also reviewed key constraints affecting sector performance. The need for increased technical capacity, financing, infrastructure improvements, and private-sector participation were highlighted.

Deliberations particularly underscored the need to strengthen agricultural financing mechanisms, expand access to quality inputs and mechanization services, enhance extension delivery systems, reduce production costs, strengthen veterinary and seed systems, and support farmer cooperatives to improve productivity and market access.

Cabinet reaffirmed that agriculture remains a cornerstone of Liberia's economic transformation agenda and emphasized the importance of accelerating implementation of the Liberians Feed Yourselves Agenda.

Liberia's MCC Compact Push
The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning briefed Cabinet on Liberia's performance under the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Scorecard. Cabinet noted continued progress, with Liberia currently obtaining high scores on many of the indicators, particularly in governance and economic freedom.

While acknowledging challenges in other areas, Cabinet reaffirmed MCC Compact eligibility as a national priority.

Cabinet was further informed of ongoing efforts to strengthen Liberia's eligibility framework through enhanced inter-agency coordination, improved performance monitoring, targeted reform initiatives, and the integration of MCC priorities into institutional work programs to accelerate progress toward Compact eligibility.

Liberia's UN Security Council Role
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs updated the Cabinet on Liberia's engagement as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), including preparations for upcoming diplomatic activities and international engagements.

Cabinet welcomed ongoing efforts to maximize Liberia's participation and visibility on the global stage.

Cabinet noted Liberia's forthcoming presidency of the Security Council in December 2026 as a significant milestone that reflects the country's growing international standing and diplomatic leadership.

Concluding the meeting, President Boakai reemphasized the importance of delivery to the Liberian people on the development agenda.

Cabinet Communiqué No. 006/2026 was issued by the Office of the Cabinet and signed by Nathaniel T. Kwabo, Director General of the Cabinet.

BSE'S COOPER FACES ABUSE, FRAUD ALLEGATIONS -WHISTLEBLOWERS ALLEGE SERIES OF MISCONDUCT

MONROVIA - Serious allegations have emerged from inside one of Liberia's most consequential public institutions. Whistleblowers at the Bureau of State Enterprises have formally accused Deputy Director General for Administration and Finance Joseph Boye Cooper of abuse of authority, financial irregularities, and workplace intimidation. The complaints, addressed to Director General Theodore J.S.B. Momo Jr., allege a pattern of misconduct touching procurement, staff rights, and witness tampering. Nearly US$181,761 in expenditures reportedly lacks proper documentation. Cooper's academic qualifications are also being questioned against the statutory requirements of the incoming State Enterprises Authority of Liberia. The allegations have not been independently verified, and Cooper had not responded at press time. THE ANALYST reports,

Serious allegations of administrative misconduct, favoritism, abuse of authority, workplace intimidation, and possible financial irregularities have emerged at the Bureau of State Enterprises (BSE) following a formal complaint filed by whistleblowers against Deputy Director General for Administration and Finance Joseph Boye Cooper. The complaint, supported by information provided by other sources familiar with the institution's operations, accuses Cooper of engaging in a pattern of conduct that has allegedly undermined employee morale, weakened internal controls, disrupted operations, and compromised transparency within the institution.
The several communications, addressed to BSE Director General Theodore J.S.B. Momo Jr., call for an independent investigation into Cooper's conduct and seek protection against possible retaliation for those raising concerns.
Questions Raised About Internal Investigations
Director General Momo has constituted several investigating committee panels to probe allegations of abuse of power, intimidation, corruption, witness tampering, and gross disregard for the procurement process in financial cases involving Cooper. According to the whistleblowers, the findings from these investigations should serve as a clear warning to the Government of Liberia that Cooper is creating serious dysfunction within the BSE. The whistleblowers allege that Cooper is currently not on speaking terms with close to 35 members of BSE staff, and that his conduct has damaged the professional standing of Director General Momo, who is described as deeply uncomfortable with Cooper's behavior toward staff.
The complaint additionally alleges that Cooper has become the subject of several employee grievances. According to the whistleblower, multiple complaints involving staff intimidation, disrespectful conduct, and violations of workers' rights have already been filed and are awaiting action by Director General Momo. Other sources within the institution similarly claim that concerns regarding employee relations and workplace conduct have become increasingly common. Although the exact number of pending investigations could not be independently verified, the complaint alleges that concerns about Cooper's conduct have generated significant internal tension.
According to the whistleblower, Cooper intends to contest for the seat of representative in Electoral District No. 8, Montserrado County, and is using his current position to amass enough money to facilitate his campaign before the 2028 National Elections Commission deadline for presidential appointees to step aside if they intend to contest the 2029 elective positions.
Favoritism and Selective Justice at BSE
Under Cooper's administration as Deputy Director General for Administration and Finance, the whistleblowers allege widespread favoritism targeting five specific departments: Procurement, Maintenance, Logistics, Media, and Information Technology. According to the complaint, Cooper intends to remove the heads of all these departments by means of blackmail, replacing them with individuals loyal to him in order to facilitate corrupt practices within the institution. The whistleblower further alleges that Cooper has already received letters of application for these positions and is waiting for the right moment to act.
Concerns Over Procurement and Financial Oversight
The complaint also raises questions regarding procurement processes and financial accountability at the Bureau. The whistleblower alleges that nearly US$181,761 in procurement-related expenditures was utilized without proper supporting documentation under Cooper's administration of financial and administrative affairs. While no independent verification of the allegation has been made, the complaint calls for a comprehensive audit and administrative review of procurement transactions undertaken during the period in question.
The whistleblower further claims that established financial review procedures have occasionally been bypassed, with some financial and contractual documents allegedly processed without undergoing normal scrutiny. According to the complaint, such practices could weaken internal controls and expose the institution to financial and administrative risks.
Allegations of Workplace Harassment
At the center of the complaint are allegations that Cooper has repeatedly abused his administrative authority by intimidating staff members, restricting access to office facilities, and creating what employees describe as a hostile working environment. According to the whistleblowers, Cooper confiscated keys to a shared office used by several employees, effectively limiting access to their workspace without consultation or due process. Sources familiar with the matter claim staff members have frequently been forced to wait outside offices or rely on employees from other departments to gain access to workstations and equipment.
The complaints further allege that employees have, on multiple occasions, been unable to perform their duties because access to offices remained under Cooper's direct control. The whistleblowers further accuse Cooper of creating operational inefficiencies by maintaining exclusive control over office keys. According to the whistleblowers and other sources, Cooper's management style has created fear among employees, particularly those who express opinions that differ from his own. The complainants allege that employees who challenge certain administrative decisions often become targets of hostility, intimidation, or exclusion from opportunities within the institution.
Alleged Favoritism in Training and Travel
A major component of the complaints centers on allegations of favoritism in the allocation of training opportunities, workshops, and official travel. According to the whistleblowers, career civil servants have repeatedly been denied opportunities for professional development while contractors and individuals allegedly close to Cooper continue to benefit from workshops, educational programs, and foreign training opportunities. The complaint specifically alleges that contractors were selected for international training programs, including trips to Nigeria, despite the availability of qualified Civil Service Agency employees.
The whistleblower further alleges that several of the beneficiaries are relatives or close associates of Cooper and that substantial daily subsistence allowances have been distributed to favored individuals. Sources familiar with the matter claim that concerns over the distribution of training opportunities have become a recurring source of dissatisfaction among employees, many of whom believe such opportunities should be awarded based on merit rather than personal relationships. The whistleblower alleges that questioning the directive resulted in harassment and humiliation, and that such incidents reflect a broader pattern of hostility toward employees perceived as challenging management decisions.
Allegations of Witness Intimidation
Among the most serious accusations contained in the complaint are claims that Cooper attempted to influence testimony in internal investigations. The whistleblower alleges that employees were instructed to support allegations against other staff members and warned of possible consequences if they failed to cooperate. The complaint further claims that pressure was exerted on employees to provide testimony against colleagues in internal disputes.
According to the whistleblower, resistance to such requests often resulted in strained relations with management. Sources familiar with the matter claim these allegations have fueled concerns about fairness and impartiality in internal disciplinary and investigative processes.
Concerns Over BSE's Transition to SEAL
The complaint also touches on the ongoing transformation of the BSE into the proposed State Enterprises Authority of Liberia (SEAL). According to the whistleblower, employees have been informed that existing staff may be required to reapply for their positions during the transition process. Cooper also reportedly told staff that top management at the SEAL level will retain the right to suspend and dismiss any staff member deemed unfit, because SEAL will be an autonomous entity not answerable to the Civil Service Agency (CSA).
The complainant alleges that some employees fear the exercise could be used to remove long-serving personnel and replace them with individuals favored by the current administration, with particular concerns raised regarding the Procurement, Logistics, Maintenance, Media, and Information Technology departments. The complaint argues that transparency, fairness, and merit should guide any restructuring process.
Questions Over Cooper's Qualifications
In another controversial claim, the whistleblower questions Cooper's qualifications for the position of Deputy Director General for Administration and Finance. According to the complaint, Cooper's academic background is in Sociology and Public Health, while he is currently pursuing studies in Business Administration. The whistleblower argues that the position requires specialized expertise in Accounting, Finance, or Information Technology.
The complaint calls for a review of whether statutory requirements would be fully satisfied if Cooper is reappointed or retained as the entity transitions from BSE to SEAL in August 2026. According to Section 3.4 of the SEAL Act, the Deputy Director for Administration must be a citizen of Liberia and must have earned at least a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, and Information Technology. The holder must also have no fewer than 10 years of professional working experience, with a minimum of five years in a mid-level managerial position. The whistleblower contends that Cooper, holding a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and a Master's degree in Public Health, does not meet these statutory requirements.
Call for Independent Investigation
Concluding the complaint, the whistleblower calls for a comprehensive and independent administrative review into Cooper's conduct. According to the complaint and supporting sources, the issues raised extend beyond personal grievances and point to broader concerns regarding accountability, transparency, employee welfare, procurement practices, and institutional governance at the BSE. The complaint states that the allegations reflect what the whistleblower describes as a pattern of administrative misconduct, disregard for due process, and potential abuse of authority.
The allegations have now placed the spotlight on internal administrative practices at the BSE and are expected to attract attention from management, employees, and public sector oversight institutions. Efforts to obtain a response from Cooper regarding the allegations were not immediately successful. The allegations above have not been independently verified.
All efforts to get Mr. Cooper side of the story proved fruitless up to press time.

STAND MOBILIZES 20,000 FOR JULY MANSION PROTEST -MONTSERRADO CAMPAIGN TARGETS EXECUTIVE MANSION PROTEST

MONROVIA - The countdown to July 17 has begun in earnest. The STAND-led Liberia Protest Coalition has launched a grassroots mobilization campaign in Montserrado County's District No. 14, targeting citizens ahead of its planned Lead or Leave protest at the Executive Mansion Grounds. STAND Chairman Mulbah K. Morlu says more than 20,000 protesters will converge on July 17 to demand accountability from President Joseph Nyuma Boakai's administration. He accuses the government of insensitivity to economic hardship, insecurity, and lawlessness. Retired student activist Ben Tokpa, who says he lost his job in early 2024 for criticizing the administration, has rejoined the movement despite personal risk. District No. 7 is next, as THE ANALYST reports.

The STAND-led Liberia Protest Coalition has launched its grassroots awareness, mobilization, and recruitment campaign in Montserrado County's District No. 14, ahead of the Lead or Leave peaceful protest scheduled for July 17 at the Executive Mansion Grounds.

The event attracted youth leaders, women groups, students, community influencers, and other local stakeholders who overwhelmingly endorsed the protest and pledged to mobilize citizens from house to house, street to street, and community to community until every voice is heard.

Morlu Declares July 17 People's Verdict
Addressing the gathering, STAND Chairman Mulbah K. Morlu declared that July 17 represents the people's verdict on what he described as President Joseph Nyuma Boakai's insensitivity to the suffering of ordinary Liberians.

He argued that worsening economic hardship, insecurity, lawlessness, and declining living conditions have pushed the nation to a breaking point.

"The people have endured enough. July 17 is the day Liberians rise peacefully, courageously, and united to demand accountability, justice, and meaningful change," he stated.

Morlu further announced that more than 20,000 peaceful protesters are expected to converge on the Executive Mansion Grounds on July 17 to press their demands for national renewal and responsive leadership.

He disclosed that the mobilization campaign will intensify across Montserrado and neighboring counties in the coming weeks, with District No. 7 set to host the next major community awareness and recruitment engagement.

Tokpa Rejoins Movement Despite Personal Risk
Also speaking at the event, retired student leader and activist Ben Tokpa called on Liberians from every corner of the Republic to join the growing movement and support what he described as a peaceful struggle for national transformation.

Tokpa, who said he lost his job in early 2024 after criticizing the Boakai administration, stated that his return to Liberia carries significant personal and political risks — risks he is prepared to face in pursuit of what he considers his patriotic duty.

He vowed to remain actively engaged in community outreach, mobilization, and recruitment efforts across the country until July 17, urging citizens to organize, participate, and make their voices count.

A CONTRACT THAT WAS NEVER BORN, YET WALKS AMONG US
THERE IS SOMETHING

deeply unsettling about a contract that has never been legally consummated operating in full force on Liberian soil, collecting public revenue, handling citizen biometrics, and displacing a local businessman — all while the government responsible for its ex*****on refuses to answer questions before the nation's legislature. That is not a technicality.

That is a governance scandal. And when Grand Gedeh County Senator Thomas Yaya Nimely walked out of a Senate hearing this week, he was not merely staging political theater. He was sounding an alarm that this editorial believes deserves to ring far beyond the walls of the Capitol Building.

THE FACTS ARE not in serious dispute. The Government of Liberia entered into a contract with Liberia Traffic Management Inc. (LMTI), a foreign-owned entity, to manage driver's licenses, license plates, and vehicle registrations — statutory functions that the Ministry of Transport has always been mandated to perform. Under this arrangement, LMTI retains 70 percent of all revenue collected. Liberia receives 30 percent.

In plain terms: a foreign company is operating inside Liberia's sovereign administrative space, collecting money that belongs to the Liberian state, and keeping the larger share. Even more alarming, Senator Nimely revealed before his colleagues that this contract has not been legally consummated. It was never fully finalized. Yet it is being implemented.

The question that must follow is unavoidable: who authorized implementation of a contract that does not yet legally exist?
JUSTICE MINISTER OSWALD Tweh's failure to appear before the Senate committee investigating this matter compounds the injury.

The Legislature is a co-equal branch of government. When a cabinet minister declines to honor a summons from a Senate committee, it is not a scheduling inconvenience. It is a constitutional provocation.

It signals that the executive branch believes it need not account for itself to the people's representatives. Senator Nimely called it arrogance. This editorial calls it what it also is: a dangerous erosion of the separation of powers that Liberia's democracy depends upon.

THE LIBERIANIZATION DIMENSION of this controversy cannot be overlooked. A Liberian businessman, John Youboty, previously held a contract to perform these same functions.

By all available accounts, he was delivering quality services and offering the government a more favorable revenue split.

He was displaced. A foreign entity took his place on worse financial terms for Liberia. If this administration campaigned on rescuing Liberia from mismanagement, then rescuing must mean something more than switching from one bad deal to a worse one. Liberianization is not merely a policy preference. It is an economic survival principle for a country still building its middle class.

THERE IS ALSO the matter of national security.

The Senate Committee on National Defense, Security and Intelligence has raised concerns that LMTI's collection of biometric data and statistics of Liberian citizens poses a threat to national security. These are not the concerns of one agitated senator.

They are the formal position of a committee charged with protecting this republic. A private foreign company holding the biometric database of Liberia's drivers and vehicle owners is a vulnerability that should alarm every security-conscious mind in this government.

Why has it not?
SENATOR NIMELY REMINDED the Senate, and through it the Liberian people, that 2029 is not far away. He did not threaten. He stated a fact.

Governments are judged by what they do, not what they inherit. The current administration has been in office for more than two years.

That is sufficient time to have reviewed this contract, corrected its deficiencies, restored the Liberianization principle, and protected state revenue.

The Senate Joint Committee has spent six months making formal recommendations to the Inter-Ministerial Committee. Nothing has been done. That is not a performance gap. It is a choice.

THIS EDITORIAL CALLS on the Government of Liberia to immediately suspend the implementation of the LMTI contract pending full legal review and consummation. It calls on Justice Minister Tweh to honor his constitutional obligation to appear before the Legislature.

It calls on the Inter-Ministerial Committee to respond formally and publicly to the Senate's recommendations within 30 days. Liberia's revenue, sovereignty, and democratic norms are not abstractions. They are the foundation upon which this government was elected to build.

The Liberian people are watching. And as Senator Nimely correctly noted, they know how to respond when those they trust refuse to listen.

KOIJEE EARNS MASTER’S, CDCIANS LAVISHLY CELEBRATE -EARNS COUNTERTERRORISM EDUCATION FROM ISRAEL

MONROVIA - The Congress for Democratic Change has turned an academic milestone into a political statement. Jefferson Tamba Koijee, the party's National Secretary General, has graduated from Reichman University in Israel. His degree is in Counterterrorism, Intelligence, and International Security. CDC National Chairman Atty. Janga Augustus Kowo signed a congratulatory statement on behalf of former President George Manneh Weah. The party is framing Koijee's achievement as proof that adversity cannot defeat determination.

It also signals something broader: an opposition group investing in security credentials. Liberia faces complex governance challenges. A CDC leader trained in counterterrorism and diplomacy shifts the party's posture. THE ANALYST reports,

The Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) has mounted a spirited celebration of the academic achievement of its National Secretary General, Jefferson Tamba Koijee, portraying his graduation with a master's degree in Counterterrorism, Intelligence, and International Security from Israel's Reichman University as a testament to perseverance, leadership, and self-improvement.

The opposition party says the milestone not only reflects Koijee's personal determination but also serves as an inspiration to young Liberians and highlights the importance of preparing a new generation of leaders to confront the nation's growing governance and security challenges.

Kowo Signs Statement for Weah

In a congratulatory statement signed by CDC National Chairman Atty. Janga Augustus Kowo on behalf of the party's Political Leader, former President George Manneh Weah, the National Executive Committee, and the CDC grassroots, the opposition party praised Koijee for earning a Master's Degree in Counterterrorism, Intelligence, and International Security from Reichman University's Lauder School of Government, Diplomacy, and Strategy in Herzliya, Israel. The CDC described the accomplishment as far more than an academic success, portraying it as a testament to Koijee's determination and commitment to personal development despite the challenges associated with public life and political leadership.

According to the party, Koijee's journey from grassroots activism to national prominence and now international academic achievement demonstrates that dedication, discipline, and perseverance remain essential ingredients for meaningful leadership.

"From community activism to national leadership and now global scholarship, Comrade Koijee continues to demonstrate that adversity cannot defeat determination, and that true leadership requires continuous growth and preparation," the statement noted.

Symbolic Value for Young Liberians
The opposition party emphasized that the graduation carries significant symbolism for young Liberians, particularly those from disadvantaged communities who aspire to make meaningful contributions to society.

The CDC argued that Koijee's achievement sends a powerful message that education remains a critical pathway to national transformation and individual advancement, regardless of one's background or circumstances.

The party also pointed to what it described as spontaneous celebrations in several communities following news of the graduation, claiming that ordinary citizens voluntarily expressed support and admiration for the CDC executive without any organized mobilization.

According to the CDC, the public reaction reflects the enduring connection between Koijee and the communities he has served throughout his political career.

Broader Political and National Argument
In a broader political context, the party maintained that Liberia's future depends heavily on developing leaders equipped with advanced knowledge in governance, diplomacy, intelligence, and strategic affairs. The CDC said that as the nation confronts increasingly complex domestic and international challenges, leaders who invest in education and capacity-building will be better positioned to contribute to national development and effective governance.

The statement characterized Koijee's graduation as a victory not only for the CDC but also for Liberian youth who continue to pursue excellence despite economic and social obstacles.
"As Liberia faces increasingly complex challenges, the development of leaders equipped with knowledge in governance, diplomacy, and strategic affairs remains essential to the nation's future," the statement asserted.

The party concluded by declaring that the CDC Blue Revolution proudly celebrates the achievement and looks forward to Koijee's return, expressing confidence that his newly acquired expertise will further strengthen his contribution to public service and national leadership.

The CDC further stated that Koijee's academic achievement represents the spirit of service, resilience, and excellence that the party seeks to promote, while expressing optimism about the role he will continue to play in Liberia's political and national development.

The opposition party said it remains proud of what it described as a historic accomplishment by one of its leading figures and expressed hope that Koijee's educational advancement will inspire more young Liberians to pursue higher learning and national service.

SEN. NIMELY STORMS OUT, BLASTS LMTI DEAL -SAYS LMTI DEAL STRIPS REVENUE FROM LIBERIA

MONROVIA - Grand Gedeh County Senator Thomas Yaya Nimely has walked out of a legislative hearing. His target: a controversial transport contract with Liberia Traffic Management Inc. His grievance: Justice Minister Oswald Tweh's failure to appear. The contract is at the center of a deepening dispute. Nimely says it has not been legally consummated. Yet Liberia Traffic Management Inc. is already fully operational. Under the deal, the company retains 70 percent of collected revenue. Liberia receives 30 percent. Nimely calls it a violation of the country's Liberianization policy. He also invokes 2029. The Liberian people, he says, are watching, as THE ANALYST reports.

Tensions reached a boiling point in the Liberian Senate as Grand Gedeh County Senator Thomas Yaya Nimely staged a dramatic walkout from a legislative hearing.

Protesting the absence of Justice Minister Oswald Tweh and raising a red flag over a controversial transport contract with Liberia Traffic Management Inc. (LMTI), Nimely accused the current administration of hiding behind political excuses while executing an unconsummated deal that strips revenue away from the state and directly undermines the country's Liberianization policy.

Nimely staged the dramatic walkout from the Senate hearing, citing "arrogance" from executive officials and raising a red flag over a controversial multi-million-dollar transport contract he claims exploits the Liberian people, with 70 percent of revenue going to the concessionaire and only 30 percent coming to Liberia. The hearing was called to investigate the ongoing contract between the Government of Liberia and LMTI. Tensions boiled over when Minister Tweh failed to appear — a move Senator Nimely described as a deliberate display of disrespect toward the Legislature.

The Core of the Controversy

At the heart of the Senator's protest is a legal and financial puzzle. Senator Nimely revealed that the contract between the government and LMTI has not been legally consummated — that is, fully finalized — yet the company is already fully operational on the ground.

"This contract has not been consummated but it is being implemented. So, what are you implementing? Right now, this company is collecting money for driver's licenses, license plates, and vehicle registrations.

The Ministry of Transport has the statutory mandate to collect this revenue, but it is not doing so. Instead, you are giving it to another group," Senator Nimely stated during an interview following his walkout.

The Senator emphasized that the Senate has spent the last six months warning that the deal harms Liberia's economic health, revenue distribution, and national sovereignty, but those warnings have fallen on deaf ears.

The 70/30 Split and Liberianization
Senator Nimely heavily criticized the financial terms of the contract, questioning why the government agreed to a deal where LMTI keeps 70 percent of collected revenue, leaving Liberia with just 30 percent. He compared the current arrangement to a previous contract with a Liberian-owned firm, which he noted brought in strong revenue and produced high-quality materials. He argued the current deal directly violates the country's economic principles, among which is a violation of the Liberianization policy.

He questioned why a vital national contract was stripped from local Liberian businessman John Youboty and handed to a foreign-owned entity, noting that Youboty had offered a better revenue share to the government and was providing quality services.

Nimely also demanded to know why the government deliberately chose a formula that drastically reduced its own share of public funds. He further raised concerns that the contract may compromise national security, noting that Senate Committee on National Defense, Security and Intelligence Chairperson Senator Momo Cyrus had raised the issue in plenary.

Nimely questioned why a private company should hold the vital biometrics and statistics of Liberian citizens while the Ministry of Transport claims it is still "working out" the details.

No More Excuses from the 'Rescue' Government
The walkout also sparked a sharp political debate on the Senate floor. When Senator Dabah M. Varpilah and other colleagues suggested that the current administration is merely trying to fix a broken system inherited from the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) government, Nimely rejected the excuse.

While acknowledging that the previous administration initially mishandled the deal, Nimely noted that the current government has been in power for nearly two and a half years — more than enough time to review and correct the blunder.

"That is why they took power. If you find something that was not appropriately taken care of... your responsibility is to go and fix it.

Otherwise, we can hold you liable to be impotent. There is no room to be giving excuses, trying without results. This country is waiting for tangibles," Nimely argued.

He also took a swipe at ongoing political dismissals in government, noting: "You came to rescue. That is why you have been firing people who professed to be CDCians in this government. I am the Chair on Labor, and I see what has been happening."

A Stand against Executive Arrogance

For Senator Nimely, the final straw was the empty chair of the Minister of Justice. He framed his walkout not just as a protest against a bad traffic contract, but as a defense of the separation of powers.

"I get paid by the government. I do not work for the executive; I work with the executive. If we find something that is against the law, we have to speak about it. And when we speak and nothing is done, we have to tell the Liberian people that this law is not in their favor," Nimely concluded.

He said that for approximately six months, the Senate Joint Committee has made several recommendations to the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on how to review the contract, but nothing has been done — citing what he described as the "non-cooperative attitude" of some officials in the executive branch who are bent on ignoring all recommendations forwarded to them.

Nimely warned that the earlier the government realizes these missteps need to be corrected, the better it will be for them, because the Liberian people are watching.

"But again, it is left with the government to do the right thing because the Liberian people are watching.

2029 is around the corner. I am not saying I will do anything against the government, but I have my voter's card, and the citizens are holding their voter's cards, willing to exercise the franchise," he said.