Monrovia, Liberia –President Joseph Boakai and his administration are currently being accused of exerting undue pressure on Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) Governor Aloysius Tarlue, Jr., to resign in favor of Boakai’s nephew, Henry Saamoi.
This move, reportedly driven by personal and political interests, has kindled widespread condemnation and raised serious concerns about nepotism and the integrity of Liberia’s financial governance.
Reliable sources within the government have revealed that Governor Tarlue has been subjected to harassment, intimidation, and relentless pressure to step down from his position. Facing an untenable situation, Tarlue is reportedly planning to resign, clearing the way for Henry Saamoi, who currently holds a position at the International Bank of Liberia, to be appointed as the new CBL Governor.
This development is particularly alarming given Saamoi’s alleged involvement in a last-minute financial maneuver that significantly influenced the outcome of the presidential runoff election. The International Bank of Liberia’s crucial $3 million loan reportedly played a pivotal role in securing Boakai’s victory over the Coalition for Democratic Change. The alleged quid pro quo—Saamoi’s elevation to one of the most powerful financial positions in the country as a reward—poses serious ethical and legal questions.
A Disturbing Pattern of Nepotism
The potential appointment of Saamoi is a blatant violation of Liberia’s Code of Conduct for Public Officials, specifically concerning the use of office for private interests and nepotism. The Code clearly states:
Use of Office for Private Interest (Section 6): No public official should use an official position to pursue private interests that may result in a conflict of interest.
Nepotism (Section 9.7): A public official may not appoint, employ, promote, advance, or advocate for the appointment, employment, promotion, or advancement of any individual who is a relative. Any such appointment influenced by a public official is deemed null and void. The appointing authority is subject to dismissal, suspension, or impeachment.
By pushing for Saamoi’s appointment, President Boakai not only undermines the principles of merit and transparency but also blatantly disregards the legal framework designed to prevent such abuses of power.
According to Mark Kollie, an expert on Finance and Development Planning, the Central Bank of Liberia plays a critical role in managing the country’s financial reserves and ensuring economic stability. Appointing a close relative to this key position, especially one allegedly involved in politically motivated financial deals, threatens to erode public trust in the institution’s impartiality and effectiveness.
This move also raises fears of potential conflicts of interest, where personal loyalty to the President might supersede professional and ethical obligations. Such a scenario could lead to mismanagement of the country’s financial resources, further destabilizing Liberia’s already fragile economy.
Public Outcry and Calls for Accountability
The revelations have sparked outrage among political commentators, civil society groups, and the general public. Many are calling for immediate investigations into the alleged intimidation of Governor Tarlue and the potential conflicts of interest surrounding Saamoi’s nomination. There is a growing demand for President Boakai to adhere to the legal and ethical standards set forth in Liberia’s governance codes, and to ensure that appointments to critical positions are based on merit and integrity, not personal or political gain.
