Othello Sarweh Nimely
MONROVIA–mounted the rostrum on the Capitol Constructing to ship his Annual Message on the affairs of the state, however the rancor and condemnation proceed to hover and but to settle since then.
The Political Chief of the Reformers Nationwide Congress (RNC), Rev. Alexander Kollie, is one in every of a number of political leaders including his voice to many others, sharply criticizing the 2026 Tackle as having been disconnected from the lived realities of atypical Liberians and extra akin to “political theatre” than an sincere evaluation of the nation’s situation.
In a press release issued on lately following the President’s handle delivered on January 26, 2026, Kollie mentioned the RNC rigorously reviewed the speech and felt compelled, as patriots, to talk in truth to the Liberian folks. In accordance with him, management should at all times be held to account, particularly on points affecting the every day survival of residents.
“The President’s State of the Nation Tackle was indifferent from actuality and appeared extra like political theatre than a factual and sincere report on the true situation of our nation,” Kollie said.
The RNC chief argued that the handle relied closely on projections, guarantees, and recycled commitments, whereas failing to exhibit clear and measurable enhancements within the lives of atypical Liberians.
He famous that though the President referenced figures and reforms, these, in his view, amounted to “window dressing” that masked the tough socio-economic circumstances throughout the nation.
Rev Kollie identified that poverty stays widespread, unemployment is alarmingly excessive, meals insecurity is growing, and public companies proceed to fall in need of residents’ expectations. He challenged the administration’s claims of financial progress, insisting that realities on the bottom contradict the optimistic tone of the President’s speech.
A serious level of competition raised by the RNC was the President’s assertion that 70,000 jobs have been created. Alexander Kollie demanded readability and unbiased verification, questioning the character and high quality of the roles referenced.
“What sorts of jobs are these? Are they everlasting or short-term? Do they supply residing wages or mere survival-level earnings?” he requested, including that many roles in Liberia stay casual, short-term, and poorly paid, providing little safety or dignity to staff.
One other concern raised was the dearth of concrete motion plans within the President’s speech. Whereas bold initiatives had been talked about, the RNC mentioned the handle failed to offer clear timelines, measurable benchmarks, or clear implementation methods.
Past coverage considerations, the Reformer Nationwide congress chief additionally expressed unease about what he described as ongoing political tensions and weak engagement with opposition events underneath the Boakai administration. He warned that such an method undermines nationwide unity, social cohesion, and public belief in democratic establishments, stressing the necessity for inclusive governance.
The Reformers Nationwide Congress maintained that whereas the President highlighted sure financial indicators and institutional reforms, the SONA painted an excessively optimistic image that doesn’t mirror on a regular basis realities, lacked transparency, and did not confront Liberia’s persistent challenges.
“Liberians don’t want illusions. They want honesty. They don’t want projections; they want progress,” Rev Kollie mentioned, reaffirming the RNC’s dedication to holding the federal government accountable and standing with the Liberian folks of their quest for real growth and responsive management.
Alphonso Toweh
Has been within the career for over twenty years. He has labored for a lot of worldwide media shops together with: West Africa Journal, Africa Week Journal, African Observer and did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Occasions, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He’s the present correspondent for Reuters
He holds first MA with honors in Worldwide Relations and a candidate for second grasp in Worldwide Peace research and Battle Decision from the College of Liberia.
