The most disquieting aspect of the widespread corruption in Liberia is the fact that it is not anymore confined to autonomous agencies or the government ministries alone. It is prevalent amongst almost every section of the society at every level, even at spiritual institutions.

As the practice of corruption is a dishonest act, one has to think that most of the Liberians are dishonest, which could be different only in degree between the individuals. As the reason for the dishonesty is greediness and the desire to get things done at any cost one can think that most of the country men and women are greedy and do not anymore think that the means should justify the ends. This is not a flattering statement and many would desire that it would not be so and such statement could have been avoided. But, the fact is that most of the Liberians are involved in corrupt practices in one way or the other, either due to greed or due to so called compulsion. In any case, the willingness to sacrifice for the sake of not getting involved in corrupt dealings is conspicuous by its absence amongst the most.

Today, if one would say that any particular Liberian is honest to the core, it could only be a case of exception rather than a rule.

The Liberian president has on many occasions reminded Liberians that Corruption remains a key issue of concern for her and the international communities. Madam Sirleaf most recent interview with Front Page Africa and many others interviews with varies news organizations spelled out her quest to fight this cancer, corruption in our society.

Unfortunately, this view has not disturbed more of the Liberians at all and they do not seem to care as to what others think of them; so long as the existing systems and practices would allow them to make money and get things done in one way or the other.

The irony is that Liberia is still considered to be a very religious country and it is still widely believed that the religion is the basis of Liberian life, thoughts and actions. This is obviously true, considering the fact that there are hundreds of churches and mosques spread all over the country and they are all densely visited day in and day out by the feverishly praying Liberians.

Is not religious ethos contrary to corruption and dishonest practices? The unfortunate situation in Liberia is that those who call themselves most religious are often found to have indulged themselves in dishonest practices on many occasions. Several of the religious centers, of all religions, are suspected to be steeped in corruption; as such incidents have been repeatedly published in the press and read through out the world.

It does not shock Liberians anymore to know that not only the politicians, ministers and civil servants are corrupt but even the judges, professors, and teachers are.

Corruption is not only prevalent amongst rich who are greedy in spite of possessing enough but also prevalent amongst poor.

Now, what can be the future of the Liberian society in such conditions? It can be only frustration, chaos, unrest and even bloodshed in the not too distant future. This kind of corruption in the national polity and public and private life cannot go on for ever, without disturbing the overall peace in the society. It is sad that some of those who are in charge of the nation today do not appear to realize this and still are merrily going ahead with their dealings unconcerned about the harm that it would inevitably do to the larger national cause.

What is very sad and extremely disquieting about this country is that those accused and charged with corruption are all living in comforts and enjoying, thus effectively exposing the fact that the crusade against corruption has finally failed in Liberia as most Liberians may think or feel.

Even as the vicious cycle of corruption would continue with one swindling the other, there could be a number of persons who would be left out of this cycle due to inefficiency or commitment to the cause of truth and such persons would be driven down to despair.

The incidents of history indicate that some of such persons who are out of the corruption loop could take up the war against corruption at one time or the other. We witnessed such at Agriculture and Finance ministries. But, they would find that in a corruption entrenched system, they would not be able to improve the conditions and therefore, a few of them may finally take to physical attack on corrupt and dishonest persons, leading to criticism and character assassinations.

Criminals in our country have been created not because of choice but because of the rampant corruption that had traveled from our past governmental systems and its policies by its caretakers, the greed of the heartless politicians as well as the callousness of the judiciary.

Where does Liberia begin?

Let us start by simply accepting a preamble that will help us as Liberians: First, a well functioning judiciary is essential for development. Neither the fundamental rights of the citizens, nor the application of the laws can be guaranteed without an effective, independent and competent judicial branch. Although there are many reasons why the Liberian judiciary may be performing poorly, some of the most common are: (i) lack of plethora judges to prosecute cases, (ii) a shortage of resources or the inefficient management of existing resources; (iii) the absence of incentives for judges and administrative personnel to perform well; (iv) inefficient or antiquated procedures; (v) the lack of information required to monitor the performance of the system; and (vi) the absence of appropriate remedial procedures for the prosecution and disposition of corruption cases. Creating an effective judiciary is an issue for all Liberians and one that requires continued attention. For Liberia the challenges are all greater given the scarcity of resources and the often-greater demands put on the courts and allied institutions.

What to do?

by sincerely adopting this preamble can we hope to do something meaningful and tangible to repair the damage that has been done to this great nation. Our country has been exploited, and ransacked for many years now.

Our leaders should have the wisdom to realize the potential dangers facing this corrupt ridden Liberian society. Let’s all as well as the press speak out and report act of corruption in our country. The president alone can not expunge this disease in our society, let’s join hands together to this cancer before it destroys the one place we love and have.

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© 2008 by The Perspective
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