Liberia: Bility - U.S.$1 Billion in Revenue Has Changed 'Nothing'

Monrovia — Opposition leader Musa Hassan Bility stated on Thursday that the government's collection of over US$1 billion in domestic revenue has not improved the lives of ordinary Liberians, describing it as "growth without development." He acknowledged the efforts of the Liberia Revenue Authority and its commissioner general, James Dorbor Jallah, in raising the revenue.

However, Bility argued that the government should not equate revenue collection with development progress. He cited issues such as unreliable electricity, inadequate support for health workers, the predicament of volunteer teachers, and limited road construction as areas where the additional revenue should yield visible results.

Bility also dismissed President Joseph Nyuma Boakai's recent UN speech, asserting that such statements should be judged by their impact within the country. He criticized the large delegation accompanying Boakai to New York, suggesting it could have been smaller. Bility emphasized Liberia's need to prioritize domestic development and strengthen ties with neighboring countries through the Mano River Union and the African Union.

He questioned the insufficient integration of economies among Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Côte d'Ivoire, advocating for the government to reduce reliance on U.S. lobbying and encourage diaspora investments in Liberia through better safeguards. Bility's party will release a governance policy document, the Covenant Framework, in November, outlining reforms to governance, including the executive, judiciary, and local government.

He urged political parties to present practical, measurable plans instead of mere election promises. Regarding the indictment of former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor and others in a cocaine trafficking case, Bility declined to comment, stating that indictments are allegations to be tested in court and not proof of guilt.