Having awakened the nation during her Inaugural Address in 2005 when she declared corruption “a major public enemy”, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has again put the theme of
corruption in the spotlight of national debates by describing it as a “…vampire to development” in her State of the Republic Address exactly one decade later.
Addressing the 4th Session of the 53rd Legislature, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf outlined several programs implemented by her administration, which have improved transparency and accountability in Liberia. She was, however, very unequivocal in alerting that the gains made in the war against corruption could be easily reversed if no action is taken against those engaged in this malpractice.
The President pleaded with the people’s representatives to help her intensify the fight against corruption by pushing for the prosecution of those accused. “Corruption is a vampire of development and the obstruction of progress. I ask that we all commit to fighting this devil that destroys our principles and our pride; that makes us slaves to vested interests. I ask this of you, as respected lawmakers, and I ask for speedier trials from our judiciary.” President said.
The Chief Executive to the nation that her regime had succeeded in recognizing the root causes of this corruption. She named, lack of systems, lack of institutions, lack of policies and strategies, and poor compensation as some of catalysts of corruption.