Monrovia – The Chairman of the Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND), Mulbah K. Morlu, Jr., has strongly criticized the Unity Party (UP) for appointing senior government officials to fundraising committees established to support the construction of new party headquarters across Liberia, describing the move as unethical and a violation of public trust.
By Selma Lomax [email protected]
The Unity Party recently announced the formation of several national and county-level committees ahead of its Homecoming and Fundraising Program scheduled for December 6, 2025.
The event, themed “Positioning the Unity Party for Long Term Political Vibrancy, Policy Reform, Infrastructural Development, and Membership Drive,” aims to raise funds for the building of national and county headquarters. However, the inclusion of sitting lawmakers, cabinet members, and other senior public officials in these committees has sparked widespread criticism from civil society and opposition figures.
According to the UP’s official release, Senator Dabah M. Varpilah, who serves as the party’s First Vice Chairperson, has been appointed as Chairperson of the National Steering Committee. Jeror Cole Bangalu serves as Cochair, with members including Mohammed Kromah, Prince K. Moye, Amin Modad, Magdalene E. Dagoseh, Neto Z. Lighe, Cornelia Kruah, Whroway Bryant, Roland Giddings, Robert Wongbay, Prince Toles, Sekou Kanneh, Lucia Tarpeh, Helena Knuckles, Clarence Massaquoi, Mo Ali, Robert Bestman, Selena P. Mappy, Lansana P. Fofana, Melvin Cephas, Loseni K. Siryon, Adolphus Lake, Noah Z. Gibson, Patrick Wozie, Prince Tamba, and Martin Togbah.
The Fundraising Committee, which is at the center of the controversy, is chaired by Cornelia Kruah, with Edmund Ford as Cochair. Other members include Selena Mappy, Prince K. Moye, Mohammed Kromah, Sarah McGill, Boakai Jaileba, Garmai Koboi, and Eric Ceekay Sayee. This committee is tasked with leading the design, implementation, and coordination of the party’s fundraising strategy to secure funds for new party offices nationwide.
Additionally, County Fundraising Committees have been formed across Liberia, each led by prominent government officials. In Nimba County, Senator Nya D. Twayen, Jr. chairs the committee with Nelson Bearngar; in Bong County, Senator Prince K. Moye leads with Martha Morris; in Lofa County, Representative Clarence Massaquoi chairs with David Mawolo; in Grand Bassa, Magdalene Dargoseh leads with Amuchi Davis; in Margibi, Representative Ben Fofana heads with Ceceia Doe; in Montserrado, Representative Richard Koon chairs with Robert Bestman; in Bomi, Hon. Sekou Dukuly leads with Moses Amen; in Grand Cape Mount, Senator Dabah M. Varpilah chairs with Aaron Samullah; in Gbarpolu, Hon. Murphy Kanneh leads with Loseni K. Siryon; in Maryland, Hon. P. Mike Jurry chairs with Fred Gbato; in Grand Kru, Hon. Edmund Forh heads with Nelson Torbor; in Grand Gedeh, Hon. Neto Z. Lighe, Sr. leads with Retha Karr; in River Gee, Senator Francis Saidy Dopoh, II chairs with Jay Doe; in River Cess, Chairman Luther Tarpeh leads with Mark Marton; and in Sinoe County, Hon. Milton Teajay chairs with Harrison Karr.
The Media and Publicity Committee, chaired by Mo Ali, will oversee all communication aspects of the December event. Other members include Lansana P. Fofana, Noah Z. Gibson, Charles Collins, Abraham S. Kromah, Amara Quardu Mohammed, Stephen Johnson, Wesley Nyenatoh, Sylvester Wonplue, and Samuel Rudolf Foeday.
Reacting to these appointments, STAND Chairman Morlu described the Unity Party’s decision as “a reckless fusion of political and state interests that threatens the credibility of public service.” He said appointing cabinet ministers and other government officials to fundraising committees for a political party was not only unethical but a direct violation of the Code of Conduct for Public Officials.
“The inclusion of senior government officials in partisan fundraising activities represents a blatant abuse of public office,” Morlu said. “It undermines accountability and gives the impression that state resources and influence are being used to promote the political objectives of the ruling party.”
He cited Part V, Section 5.1 of the Code of Conduct, which prohibits appointed officials from engaging in political activities or using government resources to support partisan agendas. Morlu also referenced Sections 5.9 and 5.10, which call for the removal of any public official found in violation of these rules.
“By appointing senior government officials to its partisan fundraising committees, the Unity Party has crossed a dangerous line,” Morlu emphasized. “This act reflects a blatant disregard for transparency and the rule of law. Public office cannot and must not be used to advance the agenda of a ruling party.”
Morlu also recalled previous allegations involving the misuse of more than US$300,000 in public resources during President Boakai’s inauguration celebrations, arguing that the current decision points to a recurring pattern of ethical lapses. He demanded that the President and the Unity Party leadership immediately withdraw cabinet officials and lawmakers from all party fundraising activities, warning that failure to do so would confirm what he described as “a deliberate misuse of public funds and betrayal of the public trust.”
“State power is not party property, and public funds are not campaign fuel,” Morlu said. “Liberians will not stand by while their taxes are exploited under the pretext of party development.”
STAND, which has announced plans for a nationwide “Lead or Leave” peaceful protest on December 17, reiterated its commitment to promoting ethical governance and defending Liberia’s democratic institutions. The movement says it will continue to pressure the government to respect boundaries between political activities and state responsibilities.
“The line between party business and public service must remain sacred,” Morlu concluded. “To cross it is to invite the judgment of history and the wrath of the Liberian people. The Boakai administration must choose whether it wants to serve the nation or serve the party — it cannot do both.”
The Unity Party is yet to respond to STAND’s statement.
Political observers say the controversy has reignited debate over Liberia’s weak enforcement of its Code of Conduct law, which has often been criticized for lacking accountability mechanisms. As preparations for the Unity Party’s fundraising program continue, the issue is likely to remain a major test for President Boakai’s promise of integrity and reform within his administration.
