In a recent statement, Mulbah Morlu, the former Chairman of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), took aim at Richard Nagbe Koon, the embattled Speaker of Liberia’s House of Representatives. At the center of the controversy is Koon’s promise to allocate US$20 million in the 2026 budget to support the JFK Medical Center, a key institution in Liberia’s struggling healthcare system. But Morlu isn’t buying it.
Koon’s pledge comes at a time when Liberia’s healthcare system is in dire need of reform. Hospitals like JFK have long faced challenges such as underfunding, inadequate staffing, and a lack of essential medical supplies. On the surface, a US$20 million commitment might seem like a step in the right direction. However, Morlu argues that this promise is less about solving the healthcare crisis and more about Koon’s attempt to gain political legitimacy.
According to Morlu, Koon’s speakership is illegitimate, and his promise is a calculated move to extend his time in power. “Koon’s approach is simple, though deceitful,” Morlu wrote. “Make empty promises about JFK, extend the duration of his illegitimate speakership, and hope that people will forget his lack of legitimacy by 2026.”
Morlu’s critique goes beyond the promise itself. He questions Koon’s motives and leadership, arguing that legitimacy cannot be purchased with money or political gestures. “No amount of money can make you Speaker,” Morlu stated bluntly. He believes that Koon’s actions are part of a broader pattern of deception, supported by President Joseph Boakai’s administration, which has failed to address the governance crisis in Liberia.
For Morlu, true leadership is about honesty, transparency, and a genuine commitment to serving the people. He sees Koon’s promise as a distraction—a way to buy time and avoid addressing the systemic issues that have plagued Liberia for years. “Liberia’s healthcare system will not be saved by political bribes disguised as goodwill,” Morlu wrote.
Morlu’s message is clear: Liberia’s healthcare crisis requires more than just funding. It demands a complete overhaul of the system, driven by leaders who are committed to real change. He argues that Koon’s promise, while significant in dollar terms, fails to address the root causes of the problem. Instead, it serves as a reminder of the political gamesmanship that has hindered progress in Liberia.
“Liberia’s healthcare system will be reborn,” Morlu wrote, “hopefully with more resources than your deceitful US$20 million promise.” He believes that the power to bring about this change lies with the people of Liberia, who will ultimately rise up to demand accountability and true leadership.
Morlu’s statement is a call to action for Liberians. He urges them to reject empty promises and hold their leaders accountable. “No bribe, threat, or force will stop the power of the people,” he declared. For Morlu, the fight for a better Liberia is not just about healthcare—it’s about restoring integrity and legitimacy to the government.
As the debate over Koon’s promise continues, one thing is certain: the people of Liberia deserve leaders who prioritize their well-being over political survival. Whether Koon’s US$20 million pledge will lead to real change or remain a hollow gesture is yet to be seen. But Morlu’s words serve as a powerful reminder that true leadership is earned, not bought.
Mulbah Morlu’s critique of Richard Koon’s promise to JFK highlights the deeper issues of legitimacy and governance in Liberia. While the US$20 million pledge may sound like progress, Morlu argues that it’s nothing more than a deceptive attempt to cling to power. For Liberia to move forward, it needs leaders who are committed to real, systemic change, not political gamesmanship. And as Morlu reminds us, the power to demand that change lies with the people.
