–Council Apologizes to the President
By Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia, Liberia – The Liberia Council of Churches (LCC) has suspended its president, Rev. Dr. Samuel Reeves, Jr., for three months after he publicly criticized President Joseph Boakai’s purchase of a luxury Lexus —a move that has drawn widespread condemnation amid Liberia’s economic struggles.
In a now-viral statement, Reeves, who signed as LCC President, accused Boakai of hypocrisy, citing the President’s past pledge to “ride a wheelbarrow” to work to save costs. The LCC’s statement read: “The Liberia Council of Churches is deeply troubled by the recent purchase of a 2025 Lexus reportedly worth over $400,000 by President Joseph Boakai, amidst the country’s economic downturn. This extravagance is particularly disturbing given the President’s previous commitment to conserving resources.”
The statement further quoted Isaiah 3:14-15, warning of divine judgment on leaders who exploit the poor, and criticized Boakai for pressuring his Commerce Minister to resign over a similar luxury car scandal while indulging in the same behavior.
Public Outrage Over Boakai’s Lexus
Since the luxury vehicle was spotted in public Thursday, many Liberians have expressed frustration, accusing the President of abandoning his austerity promises. Boakai had previously warned his cabinet against wasting public funds on luxuries, making the purchase even more controversial.
However, the LCC later disowned Reeves’ statement, claiming he acted unilaterally and brought the institution into “public disrepute.” The council condemned his remarks as “unscriptural,” stressing that Christians should “pray for leaders, not shame them.”
The LCC also revealed that Reeves’ two-year term expired in June 2024, yet he failed to organize elections or step down. “It is dismaying that Rev. Dr. Reeves had time to embarrass the President but neglected his duty to ensure a leadership transition,” the LCC stated.
The council issued a formal apology to President Boakai and announced that Rev. Dr. Christopher Toeb will take over as interim signing authority.
