Editorial: Boakais Integrity crisis: When will the President confront the Dorr Cooper scandal?

In a nation that endeavors to rebuild from decades of institutional fuses and public distrust, there are only a few topics in the soul of the government as academic fraud.

The scandal with the General Inspector of Handel, General Dorr Cooper, is not just an isolated case of personal misconduct – it is a test of the determination of President Joseph Boakai, the integrity, judiciary and accountability at the highest level of government.

The University of Liberia has done its part. After a strict four -month examination, the institution found that Dorr Cooper had never been a student, but had made it wrong to claim a conclusion.

The results were damn: Cooper allegedly paid 10,000 US dollars to receive fraudulent academic login information, and even asked a deceased student. As a result, the university explained him persona non grata And prohibited him from the campus.

But the university did not stop here. In a comprehensive procedure for academic corruption, eight employees who were involved in the scandal released another suspended and introduced important reforms, including the establishment of a constant anti-Frag committee and a whistleblower platform.

The University of Liberia acted with clarity and courage to protect its credibility and to restore public trust.

In the middle of this brave institutional reaction, however, the silence of the Executive Mansion is both loud and worrying.

President Boakai, who campaigned for a promise to clean up the government and promote the accountability obligation, is now on a defining crossroads. Despite the evidence and the increasing public rising impact, a 72-hour ultimatum that was published by the University of Student Association (SUP)-leaves Dorr Cooper in office as general inspector of the commercial inspector.

This silence sends the wrong message.

It indicates that the political influence can protect individuals from the episode, even if they are caught in the network of fraud. It undermines the tireless efforts of honest students, weakens confidence in our public service and reveals the values ​​that this administration claims to maintain.

The question of the lips of everyone is clear: If the University of Liberia can decisively act against his own, why does the president have the president?

President Boakai must understand that integrity cannot be selective. It must go beyond the university doors and reach the government halls. If the allegations against Cooper are not true, let a transparent, independent examination prove its innocence. But if the results are undisputed, the persistent silence of the president becomes a complicity.

Leadership requires measures. In view of clear misconduct, silence is not neutrality – it is neglected.

President Boakai has to break his silence. Liberia observed – and waits.