The former Minister of National Defense and winner of the Lofa County Senatorial seat in the 2020 Special Senatorial Election, Brownie J. Samukai, has expressed strong confidence in his political comeback ahead of the 2029 Elections. The former Defense Minister is optimistic that the same trust reposed in him by the people of Lofa County in 2020 remains firm and unshaken. Speaking on the Truth Breakfast Show on Thursday, January 8, 2026, Mr. Samukai said his ongoing engagement with citizens across Lofa—from towns to districts is to reinforce his strength with voters, who are resolved to vote him to the Liberian Senate.
“There is no regret. What I have always said is that there is always a future, and that future is 2029,” Mr. Samukai stated. “The decision the people of Lofa took in 2020 is the same decision they will take in 2029. The reason for that decision has not changed, and the purpose has not changed. I am very convinced and very determined.” Mr. Samukai disclosed that he has already begun re-engaging his constituents, describing his visits as opportunities to thank the people of Lofa for their past support while sharing experiences and lessons learned. “I have gone back to thank them—the people of Lofa—for what they have done for me. We have held meetings in different districts and towns, and we shared the opportunity and our experiences,” he said.
‘Shut the Leakages’ Beyond his political ambitions, Mr. Samukai used the platform to weigh in on Liberia’s economic challenges, stressing that the country’s economic growth depends largely on the government’s ability to eliminate systemic leakages. According to him, Liberia’s economy is striving and has the potential to grow further, but only if public officials, both appointed and elected, can carry out their duties without abusing power or office. “We need to close a lot of leakages. Those appointed must serve well, no abuse of power, no matter your position. The cost of goods imported at the ports must be looked at. So what I can say is, minimize the leakages that we have.”
The former Defense Minister, who served for 12 consecutive years under former President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, emphasized that the government must challenge itself continuously and move beyond policy formulation to effective implementation. “We must challenge ourselves periodically to improve our economy. We must move from the policy position to implementation. We must not be satisfied; we must strive to make it better,” he added. Praises Historic Budget From an economic standpoint, Mr. Samukai lauded both branches of government—particularly the Legislature, for the passage of what he described as the biggest national budget in Liberia’s history, totaling US$1.2 billion.
“I think the Legislature has done well, given the binding constraints,” he said. “The only thing left is to ensure proper implementation.” Service Over Credit On the ongoing public debate over whether current development projects were initiated by the former CDC-led Government or the current Unity Party administration, Mr. Samukai dismissed the arguments as unnecessary. “For me, there is no need for credit,” he said. “It is not personal money. Who cares if it were J.J. Roberts, Daniel B. Warner, or Stephen Allen Benson? What matters is that the place serves our people. It adds nothing to the debate that benefits the Liberian people.” Still Close to the President Despite not holding a cabinet position under the Unity Party-led Government, Samukai said he remains close to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and continues to support the administration’s ARREST Agenda.
“I am still close to the President. I am a supporter of the ARREST Agenda and everything the President does that is policy-driven,” he said. “We are on track.” As 2029 approaches, Mr. Samukai appears determined to reassert himself politically—projecting confidence, reconnecting with his base, and positioning himself as both a critic and supporter of governance reforms aimed at strengthening Liberia’s economy.
Author: Alpha Lymas
