Liberia— In a sharply worded response, Information Minister Jerolimek Piah has admonished former President George Weah to refrain from making disparaging remarks about the current Unity Party (UP)-led government, urging him to focus on addressing the issues during his own presidency.
Last week, former President George Weah criticized President Joseph Boakai, accusing him of failing to deliver on his promises of change made during the 2023 elections. Weah, who is the leader of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), condemned the new administration for allegedly breaching Liberia’s laws and engaging in nepotism by appointing family members to prominent positions.
“Under six months into the new government, we’re already witnessing a disregard for the rule of law and the re-emergence of nepotistic practices,” Weah stated during a call on a radio talk show, emphasizing the urgency of addressing these issues to prevent further erosion of public trust.
In a vigorous counter-attack, Information Minister Jerolimek Piah labeled Weah’s comments as “unfortunate,” questioning the credibility of his critique given his own presidency’s record. “It is deeply regrettable that a former leader whose tenure was marked by sanctions, rampant corruption, and even secret killings would now criticize the current administration,” Piah said. “Instead of casting stones, Mr. Weah should reflect on the legacy of his own presidency and address the failures of his own administration.”
Piah’s remarks were resisted by several supporters of the CDC, who have rallied to defend Weah. Emmanuel Johnson, Youth League Chairperson of the CDC, criticized Piah’s response as an attempt to deflect from the real issues at hand. “Minister Piah’s comments are an attempt to divert attention from the critical issues raised by President Weah. The current administration must address the concerns raised about legality and nepotism instead of attacking the messenger.”
Similarly, Jason Brown and a prominent CDC supporter, called for a more constructive dialogue. “While the criticisms from former President Weah might be uncomfortable, they are necessary for holding the government accountable. We need to focus on solutions rather than resorting to personal attacks.”
President Joseph Boakai has expressed his commitment to addressing the concerns raised and vowed to uphold the rule of law and transparency throughout his administration. “Our administration is dedicated to ensuring that all actions are in compliance with the law, and we remain open to constructive criticism as part of our commitment to good governance,” Boakai said.
