Criticise Fairly, Celebrate Boldly: An Open Letter to Atty. Isaac W. Jr. Jackson.

By Julius T. Jaesen, II
Managing Editor
Democracy Watch

Dear Big Brother and Friend, Isaac W. Jackson Jr.,

Compliments of the season. I hope this open letter finds you in good spirits and great health. It is always a pleasure to engage with your thoughts and reflections, as they often provoke critical discussions and keep public servants on their toes. Your passion for transparency, accountability, and good governance in Liberia is evident, and I commend you for consistently holding leaders to high standards. However, I feel compelled to offer some candid advice as a younger brother and admirer of your contributions to our national discourse.

Big brother, public discourse, especially in a fragile democracy like ours, requires a balance between robust critique and constructive engagement. While your concerns about transparency in governance and the need for sincere public service are valid, there is always value in choosing our battles carefully and ensuring that our criticisms are measured, fair, and devoid of unnecessary personal undertones. When we attack every public official or every action, even those deserving of commendation, we risk diluting our message and being seen as perpetual naysayers rather than credible voices for change.

No leader or public official is beyond criticism, and neither should they be. However, it is equally important to recognise when an official has performed commendably. Recognising good work does not weaken our stance on accountability; rather, it strengthens our credibility.

The central concern of your recent comment under a resigned Assistant Minister’s post seems to question why Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan II would embrace public recognition as ‘Minister of the Year.’ Allow me to humbly present a different perspective. Public service is often a thankless job, especially in Liberia, where the demands of governance outweigh the available resources. Ministers are routinely criticised for policy failures, lack of transparency, or perceived incompetence. However, when a minister demonstrates exceptional leadership, delivers tangible results, and earns public trust, it is not only fair but also necessary for the public to recognise and celebrate such efforts.

In Minister Ngafuan’s case, if public opinion, whether through radio polls or general consensus, deems his performance worthy of recognition, should he reject that honour? I think not, my dear brother. Public recognition serves multiple purposes. It reassures the minister that his dedication, sleepless nights, and tireless efforts are seen and appreciated by those he serves. It also serves as motivation to continue working hard and serving diligently, and it sets a precedent for other public officials. When one minister is celebrated for transparency, hard work, and tangible results, it raises the bar for others to follow. To reject such recognition would not only downplay his efforts but would also discourage citizens from believing that their voices matter in holding leaders accountable and rewarding them fairly.

You referred to the method of recognition—public opinion polls and radio calls. While these methods may not be perfect or scientific, they are important in a society where the voice of the masses often struggles to be heard. OK FM and similar platforms, despite their flaws, remain critical media through which ordinary Liberians express themselves. If Minister Ngafuan was chosen based on public opinion, we cannot dismiss this outright simply because we might disagree with the outcome or because it does not align with our personal political views. In our quest for a better Liberia, let our advocacy be not tailored through the narrow prism of partisanship. Public opinion, whether gathered through radio programs, town hall meetings, or opinion polls, is a legitimate reflection of how people perceive their leaders.

It is also important to clarify that Minister Ngafuan did not bestow this honour upon himself. He did not orchestrate or gerrymander the process; rather, it was the result of public acknowledgment. To expect him to reject such recognition would imply that every honoured public servant should decline awards, no matter how meritorious they are. That would set an unrealistic precedent and would only discourage excellence in public service. I’m not sure when you served as Assistant Minister for Information Services, Deputy Minister for Public Affairs at MICAT, and later Liberia’s Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organisation, you declined public recognition of your service to Liberia.

Big Brother, our voices carry weight, and many look up to us as torchbearers for truth and justice. I encourage you to channel your energy towards holding leaders accountable on critical issues like budget transparency, misuse of public funds, and policy failures—areas where Minister Ngafuan, like every other official, should be scrutinised. However, we must also learn to celebrate moments of success and applaud officials when they get it right. Doing so does not compromise our integrity; instead, it reinforces our credibility as fair and balanced advocates for good governance.

Minister Ngafuan’s acceptance of the ‘Minister of the Year’ recognition should not be seen as self-aggrandizement as you are purveying through your comment but rather as a natural response to public acknowledgment of his efforts. Instead of focusing on whether he should have accepted the recognition, perhaps the focus should be on ensuring he continues to deliver on his mandate and remains deserving of such honours in the future.

Big Brother, Liberia needs your voice—sharp, critical, but also fair and encouraging. As the saying goes, “Not every fight is worth fighting, and not every hill is worth dying on.” Choose your battles wisely, for your voice is far too important to be drowned in perpetual criticism.

With utmost respect and admiration,
Your Younger Brother and Friend Julius T. Jaesen, II