By Desmond Gbeleh Wion
Capitol Hill, Monrovia – Deputy Minister of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism, Daniel O. Sando, has strongly criticized former President George Weah for what he described as “reckless utterances” that could undermine national unity and stability. Minister Sando cautioned the former president against making statements that could incite division or mislead the public.
Speaking at the regular Thursday press briefing of the Ministry of Information in Monrovia, the Deputy Minister, who is currently the Acting Minister and official spokesperson of the government, expressed concern over recent remarks made by Mr. Weah. He stated that the former president’s comments were not only reckless but also unpatriotic and unacceptable from a former head of state who is now a statesman.
“As a former leader, Mr. Weah should exercise caution in his statements and contribute positively to national discourse rather than making remarks that could harm peace and progress,” Sando stated.
The minister’s criticism follows a recent meeting between the former Liberian leader and a delegation from ECOWAS, the West African regional body. After the meeting, former President Weah posted a statement on his official Facebook page, making a series of allegations against the Liberian government under President Joseph Nyuma Boakai. He accused the administration of human rights violations, undermining democracy, and disrupting national peace and security. Additionally, he alleged that President Boakai was interfering in the Nimba County senatorial by-election. These claims have sparked national debate, with some defending Weah’s right to free speech, while others view his statements as misleading and divisive.
In response, Minister Sando stated that, as the government’s official spokesperson, he felt obligated to clarify the allegations raised by the former president and remind him of the state of the nation under his administration from 2018 to 2023.
Minister Sando strongly disagreed with Weah’s comments, arguing that if left unchallenged, they could create a false and negative image of the current government, which is striving to rebuild systems that were damaged under the former administration. He went on to list several instances where, in his view, democracy was undermined during Weah’s tenure:
“Democracy was undermined when auditors died under suspicious circumstances, and no justifiable account was given for their deaths.
Democracy was undermined when former President Weah and his associates looted state resources from the Central Bank of Liberia without accountability.
Democracy was undermined when innocent citizens were mysteriously killed, with body parts extracted, and no proper investigation was conducted.
Democracy was undermined when US$25 million meant for the COVID-19 mop-up exercise disappeared into thin air.
Democracy was undermined when US$16 billion went missing from the Port of Monrovia.
Democracy was undermined when top government officials were sanctioned for corruption.
Democracy was undermined when former President Weah stayed out of Liberia for 48 days without explanation.
Democracy was undermined when civil servants repeatedly protested over delayed salaries.
Democracy was undermined when numerous Liberian passports were sold to foreigners.
Democracy was undermined when former President Weah was linked to the abuse of Liberian women and girls in exchange for jobs.
Democracy was undermined when insecurity forced citizens to avoid working at night due to fear for their safety,” Minister Sando declared.
However, he assured the public of the government’s commitment to fostering open and respectful discussions while discouraging rhetoric that could destabilize the country. He cautioned the former president to refrain from making misleading statements against the government and to avoid being perceived as an enemy of the state.
Sando emphasized that while opposition figures have the right to criticize the government, such criticism should be constructive and not based on falsehoods or propaganda.
“There are better ways to critique government performance as an opposition figure rather than spreading tragic and baseless lies,” he asserted.
Despite criticism from opponents, Minister Sando reaffirmed that the government remains focused on delivering services and improving citizens’ welfare.
“Liberia will not regress. In just one and a half years, rapid developments have been achieved across all sectors, and more infrastructural and sustainable projects are underway. This government is committed to achieving the AAID goals,” he concluded.
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