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ADNews- Monrovia,Liberia: A veteran Liberian journalist also an Executive Director of the Liberia Media Development Initiative (LMDI) Mr. John Kollie continues to deliver a scathing critique of Montserrado County Senator Darius Dillon, accusing him of political sycophancy and abandoning the principles that once defined his public image.
By: Benjamin Quaye Johnson benjaminqjohnson@gmail.com
Speaking on recent political developments, Kollie said Dillon’s political survival is based more on opportunism than on sincere leadership.
“Let me be clear, if I wanted to play the same game of sycophancy, of pretending, of bowing down and rolling under people just to gain power, I could. But that’s not who I am,” he declared. “The man, Senator Dillon, was seeking power, not being sincere. You see him now bending to anyone, doing whatever it takes to stay in power.”
Kollie’s remarks have sparked speculation about a growing rift between the two figures, once seen as ideological allies. He claimed that his support helped elevate Dillon’s political standing, which gives him the right to hold the senator accountable.
“The man won the election. He’s in power now. And since I helped him get there, I have every right to speak on it.”
At the core of Kollie’s criticism is what he describes as Dillon’s betrayal of the public trust. Once regarded as a people’s advocate, Dillon is now, according to Kollie, enjoying the perks of power while distancing himself from the concerns of ordinary Liberians.
“Let’s be honest this money you’re enjoying now, that’s not your money. That’s government money. That’s the Liberian people’s money,” he said, questioning Dillon’s transparency and commitment to the public good.
As a vocal defender of press freedom, Kollie also took issue with what he called attempts to marginalize independent media. He referenced the media platform Class-Reloaded, suggesting it has not Hosted by government officials who are not journalists but rather people who are journalists and don’t hold any government jobs.
“I have no problem with Reloaded,” Kollie clarified. “What I said was that Class-Reloaded should not be the only platform available to us. That’s the issue.”
He emphasized that effective governance must be built on trust, a quality he says is lacking in the current administration.
“Some people in power can’t trust anyone because they know the kind of things they do. People like Dillon incite violence and create division. That’s not how a country should be run,” he asserted, while also criticizing similar behavior under the former Weah administration.
Kollie dismissed any suggestions that his criticism of Dillon is motivated by envy or political ambition. He instead highlighted his own financial independence and longstanding dedication to public service.
“I’ve got my own. In fact, I have more and I will always have more because I know how to manage. I’m not wasteful. People like me, we’ve never begged.”
He also pointed to his advocacy for displaced residents of the Fendall community, whom he says were made homeless during Senator Dillon’s Unity Party-led government.
“I’m an advocate. I stood with the people in Fendall, and they received one million dollars in compensation from former President George Weah after their homes were destroyed under Dillon’s government.”
Kollie issued a pointed warning to Dillon and other political leaders: reform your ways, or be prepared for increased scrutiny.
“You’re going to run again. And if you don’t change, by the time elections come around, you’ll be fighting a bigger battle especially from journalists. And let me tell you: the media is not easy to fight.”
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