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Full statement by the Political Leader of the Liberian First Movement ( LFM), Sheikh Al-moustapha Kouyateh
Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed members of the Senate, and fellow citizens,
I stand before you today with a heavy heart to address the alarming and disheartening actions taken by President George M. Weah, which directly undermine the very presidential directive that he himself issued. On December 18, 2023, President Weah, through reference code GMW/MOS/RL/608/2023, explicitly stated that “All new employment and service contracts across Government institutions are hereby suspended. There shall be no promotions and salaries during this transition period.”
It is with great dismay that I must bring to your attention the flagrant disregard for this directive by the administration. The actions taken in direct violation of this directive are not only disrespectful to the office of the President but are also damaging to the integrity of our democratic institutions.
First and foremost, the replacement of the late Thomas Doe Nah as head of the Liberia Revenue Authority, while his remains are still outside the country, is a blatant violation of the directive. Mr. Nah served our nation with dedication and distinction, and it is a disservice to his memory and his contributions to our society that his replacement has been expedited during a transition period that was meant to be devoid of such actions.
Furthermore, the failure to respond to Associate Justice Nagbe’s request for early retirement, coupled with the promotion of Justice Minister Musa Dean to the position of associate justice to the Supreme Court, represents a clear contradiction of the directive. These actions not only signal a lack of respect for the established norms and procedures of our judiciary but also undermine the principles of justice and fairness that are fundamental to our democracy.
It is regrettable that President Weah’s actions have tarnished the legacy of his administration and violated the very principles upon which our democratic system is founded. This is a betrayal of the trust placed in him by the people of Liberia, and it is imperative that we hold our leaders accountable for their actions.
Therefore, I call upon the Senate to fulfill its duty to uphold the rule of law and the sanctity of our democratic institutions by withholding all appointments made in violation of the presidential directive. It is only through such decisive action that we can send a clear message that no individual, regardless of their position, is above the law.
In conclusion, I urge all of us to stand together in defense of the principles upon which our nation was founded. Let us demand accountability and adherence to the rule of law, and let us work tirelessly to ensure that the legacy of our democracy remains untarnished.
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