The Editor,
The hullabaloo of President George Weah maiden foreign travel to Senegal, Morocco, and France is currently at its apex.
The explanation of Senegal footing the bill of the President’s travel and leaked document purportedly stating otherwise – the government of Liberia costs – literally transformed this very low-budget foreign trip to the CDC-led government first public relations crisis. Going forward, one would hope that President’s media team realign, refocus and be more discipline!
The virtual presidency
This is the age of the virtual presidency but one would expect that the many arteries – related to information dissemination within the presidency – connect with the aorta to ensure news emanating from the presidency in the future is timely, accurate, not conflicting and unambiguous. For now, there appear to be too many spokespersons – the age of the smartphones and Facebook live is apparently overwhelming the presidency in its initial stages.
Leaks and leakers
Supporters of the President are vociferous in their criticisms of the leaking of financial documents containing the financial obligation of the government of Liberia related to the trip despite initial pronouncements by “unofficial” spokespersons intimating that the government of Senegal was the benefactor of the trip.
Some supporters are laying the blame squarely at the feet of Unity Party holdouts and calling for their immediate removal from sensitive positions – literally questioning their loyalty and reckless handling of a supposedly confidential document.
What they might be afraid to acknowledge is the fact that there are many CDCians who feel disenfranchised. Whoever the leaker is, Liberians should note that our political parties are NOT based on ideologies – and most of the Unity Party holdouts will do anything to keep their jobs, even if it means worshiping at the feet of the President.
Size matters
The alleged leaked document, if anything, absolved the President and validates his adherence to his pro-poor agenda. The cost of the trip is the least I have ever seen. If anyone can contradict my assertion, I would like them to make public a Presidential travel voucher – especially with the same delegation size.
The alleged size of the delegation (24 persons), travel duration (Wednesday, February 14, to Friday, February 23, 2018) mathematically amount to each member of the President’s entourage garnering approximately $240 a day. Very minimal considering costs of living in the countries being visited.
Yesterday’s beneficiary turned today’s critic
We must first acknowledge that two wrongs do not make a right. Some are going to the extent of demanding the names of the President’s delegation and an itemized list of their functions and terms of reference as related to the President’s trip.
Now, our collective memory is still fresh of Mr Darius Dillon of the Liberty Party ensconced behind President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf at the United Nations in New York – one can only wonder what his purpose and terms of reference were at the time. The President’s critics must be aware that his supporters also believe in transparency, probity, and accountability – but not mere criticisms to score political points
A non-crisis crisis
Lost in this swirling controversy is the million dollar question – what is the purpose of the President’s travel? We are all aware that this government inherited delayed salaries, a dire financial state and very limited means of raising revenues in the short-term to honor both its short and medium-term financial obligations.
It is common knowledge that these travels afford the President the opportunity to personally make the case for financial assistance. As this piece is been penned – there are rumors that some civil service employees are actively planning strikes in an attempt to receive their back pay.
Hoping that George Weah Fails
Make no mistake about it, there are some who are heavily invested in the President and his government failing. They will exaggerate every minute misstep as though it is a gigantic crisis. We all must remember that this President is being proactive! Foreseeing conditions and taking preemptive actions to address them. President George Weah inherited a broken country – broken to the core! It will be to the benefit of us all, despite our political persuasions – if we jettison partisan bickering and unite for a common cause – a better Liberia!
Benjamin Kofa Fyneah, Contributing Writer
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