Monrovia — Ahead of the Unity Party’s highly anticipated Homecoming Celebration scheduled for today Saturday, December 6, former National Secretary-General and Chairman of the Unity Party, Wilmot J. M. Paye, has released a fiery statement warning that the biggest dangers to the ruling party are not external opponents, but “enemies within.”
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh
Paye, a former Minister of Mines and Energy and 2023 senatorial candidate for Montserrado County, issued what he described as “My Homecoming Day Message to Unity Party and Liberians”—a sweeping, impassioned commentary urging the UP to confront internal corruption, recommit to its pledges, and safeguard the gains made since returning to power in 2024.
‘December 6 Is Not a Show—It Is a Recommitment’
Paye cautioned partisans against viewing the Homecoming celebration as a festive display, describing it instead as a solemn recommitment to the promises the party made to Liberians during the 2023 elections.
“December 6 is not about politics for the sake of it… It is a recommitment to the Pledge we made in 2023, the pledge we made to Liberia,” he wrote.
He emphasized that the event must be about reflection, reassurance, and renewal—an opportunity to regain the trust of the Liberian people amid persistent inequalities, poor governance, and widespread economic challenges.
Warning of ‘Adulterants’ and ‘Unpatriotic Intruders’
The former UP boss reserved his strongest criticism for individuals he claims have infused themselves into the party’s ranks with corrupt intentions. He described them as “more dangerous than the Opposition,” and accused them of attempting to derail President Boakai’s ARREST Agenda through greed and self-interest.
“This Homecoming must unite us not only against detractors. It must unite us against the adulterants and unpatriotic intruders in our midst… the enemies within, who are more dangerous than the Opposition.”
He alleged that some individuals who “never labored” for the party’s return to power are now positioned to “loot Liberia again,” and urged party leaders and government officials to take decisive action.
‘Why Are the Corrupt Even Brave?’
Paye issued stinging rebukes of ongoing corruption in government and within the party, chastising those who he says collude with foreigners to loot national resources while Liberia struggles for basic development support.
“Why does it seem that the corrupt are in charge?… Why are they allowed to deceive Liberia again?”
He warned that the progress already made in road construction, agriculture, energy, diplomacy, and other sectors could be undone if the party fails to confront internal corruption head-on.
Liberia Is Not Poor — Mismanagement Is the Problem, Paye Says
Citing figures from the gold sector and the vast potential of the iron ore corridor, Paye asserted that Liberia has more than enough natural wealth to transform itself—if corruption is eradicated.
He pointed to Bea Mountain Mining Company allegedly generating US$31 million in one week and highlighted the 17 billion tons of iron ore reserves along the Yekepa–Buchanan rail corridor as proof of Liberia’s untapped economic potential.
“How can we still be poor?… All we need is to stop the enemies within.”
A Call to Action for UP Executives and Government Officials
Paye criticized what he called the concentration of roles and responsibilities within a small clique of party executives, saying it has hindered the party’s connection to rural constituencies.
He urged government officials to “serve with dignity,” stop enriching themselves, and uphold the values that brought the party back to power.
“After all, how much do you really need to live here?… Stop serving your pockets and purses.”
‘Wake Up, Unity Party!’
Throughout his message, Paye repeatedly appealed to young people, women, elders, and rank-and-file partisans to reclaim the party’s moral compass and protect its legacy.
He warned that the UP’s performance between now and 2029 will determine whether Liberians continue to trust the movement.
“Elections are won with votes. Votes come from people. People are won with trust. Trust comes from character.”
Personal Note and Pledge
Paye informed the public that he will not attend the Homecoming due to the funeral of a family elder in Nimba County, but said his wife, Mrs. Comfort B. Paye, will represent the family.
He pledged US$500 toward the event.
A Final Plea
Closing with a patriotic appeal, Paye called on the Unity Party to rise above greed, division, and complacency, insisting that Liberia’s future depends on the party’s ability to police its own ranks.
“The UP is not for sale… Wake up now or never.”
He ended with a prayer for the party, its Standard Bearer, and the Republic of Liberia.
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