Monrovia — The Independent Elders Council for Peace and Reconciliation has sharply criticized government officials, describing them as selfish and uncharitable, and called for Liberia’s natural resources to be equitably shared among all citizens.
By Webster Clayeh
Speaking during the Council’s Year-End Review, Elder Samuel O. Philip, head of the organization, emphasized that while not every Liberian will work in government, the nation’s wealth belongs to all and must be managed for the collective good.
Elder Philip stressed that government officials have a moral duty to extend support to the public and accused them of failing to meet this obligation. “This government, they are mean. I am speaking as an elder. It is not everyone that will work in government, but if you are a government official, the people who are outside your fence, when you get outside, you should stretch your hands to them,” he said. He added that the upcoming Christmas season highlights the need for generosity and shared responsibility, warning that officials should act with compassion.
“Christmas is coming, and we don’t even know whether it is Christmas. This country belongs to all of us. We are not expecting the government to do everything for us, but those of you who are in government need to reduce poverty. If government officials are flexible, it will reduce poverty, but they are very, very mean. They should stop that in 2026. The piece of cake belongs to all of us, and it should be divided among all of us,” Elder Philip stated.
The elder further accused government officials of prioritizing personal interests over the welfare of ordinary citizens, asserting that many are more concerned with increasing their budgets and funding personal expenditures than addressing widespread poverty. “They have the money for their girlfriends, for their families. Let them try to stretch their hands,” he said, emphasizing the disconnect between officials and the people they serve.
Elder Philip illustrated his point by highlighting the detachment of some high-ranking officials from the communities they represent. “I know plenty big, big people in my community. From their houses, into their cars, from their cars straight to work. When they return, they go straight back into their houses. We are elders; in leadership, you need someone who will tell the truth. They are tight, and so, let them be flexible. They are mean,” he added.
The Independent Elders Council for Peace and Reconciliation is composed of respected elders, traditional leaders, and spiritual figures from across Liberia. The body has historically played a critical role in fostering dialogue, reconciliation, and social cohesion in Liberia’s post-conflict recovery.
