Monrovia – Instant and rapid reactions to the Orator of this year’s Liberia Independence Day continue to pour in, with several officials in the Unity Party-led government taking to social media to express strong support for Orator Robtel Pailey’s stinging rebuke of Liberia’s traditional ally, the United States of America.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
In her 177th Independence Day Oration, Dr. Pailey stated that the United States has taken more from Liberia than it has given. She said, “Truth be told, the United States of America has taken more from us than we have received. Liberia is nobody’s stepchild.” She also criticized the U.S. for what she termed as interference in Liberia’s transitional justice process.
In response, U.S. Chargé D’Affaires Catherine Rodriguez and Embassy staff walked out of the ceremony, which was attended by President Joseph Boakai, officials of the Liberian Government, and foreign dignitaries.
In a subsequent statement, the U.S. Embassy said: “Independence Day celebrations should be a time for hope, unity, and celebration. Introducing divisive rhetoric and unfounded accusations during such an event undermines its purpose. The CDA’s decision to walk out was a measured response to maintain the event’s decorum and spirit.”
Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah responded, stating that the orator does not speak for the government. “She doesn’t work for the government. She is a private citizen. She has her right to freedom of expression. I don’t know about the Chargé d’Affaires walking out, and if she did, she knows her reasons.”
However, top officials in Boakai’s administration praised Dr. Pailey on their Facebook pages. Deputy Minister of State Cornelia Kruah-Togba wrote, “Liberian Girl! Congratulations Dr. Robtel Neajai Pailey!
Well done.” Mo Ali, Managing Director of the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation, stated, “Dr. Robtel Neajai Pailey, thank you for that oration.”
Boakai Jaleiba, Vice President for Administration at the National Oil Company of Liberia, also wrote, “So the American people walked out of the hall because the Independence Day Orator criticized the US?”
Bong lawmaker Moima Briggs-Mensah, in a live Facebook message, called for Chargé D’Affaires Catherine Rodriguez to be recalled over her actions.
While top ruling party officials praised the orator, key opposition figures condemned Dr. Pailey.
“The Information Minister’s initial reaction is undiplomatic. To say she has the right to her expression is a tacit endorsement of her statement. He should have only said her statement doesn’t represent the views of the government and recognized the tireless efforts of the US Government,” stated an opposition spokesperson.
“This is not the kind of statement you make at an Independence Day oration. It is not the statement you make in front of the entire diplomatic corps. It is the statement you make in your international politics lecture at the university. I wholeheartedly disagree with the orator. She pointed her bullets at the wrong people,” said Senator Saah Joseph. He added, “Instead of blaming those who are stealing from us in broad daylight, she took issue with America, which spends billions of American taxpayers’ dollars to help Liberia. The problem with Liberia’s underdevelopment is caused by massive corruption orchestrated by Liberians themselves, especially public officials.”
Opposition Coalition for Democratic Change stalwart and former Representative Acarous Moses Gray said, “To attack and shame the US Government in the presence of its diplomatic allies and adversaries was a very undiplomatic move. Interestingly, some officials from the Executive are commending her on social media. Just the implementation.”
