Piah asks cowardly officials to leave. 

By: Kruah Thompson 

Monrovia, August 12, 2024-In a bold statement here, the Minister of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism, Jerolinmek M. Piah, has urged Liberians, especially in government, who worry about potential political instability due to the government’s ongoing crackdown on corruption to consider leaving, maintaining that the Government of Liberia is not afraid to do what is right.

“Failure to hold people accountable for their actions is what has kept us where we are for nearly 177 years. If you’re scared, step aside. Those of us who are not afraid will do what is right, and the country will rise again.” He noted.

Speaking at the Ministry’s weekly press briefing recently (Thursday, August 8, 2024) in Monrovia, the Minister expressed that these fears reflect a reluctance to confront and address corruption, which he claims is a significant obstacle to national progress. 

According to Minister Piah, the nation’s struggles and stagnation are in stark contrast to the development seen in neighboring countries. 

“Those worried about the political climate are hesitant to support the necessary reforms,” the Minister said. “We are at a critical juncture, and if people cannot accept or work with our efforts to eradicate corruption, they should consider moving away and allow us to save the country.

The Minister’s remarks come amid ongoing debates about the government’s recent anti-corruption measures on former officials, which critics argue could destabilize the country.

 However, he remains steadfast, asserting that such measures are essential for the country’s advancement and for aligning it with regional standards.

In another development, Minister Piah has strongly criticized the opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) for endorsing the violent slogan “Kill one, kill all,” allegedly promoted by some dismissed Executive Protection Service (EPS) officers.

He described the CDC’s stance as counterproductive to the country’s democratic principles and warned that it poses a serious threat to Liberia’s fragile peace.

He emphasized the importance of democratic processes in resolving leadership disputes and expressed concern over the CDC’s actions, particularly given that the party had been out of power for just over a month.

“This country is nobody’s inheritance. You had the opportunity to serve because the Liberian people chose you. You did not meet their expectations. 

They voted you out. They brought in a new government. They will support someone else if this government does not meet their expectations. The way to resolve leadership conflicts in this country is through the democratic process,” Piah stated.

He warned that protests aimed at creating insecurity, scaring away investors, or making Liberia appear ungovernable would not be tolerated.

He emphasized that such actions only serve to destabilize the nation. “If these protests are also intended to divert our attention from our commitment to hold people accountable, then you are mistaken. 

They will have zero impact on our resolve to hold past leaders who breached the public trust accountable,” he stressed.

He further criticized those who believe they can intimidate the government through protests and threats.

He pointed out that while many people serve in government, not everyone is involved in criminal activities. Those who are found guilty should be held accountable, regardless of their connections or past positions.

“Do you know how many people serve in government? How many get elected? How many have been investigated? Not everyone who has worked in government is involved in criminal acts. Does that mean that those who are guilty should not be held accountable? When they are, they cry ‘witch hunt,’” he emphasized.

Minister Piah disclosed that the government’s commitment to accountability remains steadfast, regardless of how various groups interpret it.

However, he noted that the Unity Party did nothing to undermine the governance of the state.

“What we are seeing again is a return to business as usual—threats of protest, talk of resistance, and everything that undermines the peace and security of the country. This is unacceptable,” he expressed. Editing by Jonathan Browne