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By Seltue Karweaye
On September 6, 2024, Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe, a well-known human rights lawyer and former Liberian People’s Party (LPP) presidential candidate, criticized the government for alleged lawlessness and a lack of seriousness in fighting corruption. He also accused President Boakai of demonstrating a troubling disrespect for the rule of law and noted that corruption has become a daily activity for officials in his administration.
In response to Gongloe’s comments during a regular press briefing at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) on September 10, 2024, the Liberian government warned Cllr. Gongloe to be mindful of his criticism of President Boakai and the administration. Deputy Information Minister Daniel O. Sando dismissed the criticisms as unfounded, adding that Cllr. Gongloe is only trying to create a false impression. Sondo urged the political leader of the Liberian People’s Party (LPP) to observe the process of governance as it unfolds to see whether the President will deliver on his promises or not.
It is unfortunate that Cllr. Gongloe’s criticisms of President Boakai and his administration, as well as his proposed solutions, were not objectively considered on their factual merits. Instead, they were politicized. Many loyal supporters of President Boakai are regrettably questioning Gongloe’s critique of the Boakai-led government.
They seem to have conveniently forgotten the fact that Gongloe actively contested in the 2023 presidential election. His political party, the LPP, was the first to throw their support behind the Unity Party in the second round of the election. They have also forgotten that Gongloe has dedicated over forty years to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that everyone has equal access to the fundamental necessities of life: food, shelter, health, education, and opportunities in Liberia. Consequently, Cllr. Gongloe has emerged as a symbol of integrity in governance and a source of hope for millions of the poorest of the poor.
Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe’s recent comments on our nation’s direction were propelled by an optimistic commitment to our national development: “We need inclusive leadership that prioritizes the rule of law, vigorously fights corruption, and places the interests of the Liberian people above all else.” These are not mere words; there is abundant evidence to support this.
Again, Cllr. Gongloe paid a realistic tribute to our development strides under President Boaka. For example, consider these statements: “The first positive step is the efforts being made to implement the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, especially the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court. The second positive steps were the interventions on some major highways in the country, during the first three months in power, although because of the heavy rains, the conditions of the roads are getting bad again. The efforts made to improve the environmental conditions of Liberia, the credibility of our passports, the requirement of motorcyclists to wear helmets and to restrict the number of passengers, the revocation of illegal diplomatic passports, the auditing of government agencies, and publication of the audit reports are all positive steps. The government should be commended for its initial steps in cleaning Monrovia and Paynesville in the first three months, although the situation is declining again. President Boakai scored a historical point recently when he increased the number of women on the Supreme Court Bench.”
It is important to acknowledge that Gongloe’s contributions to human development in Liberia, as an Associate Professor at the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, surpass those of many verbose public figures who lack basic impulse control skills. If our leaders aspire to embody the selfless love for humanity demonstrated by Gongloe and other meaningful Liberians, Liberia could be a better place for all citizens instead of the few political elites and their families.
Deputy Minister Sando and our leaders should draw wisdom from former US President Bill Clinton. When Mother Teresa’s anti-abortion speech caused a stir in the USA, a reporter asked President Clinton for his response to her views. Clinton eloquently remarked, “How can anyone argue with a life so well-lived? It is a mark of leadership to handle criticism graciously without causing division.” In refraining from attacking or warning Mother Teresa for her differing opinion, Clinton demonstrated the dignified approach of a true leader.
Leaders who adopt a multi-perspective approach often have a more profound impact on the world. They are open to considering viewpoints that may differ from their own, unlike ego-driven leaders who are resistant to learning from critique. Impartial and knowledgeable critics provide valuable advice without charge, and it’s time for our leaders to start engaging with unpaid think tanks and critics. These critics often offer more valuable guidance than politically appointed special advisers who frequently fall short when it comes to providing expert advice.
One key reason for Liberia’s struggle to reinvent itself and assert its position at the forefront of African or global development is the tendency of our leaders to value praise singing and shun objective, depoliticized critiques. Insincere praise does not drive remarkable achievement. In reality, relying on praise singers could inhibit progress on a psychological level and hinder our ability to accomplish extraordinary feats. Ill-timed praises handicap rather than empower. If our leaders and followers recognize this reality, we can eliminate the practice of showering mediocrity with accolades. The culture of excellence is endangered when there is a habit of celebrating underperformance.
Effective leadership isn’t about boosting egos or tending to emotional well-being. On the contrary, emotional well-being and strong egos are prerequisites for impactful leadership. They must be inherent qualities of every leader, not the ultimate goal. Without emotional stability, leaders rely on constant praise and may silence opposing voices.
Every leader has a limited vision. Great leaders acknowledge this and surround themselves with individuals of foresight. This gives the impression of all-knowingness and the ability to address societal issues. To truly understand the meaning of leadership, it is crucial for our leaders to actively listen to well-informed political and non-political critiques without feeling the need to respond immediately. Sondo’s call for the political leader of the Liberian People’s Party to observe the process of governance as it unfolds to see whether the President will deliver on his promises or not is not an answer to Gongloe’s constructive criticism of President Boakai and his administration. Exceptional leaders refrain from engaging in verbal confrontations or issuing warnings, not because they cannot prevail, but because they recognize the pointlessness of such victories.
It’s important to recognize that engaging in strong verbal attacks against critics of the government of Liberia, as frequently witnessed at the (MICAT) under successive regimes, does not bring honor to leaders. Rather, it can undermine their prestige and hinder the formation of strong alliances for societal transformation. Leaders may also tend to overlook the truth when they become involved in verbal combat. This was evident in the case of former President George Weah and his Coalition For Democratic Change (CDC), whose confrontational approach at MICAT contributed to their defeat in the 2023 presidential election.
It was former American President Theodore Roosevelt who once said: “To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile but is morally treasonable to the American public.” Danie Sondo and his superiors must realize that every leader’s primary responsibility is to ensure the welfare of society. Embracing diverse opinions and dissenting voices is vital for the prosperity of civilization. It fosters collective efficiency and minimizes the prevalence of disruptive tensions.
To truly propel Liberia towards genuine growth and development grounded in good governance, we require more fearless individuals like Tiawan Gongloe—truth-tellers who bravely expose the shortcomings of the President of Liberia and the elite class. Moreover, we need leaders like Bill Clinton who grasp the importance of embracing diverse perspectives. I rest my pen.
