– Orator urges President Baokai to do self-reflection
In the annals of history, leaders are remembered not by their words, but by their actions. They are judged based on their commitment to principles, and whether they choose to uphold the rule of law or condone lawlessness. Liberia’s 177th Independence Day Orator, Dr. Robtel Naijai Pailey, has challenged President Boakai to do a critical self-reflection on his tenure and the legacy hewishes to leave behind.
She reminded the Liberian President that his administration has faced several contentious issues that have raised eyebrows and sown seeds of doubt among the Liberian people. She told President Boakai that from the debacle with tenured positions to the appointments of questionable characters in key positions of trust, and the controversy surrounding what is now infamously known as ‘Yellow Machine Gate,’ these missteps have tarnished the trust placed in him.
Dr. Pailey encouraged President Boakai that it is not too late to course-correct. To regain the confidence of the Liberian people, she urged the President to assemble a diverse and nationally representative team of competent and committed Liberians who possess integrity to establish clear, mutually agreeable, time-bound deliverables for them to achieve and hold them accountable. “Demand that all appointees either roll up their sleeves and get to work or step aside to make way for progress,” she said.
The Orator said while the ARREST Agenda is a commendable effort, it appears more like a multi-sectoral development wish-list rather than a cohesive and broad-based vision for our future. To unify and inspire the nation, she proposedadopting the phrase ‘Dignity Must Define Us’ as the anchor for the administration’s national development plan. This phrase, she said, should guide every policy, every decision, and every action taken by the government.
She reminded the President that running the executive branch efficiently requires a commitment to transparency and accountability. She wants the Liberian leader to schedule quarterly presidential town hall discussions on the state broadcaster, allowing citizens to converse with him in real-time. She the President mandates ministers and heads of state-owned enterprises to do the same. “The Liberian people elected an executive they presumed would be accessible and accountable. Do not disappoint them”, she said.
‘President Boakai, the choice is yours: to be remembered for condoning lawlessness or for respecting the rule of law. Let dignity define us and guide us toward a brighter future for all Liberians.’
