By Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia, Liberia – In a bold and unfiltered critique, Wadei Powell, a prominent Liberian politician and businesswoman, has aimed at the so-called advocates of change within the country’s political landscape, accusing them of hypocrisy and complicity in the very issues they now decry.
Her pointed remarks, which have sparked widespread debate, challenge the integrity and effectiveness of both current and past leadership in Liberia. Powell’s critique centers on the actions of political figures who, according to her, campaigned on platforms of falsehoods and corrupt practices.
“Why are YOU, so-called ‘advocates,’ making noise in people’s ears every day about the fallout of decisions that YOU perpetrated?” she questioned, likening their behavior to that of a battered spouse who remains in a toxic relationship despite the opportunity for a better one.
Powell went on to highlight the contradictions in the actions of these advocates, pointing out that they accepted campaign funds from questionable sources and then feigned surprise at the ensuing corruption. “You campaigned for and won the presidency based on lies and corrupt practices. Now you expect corruption to magically disappear?” she asserted.
Furthermore, Powell criticized the lack of preparation and planning by the current administration, emphasizing that the government assumed office with “ZERO human capacity” and provided “ZERO plan for development.” She expressed frustration that the same individuals who accepted and promoted candidates with dubious backgrounds were now questioning their behavior in office.
In her remarks, Powell also addressed the issue of partisanship, noting that the appointment of unqualified individuals to critical government positions was based solely on political loyalty rather than merit. “You have and continue to REFUSE to be a government of inclusion, even though you lack capacity on your own, all in the name of giving jobs to ‘campaign soldiers,’” she stated.
Powell’s scathing analysis extended to the broader political environment, where she argued that the current administration is no different from its predecessors. “Your advocacy and support for change through the current leadership had absolutely nothing to do with change and everything to do with ‘it’s our time,’” she claimed. “You saw an opportunity to ride on the coattails of popularity that had the easiest pathway to winning, and YOU took it. PERIOD!”
Concluding her remarks, Powell urged her audience to recognize the reality of the situation. “STOP lying to the Liberian people because, quite frankly, the average Liberian is not listening,” she warned. “They have begrudgingly accepted that every top is STILL on its own bottom.”
With a sharp wit, she likened the current political climate to a “parked car” in need of parts that may never arrive, suggesting that the cycle of disappointment will continue unless there is a fundamental change in behavior among the political elite. “Wait for the next election, and maybe, just maybe, by then, YOU’D have decided to change YOUR behavior instead of continuously blaming others for decisions YOU make,” Powell concluded.
Her candid comments have ignited discussions across Liberia and prompted many to reflect on the state of the nation’s politics and the role of advocates in shaping the future of the country.
In response to Powell’s statements, various political analysts and commentators have weighed in, with some supporting her call for accountability and others questioning her motivations. The debate continues to highlight the complexities and challenges of governance in Liberia, as the nation grapples with issues of corruption, partisanship, and the quest for genuine change.
The repercussions of Powell’s critique may extend beyond mere political discourse, potentially influencing upcoming elections and the strategies of political parties. As Liberians prepare to head to the polls in the years ahead, the spotlight on political integrity and the true meaning of advocacy for change has never been sharper.
