IPNEWS: Several sources within the Executive Mansion have hinted the authoritative Independent that controversial July 26 2024 Orator Dr. Robtel Neajai is set to take over the University of Liberia as President.
According to the report, Dr. Robtel Neajai, highly recommended by several closed associates of President Boakai including National Security Advisor Cllr. Koffi Woods is top of the list of recommended individuals.
It may be recalled, Friday, July 26, 2024, Liberia’s 177th Independence Day Orator, Dr. Robtel Neajai Pailey’s speech sparked serious uproar in Liberia, with some hailing her bravery in speaking truth to power, while others are condemning her for speaking strongly against Liberia-US relationship.
Delivering her Independence Day speech at the Centennial Memorial Pavilion on Ashmun Street in Monrovia, Dr. Robtel Neajai Pailey, a Liberian Professor of Economics and Political Science at London School of Economics asserted among issues which are affecting Liberia’s growth and development:
“Finally, I remain very concerned about the outsized influence of the United States in our transitional justice process. We must forge new strategic partnerships based on mutual benefit and disabuse ourselves of the notion that we have a ‘special relationship’ with America.
“Truth be told, this so-called ‘special relationship’ only exists in our imagination. Lest we forget, the United States was one of the last countries to recognize our independence. Lest we forget, the United States has taken more from us than it has given.
“Lest we forget, the United States will always serve its own interests above all else. Once we accept these truths, we will appreciate that a re-imagined Liberia can never be anyone’s ‘stepchild’.”
However, the Orator’s assertions angered the United States (US) delegation led by the Chargé d’Affaires (CDA), Cathrine Rodriguez, to walk out of Liberia’s 177th Independence Day in protest.
Liberia’s 177th Independence Day Anniversary celebration was engulfed by a moment of controversy after the American delegation walked out of the program.
Later, in a hurriedly written statement on the same day of the July 26, 2024, Liberia’s Independence celebration, the United States Embassy near Monrovia clarified that the decision of its Chargé d’Affaires (CDA), Cathrine Rodriguez, to walk out of Liberia’s 177th Independence Day Celebration was the result of the introduction of “divisive rhetoric and unfounded accusations,” by the Independence Day Orator, Dr. Robtel Neajai Pailey.
The United States Embassy pointed out that Independence Day is a time for hope and unity and that CDA Rodriguez’s decision to walk out was a “measured response” to the Orator’s comments.
The Embassy, in the statement, indicated that while the orator is entitled to freedom of speech, the CDA chose to “exercise her right not to listen to such remarks”.
The statement, however, added that the United States and Liberia share a unique history and democratic values.
Meanwhile, the Embassy disclosed that the United States has a long history of providing foreign assistance, amounting to at least US$163 million annually to Liberia.
“This is separate from the U.S. government’s contributions to several international organizations that also provide aid to the Liberian people. Additionally, numerous U.S. foundations, private American citizens, and non-governmental organizations are dedicated to uplifting the Liberian people,” the statement noted.
Also, the Embassy assured the public that the United States remains a steadfast partner to Liberia, dedicated to fostering a positive and collaborative relationship based on shared values and mutual respect.
The United States of America (USA) looks forward to continuing to work together with Liberia now and in the future, for the benefit of both nations, the statement further said.
Following the departure of the US delegation from the Independence Day program, the Government of Liberia (GoL), clarified its position on the speech delivered by Dr. Pailey, the event’s national orator.
Liberia’s Information Minister, Jerolinmek Mathew Piah, emphasized that Dr. Pailey’s remarks were her personal views and not the Liberian government’s stance.
Addressing journalists after the Independence Day program, Minister Piah clarified that orators express their personal views and do not speak for the government.
“What she said were her views; and in the spirit of respecting freedom of expression, we should respect the orator for her view,” he stated.
“They don’t represent the government, and I don’t intend to discuss an orator’s view during a national event,” Piah added.
When questioned about how America, Liberia’s closest ally, might perceive the orator’s statement, Minister Piah responded, “America is a land that practices freedom of expression to its fullest. America is aware that Robtel doesn’t work for the government. America is aware that Robtel was brought as the national orator and her view represents her.”
Despite Minister Piah’s statement, some officials of the 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 County Lawmaker, Moima Briggs-Mensah, in a Facebook message, called for Chargé D’Affaires Catherine Rodriguez to be recalled over her actions.
Apart, officials of both ruling Unity Party (UP) and opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) began condemning and praising the Dr. Pailey’s speech.
The Chairman of UP, Dr. Luther Tarpeh, expressed his displeasure over accusations made by the Orator of Liberia’s 177th Independence Day, contending that the orator’s comment is “embarrassing, offensive disrespectful and misleading.”
“While your speech to national leaders and ordinary Liberians was convicting and created a sense of national consciousness and call to duty, your accusation against the United States of America for the backwardness of our country is simply embarrassing, offensive, distasteful and misleading,” Dr. Tarpeh wrote on his Facebook page.
He argued that the National Orator, Dr. Pailey’s claim against America is not evidence-based, indicating that Liberia has been a sovereign country for 177 years and that the nation has managed its destiny as a people and as a country.
On the contrary, Dr Tarpeh indicated that the U.S has given Liberia so much since 1862, but past Liberian government officials chose to put personal interests above national interest. However, the UP Chairman did not provide any data or empirical evidence to his assertion.
He asked: “Your speech has embarrassed our President and the Unity Party. Why should we blame someone for our economic condition at this age?”
The UP Chairman then urged Liberians, including Dr. Pailey to take national responsibility to build the country instead of blaming America for Liberia’s economic and developmental woes.
While UP Chairman is criticizing Dr. Pailey, the Chair on Foreign Affairs of House of Senate, Montserrado County Senator, Abraham Darius Dillon, has backed Dr. Pailey’s incisive critique of the US relations with Liberia.
Senator Dillon on his Facebook Page, added that “The hard truth that hurts, can also heals.”
The Montserrado County Lawmaker said when the National Orator criticized the Legislature in our faces, Executive members before the President, citizens home and abroad applauded her.
“We must not only applaud the parts that criticized others, we must embrace the harsh truths and work to improve for the common good, free of personal, political or partisans’ biases.
At same time, Liberia’s main opposition the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), in a statement issued over the weekend, said the National Independence Day Oration should be about peace and prosperity, not about attacks.
The attacks against the United States of America by the 177 Independence Day Orator, Ms. Robtel Pailey, does not represent the view of all Liberians, who cherish the long-standing relationship between Liberia and the United States of America.
The CDC statement signed by its National Chairman, Atty. Janga Kowo, said while the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) supports free speech, we absolutely don’t condone any speech or action that demonstrates semblance of attacks on the values and principles of the United States of America and – or any of Liberia’s international partners or diplomatic friends.
The CDC further “condemns and terms as irresponsible, the responses in support of the unfounded attacks from the officials of the Boakai- Koung Unity Party led Administration.”
According to the former ruling party in Liberia, “The Orator’s attacks demonstrate an elementary lack of understanding of Liberian history and current realities. From the foundation of Liberia and up to present, the United States has been a supportive partner to Liberia’s growth and development.”
The CDC also stated that Dr. Pailey’s assertions are not backed by any empirical data and therefore originates from emotion rather than an academic or intellectual foundation.
“The National Orator should have spoken about the vicious attacks by the current government on the various institutions of the state-disregard to the Supreme Court rulings, violations of the Procurement Laws, murder of citizens in Kinjor, Grand Cape Mount County and Monrovia,” the opposition party said.
The CDC asked: “Have we, as a nation, paused to calculate how much the United States and other partners have invested in Liberia’s postwar reconstruction and development efforts? From the days of ECOMOG, ECOMIL, UNMIL to now? It is in the tens of Billions of United States Dollars.”
“The United States, however, cannot do simple things for Liberia that should be done by the National leadership of Liberia,” the party added.
In conclusion, the CDC reaffirms its profound appreciation for the invaluable support of America and the entire international community towards the growth and development of Liberia!
Meanwhile, the University of Liberia (UL) is set to reopen on January 13, according to an announcement by Presidential Press Secretary Kula Fofana on social media. Fofana also hinted at the imminent appointment of a new president for the institution, stating that administrative efforts are underway to address the university’s ongoing challenges.
This announcement comes amidst heightened concerns from students, faculty, and other stakeholders over the prolonged closure of the university and the lack of permanent leadership. Critics have expressed frustration over the delay in appointing a new president, which has stalled progress on key issues.
In November, the University of Liberia Faculty Association (ULFA), representing over 400 faculty members, issued a strong appeal to President Joseph Nyumah Boakai to fulfill his promise to name a permanent president for UL. During a General Assembly held at the Fendall Campus, ULFA stressed the urgency of decisive leadership to end the current state of administrative paralysis.
ULFA President Dr. Edna G. Johnny underscored the expiration of the Acting President’s mandate, noting that the “Presidential Search Committee” has already submitted its recommendations. “The welfare of our faculty and staff directly impacts the quality of education we provide,” Dr. Johnny stated. “We are calling on the government to honor its commitments and ensure that UL has the leadership it needs to move forward.”
The association has outlined several critical demands, including:
The immediate appointment of a new president.
Implementation of a 40% salary increase promised to faculty members.
Payment of outstanding salary arrears.
Improved working conditions for staff.
A comprehensive audit of the university’s operations to ensure transparency and accountability.
ULFA has made it clear that academic activities will not resume until these demands are met.
As the reopening date approaches, students and faculty are closely monitoring developments, hoping the government will address the pressing issues. The uncertainty surrounding the leadership transition has cast a shadow over preparations for the new academic calendar.
