Former Executive Mansion Chief of Protocol Finda Bundoo threw what is being described by political observers and commentators as “political fireball” in an emotional tribute at her late father’s funeral over the weekend, accusing members of her own party of abandoning her and revealing that “some wanted me in jail” to prevent her from burying her father.
Speaking over the remains of her father, Elder Elijah Tamba Bundoo, the CDC stalwart broke down as she recounted months of political and personal turmoil following her removal from government.
“Some of my own people wanted me in jail — but God refused their plan,” Madam Bundoo told mourners. “They never wanted me to bury my father; today I thank President Boakai and Deputy Speaker Fallah for standing by me. I have learned my lesson. I owe nobody anything, God saved me.”
The former protocol chief said the period after she left the Executive Mansion was marked by isolation from colleagues she once served with in the Coalition for Democratic Change, CDC. Without naming individuals, she said the same people who once worked with her turned their backs when she needed support most.
In a more troubling revelation, she alleged that there were efforts to have her incarcerated. “They even wanted me jailed,” she said, “so that I would not have the opportunity to see my father buried.”
Amid the pain, Bundoo heaped praise on President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah for what she described as their kindness during her time of grief.
Madam Bundoo hails from Foya, Lofa County just as President Boakai and Deputy Speaker Fallah – a connection for which many said their support to her was not in isolation.
Some Liberians tried to frame her comments as having political weight, suggesting she might as well follow the footsteps of Fallah who has since abandoned the CDC, the party that prepared him politically, and pledged unflinching support for President Boakai and even formed a political support group for him.
She said both leaders reached out and ensured she was able to give her father a befitting burial, despite the political differences between the CDC and the ruling Unity Party.
“President Boakai and Deputy Speaker Fallah stood by me when my own people walked away,” she stated. “I will never forget that.”
Elder Elijah Tamba Bundoo, a former Gissi announcer on ELBC, was remembered by family and friends as a disciplinarian, a church elder, and a man who instilled in his children the values of hard work and faith.
Finda Bundoo served as Chief of Protocol at the Executive Mansion during the administration of former President George Weah. She was one of the visible faces of the CDC government, often seen coordinating state functions and welcoming dignitaries.
Since her exit from government, she has largely stayed out of the public eye. Saturday’s tribute marked one of her first major public appearances.
The comments have since sparked discussions within CDC circles, with some members expressing sympathy while others called for party unity. As of press time, no CDC official had publicly responded to Bundoo’s allegations.
The funeral of Elder Bundoo drew a cross-section of political figures, religious leaders, and community members who gathered to pay their last respects.
But who wanted her jailed or abandoned is the question being asked in many quarters as the issue generate debates and raised concerns about Liberia’s uncertain political climate where people play politics for publicity stun.
However, the funeral was graced by many officials of the CDC or associates of former President George Weah with whom Finda worked as Chief of Protocol.
On behalf of the former head of state, former Foreign Minister Maxwell Kemayah paid a thrilling tribute. “I bring you warm greetings from His Excellency Dr. George Manneh Weah, the 25th President of the Republic of Liberia,” he said.
He said the former president would have been physically present not only at this funeral service for the late Elder Elijah Tamba Bundoo, but at all the activities surrounding his passing.
According to him, former President Weah was in touch and expressed concern “Since the old man passed away, there has hardly been a day that President Weah has not called to inquire about the family and the funeral arrangements.”
“In his most recent call to me this morning, he reflected on the memorable moments he personally shared with the late Elder Elijah Tabakon. He told me, ‘He was my old man, and he was my good friend.'”
He extended deepest condolences, not only on his own behalf but also on behalf of his wife, Clar Weah to the family, including Senior Elder Martha Bundoo, Ambassador Finda Bundoo, Sir Bundoo, and the entire bereaved family. “President Weah said to me that he, too, is bereaved,” he said.
Kemayah said: “We need not stand here and recount the decades of friendship and interaction that President Weah has shared with Ambassador Finda Bundoo.”
He also recounted: “It is no secret that Ambassador Bundoo served President Weah as Chief of Protocol and Executive Mansion for six successive years. Even before then, she was an integral part of the struggle that eventually brought President Weah to power.”
“From all we have heard and now know, Elder Elijah Bundoo lived a full and meaningful life that touched many Liberians, both at home and abroad. We give God the glory for his life. The old man lived a full life, and to God be the glory,” he said.
At Finda Bundoo father’s funeral ceremony, some members of the CDC were present, including CDC Chairperson Janga Kowo, Senator Nathaniel McGill, former Minister of States for Presidential Affairs George Wesseh Blamo, former Foreign Minister Dee Maxwell Kemayah, while former Maritime Boss Eugene Lenn Nagbe, Israel Akinsayah, and former Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor were all in attendance at the family’s quiet hours at the Saint Moses.
About The Author
