Othello Sarweh Nimely
Information Minister Jerolinmek M. Piah’s mode of communication has come under the spotlight once more, with the head of Elder Council of Liberia, Samuel Philips, accusing him of adopting what he described as an arrogant and disrespectful approach when responding to concerns raised by citizens.
The Minister and his Deputy Daniel Sando are of recent being at the receiving end of volleys of criticisms for allegedly diverting from their core duties of propagating government’s development agenda to “attacking and insulting critical voices,” mainly opposition leaders.
In a weekend interview, Elder Philips who is the Chairman of the Liberia Independent Elder Council for Peace and Reconciliation said Minister Piah often speaks harshly instead of providing clear and respectful responses to issues affecting the public.
According to Elder Philips, the minister should remember that he serves the Liberian people and is paid with taxpayers’ money, also stressing that citizens deserve answers to their questions rather than being spoken to in a manner he described as insulting.
”Not all Liberians are soldiers, so the Information Minister should not respond to citizens as though they are members of the military,” Elder Philips said.
The elder specifically referenced comments attributed to Minister Piah during a press conference where someone asked about the Liberia-Guinea border dispute, in which the minister reportedly told the person to take up arms and confront Guinean soldiers.
Elder Philips described such remarks as inappropriate and disrespectful, arguing that a minister of information should instead promote peaceful and responsible communication.
Elder Philip comments reflect concerns previously expressed by many citizens, who believe the Ministry of Information has increasingly used its regular press briefings to make harsh remarks and criticize opponents.
Deputy Information Minister Daniel Sando has, on several occasions, been accused by members of the public of making remarks that insulted former national leaders, including former President George Weah.
Warning that public frustration is growing, Elder Philips said members of the Liberia Independent Elder Council for Peace and Reconciliation are “angry and tired” of what they view as disrespectful statements from the Ministry’s podium.
He cautioned that the council could consider further action if Minister Piah continues with the same communication style.
As of the time of publication, Minister Piah had not publicly responded to Elder Philips’ allegations.
Meanwhile, commenting on the reported seizure of narcotics valued at approximately US$19 million at Roberts International Airport, Elder Philips called for swift and transparent intervention by the relevant authorities.
He emphasized the need for a thorough investigation as the case continues to unfold, with additional individuals reportedly being linked to the ongoing probe.
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