Othello Sarweh Nimely
Monrovia-Jefferson Tamba Koijee, Secretary General of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), has accused Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon of political interference, alleged nepotism, and corruption in connection with the ongoing crisis in Liberia’s education sector.
In a statement titled “The Mask Is Off! The Dillon Deception: How One Senator’s Greed Pillaged Liberia’s Schools and Mocked Its People,” Koijee alleged that the ongoing teachers’ go-slow action and student protests across Monrovia stem from decisions influenced by Senator Dillon.
Koijee argued that the crisis was not simply a result of teacher shortages or budget constraints but was linked to what he described as a “cold-blooded conspiracy” involving the appointment of Education Minister Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah, whom he identified as Dillon’s sister-in-law.
According to Koijee, Dillon recommended Jallah to President Joseph Boakai despite her alleged lack of practical experience in Liberia’s education system and her extended absence from the country.
He further alleged that Dillon facilitated Jallah’s confirmation by the Senate and subsequently influenced an increase in the Ministry of Education’s budget to US$136.3 million.
“And what has that money produced? Absolutely zero impact on the system,” Koijee wrote, questioning the reported allocation’s impact on teachers, students, and learning outcomes.
He also alleged that the increased budget had failed to address the challenges facing public schools, accusing the senator of benefiting politically from the minister’s appointment. However, the statement did not provide documentary evidence to substantiate the allegations.
Koijee also linked the education crisis to the removal of Dr. Samuel G. Toe, who was appointed Deputy Minister for Planning, Research and Development on April 3, 2024.
He alleged that Toe was pushed out of the ministry because his experience and professional competence posed a challenge to those allegedly seeking to influence the institution’s operations.
The CDC official did not provide independent evidence establishing a connection between Toe’s departure and the alleged political interests he attributed to Dillon.
Koijee further criticized Dillon over what he described as a contrast between the hardships faced by public school students and the senator’s alleged lifestyle.
He cited students from D. Tweh High School, William V.S. Tubman High School, G.W. Gibson High School, E. Jonathan Goodridge School, Bassa High School, Sinoe High School, Harbel Multilateral High School, Gboveh High School, and C.H. Deweh High School, among others, who have reportedly participated in protests demanding the return of teachers to their classrooms.
While students continue to demonstrate over disruptions to their education, Koijee alleged that Dillon was “lavishly flying business class.”
The statement also accused Dillon of harboring hostility toward Nimba County, referencing his alleged criticisms of the Minister of Labor, his public statements concerning the late Senator Prince Y. Johnson, and his advocacy for the establishment of a war crimes court in Liberia.
“This is a broad-day conspiracy. This is a total hatred against the people of Nimba. This is a betrayal of every Liberian child,” Koijee stated.
The allegations concerning Dillon’s political motives and alleged hostility toward Nimba County were not independently substantiated in the statement.
Koijee challenged Dillon to support an independent audit of the Ministry of Education under Minister Jallah and to push for a hearing by the Legislature’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
He argued that the senator should apply the same level of scrutiny to the Ministry of Education that he has reportedly demanded of other ministries, agencies, and commissions.
Koijee’s challenge comes amid growing public concern over the management of the education sector, particularly the persistent demands for teachers’ outstanding payments and the restoration of normal academic activities in public schools.
The education crisis has entered its third week, with hundreds of public school students in Monrovia and other parts of Liberia reportedly staging protests to demand the return of teachers to classrooms.
The teachers’ go-slow action has disrupted academic activities and intensified calls for government intervention to resolve outstanding grievances and restore normal teaching and learning.
As of the time of this report, senator Abraham has not responded to the allegation by the CDC secretary General.
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