Liberia: Gov’t Distances from Independence Day Orator’s “Divisive” Statement

Monrovia – Information Minister Jerolinmek Mathew Piah says the statement made by Dr. Robtel Neajai Pailey during Liberia’s 177th Independence Day Oration, which prompted the U.S. delegation led by Chargé D’Affaires Catherine Rodriguez to walk out, was solely her own and did not reflect the views of the Liberian government.

By J.H. Webster Clayeh, websterclayeh@frontpageafricaonline.com

In her Independence Day speech, Dr. Pailey asserted that the United States has taken more from Liberia than it has given. She said, “Truth be told, the United States of America has taken more from us than we have received. Liberia is nobody’s stepchild.” She also criticized the U.S. for what she described as interference in Liberia’s transitional justice process.

This led the U.S. delegation, headed by Chargé D’Affaires Catherine Rodriguez, to walk out of the ceremony.

Shortly after the event, the U.S. Embassy issued a statement saying, “Independence Day Celebrations should be a time for hope, unity, and celebration. Introducing divisive rhetoric and unfounded accusations during such an event undermines its purpose. The CDA’s decision to walk out was a measured response to maintain the event’s decorum and spirit.”

Addressing journalists after the Independence Day program, Information 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.”

When questioned about how the U.S., 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.”

Regarding the U.S. Chargé D’Affaires’ walkout, Minister Piah claimed he was unaware of the protest move by the U.S. Embassy, adding that he could not comment on the motives behind Rodriguez’s departure. “Did she walk out?” Minister Piah asked journalists. “Oh! That is news to me, go ask her, not me. I don’t speak for the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires; why would you ask me a question about the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires?”

When asked if the orator’s statement would strain U.S.-Liberia relations, the Information Minister replied, “I don’t know.” He added, “We don’t tell people what to say when we bring them as national orators.”

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 lawmaker Moima Briggs-Mensah, in a live Facebook message, called for Chargé D’Affaires Catherine Rodriguez to be recalled over her actions.

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