The Unity Party (UP) Chairman, Rev. Luther Tarpeh, has called on President Joseph N. Boakai to demonstrate greater loyalty to the party’s base by appointing partisans, including party faithful and other UP members, to influential government positions. Speaking at a press conference in Monrovia on Wednesday, Tarpeh stressed that individuals who stood by the party during its campaign efforts must be recognized for their contributions.
Tarpeh described the sacrifices of thousands of UP partisans as pivotal to President Boakai’s electoral triumph in 2023. According to him, their steadfast support was the backbone of the Unity Party’s success, yet many of these loyalists are now struggling without acknowledgment or opportunities within the current government. He argued that rewarding these efforts with appointments was about loyalty and fairness.
The UP Chairman lamented that since the party took power in January 2024, members of the party’s grassroots have been subjected to neglect, even ridicule. Tarpeh recounted how dedicated supporters endured challenges during the election period, often risking personal and professional stability to secure the victory that brought Boakai to the presidency.
Tarpeh’s remarks came on the first anniversary of the Unity Party’s leadership of the country. The chairman used the occasion to draw attention to the grievances of UP members who feel sidelined by the administration. He reminded President Boakai that the party’s success depended on its supporters, whose needs and aspirations must be prioritized in governance.
Reflecting on past events, Tarpeh referenced a protest by Unity Party supporters outside the president’s residence in February 2024. Protesters voiced dissatisfaction over appointments, seemingly excluding staunch UP members who favored non-partisans. The demonstration highlighted growing tensions within the party, with members demanding greater representation and reevaluating some appointments.
Tarpeh did not mince words when addressing non-partisans in government. He accused them of undermining the sacrifices of UP loyalists and benefiting unfairly from roles secured by the party’s victory. He warned that such actions would not be tolerated and vowed to take a more active stance to protect the interests of dedicated party members.
The chairman also acknowledged the growing impatience among Liberians for the administration to deliver on its promises. He emphasized that the Unity Party must now focus on solving pressing national issues and refrain from attributing current challenges to past administrations. One year into its tenure, Tarpeh noted, the government must show tangible progress to maintain the public’s trust.
Calling for a renewed commitment to the Unity Party’s “Rescue Mission” agenda, Tarpeh stressed that the administration should treat this as a genuine effort to reform Liberia’s governance and economy. He reiterated the importance of eradicating corruption, reducing poverty, and fulfilling campaign promises as the foundation of the Unity Party’s mandate.
The chairman further expressed gratitude to the Liberian people for their faith in the Boakai administration. He urged the president to ensure that Unity Party loyalists, who were instrumental in securing the nation’s leadership, are not overlooked in pursuing national development.
