Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon, a prominent figure in the “Rescue Mission” that ousted the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), has ignited widespread debate after offering a public apology to former President George Weah for his past criticism of private jet usage. Dillon, who once lambasted Weah for extravagant governance, now concedes his earlier stance was ill-informed.
During a live radio interview, Dillon admitted that his criticism of Weah’s reliance on private jets stemmed from a lack of understanding of the presidency’s logistical realities. Now serving as Senate Chair on Foreign Affairs, he acknowledged the necessity of a private jet to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness required of the nation’s leader.
“In my role as a senator and a former critic of private jet usage, I want to publicly apologize to former President George Weah,” Dillon said. “I now understand that the presidency demands swift and secure mobility to address urgent national and international matters. Our critique during Weah’s presidency was misplaced.”
Dillon’s change of perspective, he explained, was influenced by a personal experience in Abuja, Nigeria. He recounted witnessing government officials endure significant delays due to the constraints of commercial travel, an event he described as an eye-opener to the operational challenges presidents face.
The Senator’s apology, however, has not been well-received by all. Critics have labeled his comments hypocritical, arguing that the economic hardships that fueled criticism of Weah’s private jet usage remain unchanged under President Joseph Boakai’s administration.
“We condemned George Weah for using private jets in one of the world’s poorest countries, and we condemn Joseph Boakai for doing the same,” one critic said. “It is indefensible to prioritize presidential luxuries in a nation where poverty and unemployment affect the overwhelming majority of citizens.”
Margibi Senator Nathaniel F. McGill, a former Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, has defended private jet usage, reinforcing the argument that the presidency necessitates swift and efficient travel. In May 2024, McGill described commercial travel for heads of state as impractical, citing delays, security risks, and inefficiencies.
“Expecting the president to face the same challenges as ordinary citizens when traveling undermines the efficacy of the presidency,” McGill stated during a legislative session. “The office demands punctuality and precision to achieve national and international objectives.”
McGill also criticized opposition figures for scrutinizing President Boakai’s use of a private jet while defending similar practices during their time in power. He accused the Unity Party of leveraging public outrage over Weah’s private jet use as a political weapon, arguing their current stance was riddled with hypocrisy.
