Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon has issued a harsh critique of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s administration, urging the Unity Party-led government to prioritize delivering results after what he described as a disappointing first year in office. As the administration approaches its one-year anniversary on January 22, 2025, Dillon declared that the period of indulgence and patience is over.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Capitol on January 13, 2025, Dillon made it clear that the Senate will adopt a more assertive posture in overseeing the Executive’s actions. The Senator lamented what he viewed as a lackluster approach to governance in 2024, describing the administration’s performance as falling short of the expectations of the Liberian people.
“We gave this government the benefit of the doubt during its first year to establish its team and set the groundwork for leadership. Now, that grace period has ended. The Liberian people deserve tangible results, not just promises,” Dillon said.
Reflecting on his own role and that of the Senate, Dillon expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s overall output but highlighted incremental progress within the Legislature itself. He cited improvements in internal operations, including the establishment of financial audits, procurement of staff buses, and enhanced transparency measures. However, he was quick to stress that these reforms are insufficient unless matched by broader advancements in national governance.
“The Senate has made strides to position itself as a model of reform, but this must extend to the entire government. As a rescue Senator, I am committed to ensuring that the rescue agenda translates into real progress for our country,” he added.
One of Dillon’s major criticisms focused on the Executive’s failure to permanently fill key positions in government agencies. He singled out the Central Bank of Liberia, where the acting governor has served in a temporary capacity for over a year, as emblematic of the administration’s shortcomings. “This cannot continue. By the end of January, such irregularities must be addressed. We need stability and accountability in these critical institutions,” Dillon emphasized.
Dillon also rejected the notion that his critique was premature, noting that 2024 provided ample time for the administration to establish its footing. He pointed to significant lapses in leadership during crises, such as the absence of Defense and Justice Ministers during last year’s protests by AFL wives. According to Dillon, these gaps highlighted a lack of urgency that cannot be excused moving forward.
Addressing his fellow lawmakers, Dillon called for the Senate to lead by example, emphasizing the importance of quorum during sessions and transparency in its dealings. “If we expect accountability from the Executive, we must hold ourselves to the same standard. The Liberian people are watching,” he remarked.
Looking ahead, Dillon pledged that the Senate would no longer tolerate mediocrity in governance. He warned that the days of granting the Executive unrestrained freedom to operate without checks and balances are over, signaling a shift toward stricter oversight.
As a member of the Liberty Party, which supported Boakai’s 2023 presidential bid, Dillon framed his critique as a call to action rather than opposition. “This is about fulfilling the promises made to our people. It’s not enough to rescue the country; we must ensure that it thrives,” he stated.
