By Emmanuel M. Kangar, Jr.
A staunch supporter of the ruling Unity Party, Jonah C. Menklee, has issued a strongly worded public statement expressing deep frustration with the current administration while unexpectedly commending former President George Manneh Weah for his personal character.
In a statement released Sunday, May 3, 2026, Menklee described himself as “exhausted” by what he called years of “empty promises, failed deliverables, and reckless, indifferent leadership.”
Menklee, who identifies as a committed supporter of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, said his decision to speak out comes after a long period of silence, which he now views as complicity.
“It has been years since I publicly addressed national leadership,” he wrote. “But there comes a point when silence is no longer maturity—it becomes complicity.”
Unexpected Praise for Weah
In a notable shift from partisan expectations, Menklee recounted positive personal encounters with former President Weah, describing him as “a man of humility, generosity, and uncommon respect for ordinary people.”
According to Menklee, these interactions challenged his previous perceptions shaped by political narratives. He stated that despite his open support for the Unity Party, Weah treated him with “dignity, warmth, and sincerity.”
The remarks mark a rare instance of cross-party admiration in Liberia’s often polarized political landscape.
Claims of Neglect and Betrayal
Menklee’s statement largely focused on what he described as the neglect of grassroots supporters following the Unity Party’s rise to power. He detailed the sacrifices made by party loyalists during the campaign period, including mobilizing communities across the country.
“We gave them everything—our loyalty, our energy, our time,” he said, adding that those efforts have yielded “no jobs, no opportunities, no recognition.”
He further described the situation as not merely disappointing but a “betrayal,” arguing that the current conditions mirror — and in some cases exceed — the criticisms once directed at the previous administration.
Beyond general criticism, Menklee highlighted personal grievances, claiming abandonment by political figures he had supported, including leaders he campaigned alongside in Nimba County.
He also accused prominent party figures of distancing themselves from grassroots supporters after the elections, noting that individuals who once relied on them for mobilization have since become unreachable.
Menklee warned that political leaders may attempt to re-engage grassroots supporters ahead of future elections but urged citizens to remain vigilant.
“The same people who ignored us… will return,” he wrote, cautioning against what he described as a cycle of exploitation.
He called on fellow supporters to remember their experiences and resist being “used and discarded,” emphasizing the need for accountability and a more principled approach to political participation.
Menklee’s statement reflects growing sentiments among some grassroots political actors who feel sidelined after contributing to electoral victories.
