SINOE COUNTY, LIBERIA – Former Sinoe County Senator J. Milton Teahjay on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, called on national leaders and lawmakers to take responsibility for governance rather than using their positions to play the role of activists. In a detailed commentary, Teahjay emphasized that elected officials must focus on finding solutions to the challenges facing their constituents instead of blaming the president or the executive branch for systemic failures.
“National leaders at the level of the legislature cannot masquerade as activists. We have to put ourselves in the position to take responsibility and find solutions, and stop blaming the president and executive for the too many things that go wrong in our country,” Teahjay wrote.
Reflecting on his own tenure in the Senate, Teahjay acknowledged the early perception of him as a “firebrand” lawmaker who frequently criticized the executive. However, he insisted that once elected, legislators must prioritize oversight and lawmaking over political scapegoating. “The best a lawmaker on Capitol Hill can do is to exercise his or her oversight responsibility. Aside from effective oversight and lawmaking, anything else is scapegoatism to the highest,” he said.
Teahjay highlighted his accomplishments during his term from 2014, under former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, noting that his collaboration with the executive benefited Sinoe County. Infrastructure projects such as the James E. Greene Football Field, the Superintendent’s Residence, the Sinoe Youth Center, and other developments were realized through his efforts and close engagement with the presidency.
When President George Weah assumed office in 2018, Teahjay said he made a conscious decision to support the new administration for the benefit of the Sinoe people, despite political opposition and criticisms. “For the six consecutive years President Weah stayed in power, I chose to support his regime on the basis of accommodationism,” he said, noting that his efforts were often undermined by local officials and fellow lawmakers aligned with the president.
Teahjay criticized the current Sinoe senators for focusing on personal pursuits rather than addressing the pressing needs of the county. He expressed concern over remarks made by Senator Duncan, who reportedly declared “Sinoe is dead,” describing such statements from national leaders as damaging scapegoating. “Any student or youth activist can say that and it will be understood, but when a senator says so, it raises many questions,” Teahjay noted.
Despite the challenges, Teahjay described Sinoe as “vibrant and economically powerful” and rejected claims that the county is in decline. He stressed the importance of county leaders working collaboratively with the national government to achieve infrastructural development, including roads, paved streets, and other essential projects.
An advocate for multi-party democracy under the legacy of Gabriel Baccus Matthews, Teahjay welcomed the formation of new political movements, including potential initiatives by Senator Duncan. However, he emphasized that political ambitions should not overshadow the responsibilities of national leadership.
Looking ahead to 2029, Teahjay revealed plans for the “Teahjay One Sinoe Movement,” positioning it as a people-driven force aimed at advancing the welfare of Sinoe County. “Sen Chea has to give way to the people’s movement. Sinoe is alive and will remain a place of great men and women,” he said.
