MONROVIA, LIBERIA – In an explosive statement released on Wednesday, August 22, 2024, Montserrado County District #9 Representative Frank Saah Foko, a prominent member of Liberia’s main opposition party, the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), unleashed a blistering critique against Information Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah. Foko accused the Minister of gross irresponsibility, blatant dishonesty, and a history of abandoning Liberia during critical times.
Foko’s statement was triggered by remarks made by Piah earlier in the day, where the Information Minister reportedly misidentified the CDC legislator as “Mark” in an official address. Foko seized on this perceived slight, using it as a springboard to launch a wide-ranging attack on Piah’s character and professionalism. “One of Liberia’s most irresponsible Ministers who thinks his job as Information Minister is to spew gibberish only for the Executive used his filthy platform today to send disparaging comments against my person,” Foko’s statement began.
The CDC stalwart criticized Piah’s tenure as Information Minister, accusing him of failing to understand or respect the roles of other branches of government. Foko expressed disbelief that the Minister could misidentify a sitting legislator while flawlessly recalling the names of members of the Executive Branch. “Can Piah forget the name of Mr. Joseph Boakai or any member of the Executive? I doubt it,” Foko mocked, suggesting that Piah’s loyalty to the administration had blinded him to the realities of governance.
Foko went on to accuse Piah of fleeing Liberia during the presidency of George Weah, labeling him a “tourist politician” who chose comfort abroad over the challenges facing the nation. “How can this character tell me about love for the country when he doesn’t even know his functions as a Minister of the outdated, tasteless Boakai Ministry of Information,” Foko questioned, referring to Piah’s absence during Weah’s tenure and his return to Liberia only after the change in government.
The CDC representative did not shy away from addressing the violent clashes that erupted at the CDC headquarters earlier in the day. He accused the Liberia National Police (LNP) of provoking the situation, which led to injuries on both sides. Foko defended the actions of CDC partisans, claiming that they were forced to defend themselves against an unjustified attack by the police. “The Police provoked the situation at CDC HQ today, and the partisans couldn’t sit while your killing machines finished them,” Foko asserted, placing the blame squarely on the shoulders of the security forces.
Foko also took aim at Piah’s personal history, accusing him of using his government position for personal gain and fleeing to the United States during politically turbulent times. He alleged that Piah had misappropriated government funds for personal expenses, including his education at Harvard University, and questioned the Minister’s commitment to Liberia. “Without government, could you build the mansions in Buchanan, Brewerville, and across this country?” Foko asked rhetorically, casting doubt on Piah’s integrity.
The statement continued with Foko emphasizing his belief that Piah was unfit for public office, accusing him of surviving politically by “worshiping Presidents” rather than earning the mandate of the Liberian people. Foko suggested that Piah’s actions were driven by self-preservation rather than a genuine commitment to serving the nation. “You have survived only on worshiping Presidents and nothing more, and running away to America when there’s no job,” Foko charged, painting a picture of a Minister more concerned with his own well-being than that of the country.
Foko did not mince words in his threats against Piah, warning the Minister that he would use his legislative powers to expose and potentially oust him if he continued his alleged campaign of misinformation and personal attacks. “Behave, Piah, before I show you the true powers of a Legislator and get you packing back on your usual one-way ticket,” Foko threatened, signaling his intent to escalate the confrontation if necessary.
In a wider context, Foko’s statement reflects the deepening political rift between the CDC and the current administration under President Joseph Boakai. The CDC lawmaker’s inflammatory rhetoric underscores the rising tensions and hostility between the opposition and the ruling party as Liberia navigates its post-election political landscape. Foko’s accusations of government plans to harm him and other CDC members only add fuel to the fire, suggesting a volatile political environment that could have serious implications for national stability.
Foko concluded his statement with a stark warning to Minister Piah, vowing to escalate his efforts to hold the Minister accountable if provoked again. “This is the beginning of how far we can go; next time you use that filthy platform of yours to spew rubbish at my person I will take you on even more. BE WARNED!!!” Foko’s statement ended, leaving little doubt about his readiness to continue the fight.
As Liberia deals with these escalating political disputes, the nation watches closely, uncertain of how these tensions will unfold. With both sides digging in their heels, the potential for further conflict looms large, threatening the fragile peace that the country has worked so hard to maintain.
