MONROVIA – In the political landscape of Liberia, many politicians have garnered support from the masses by championing the fight against bad governance, corruption, and societal ills. They present themselves as saviors, gaining favor with ordinary citizens, only to betray these ideals once in power. Senator Abraham Darius Dillon of Montserrado County, who once dubbed himself the “Light” during his days in opposition, has become a striking example of this pattern.
During his rise to the Senate in 2019, Dillon’s vocal stance against corruption and his promises to uphold the interests of ordinary Liberians earned him widespread support. He secured 102,549 votes, representing 55.74 percent, defeating his closest rival, Paulita Wie of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), who garnered 63,971 votes. Dillon’s victory was backed by major opposition political parties, including Unity Party (then in opposition0, Liberty Party, the Alternative National Congress, and the All Liberian Party.
However, since entering the Legislature, Dillon has faced growing criticism for abandoning the very principles that once made him a beacon of hope. Many Liberians feel disillusioned as the senator, who once fiercely advocated for transparency, has allegedly turned a blind eye to the corruption and mismanagement that continues to plague the government.
A recent incident has amplified this public disappointment. A photo went viral on social media, sparking outrage and accusations that Dillon has lost touch with the people he vowed to serve. In the image, an elderly woman is seen kneeling before the senator, who sat in a luxury vehicle reportedly worth over US$65,000. The woman stretched out her hand to greet Dillon, who nonchalantly reached out from his car window. For many Liberians, the image was a symbol of disrespect and the widening gulf between elected officials and the ordinary people.
One of the most vocal critics of the senator’s actions is Vera Harding, a Liberian social justice advocate. In a statement titled “Penury: The Infirmity Imposed on Liberians by Elected Officials,” Harding expressed deep concern about the symbolism of the photograph and the broader implications for the nation’s governance.
“Kneeling, while a position of humility, also symbolizes punishment and surrender and, in some cases, is inhumane to a person,” Harding wrote. “Comfortably sitting with impunity behind closed doors of a luxury vehicle, a mother and grandmother is on her knees in a position of plea amidst rampant corruption, exploitation of Liberia’s resources, and dehumanization of Liberians by elected officials.”
Harding went on to highlight the daily struggles Liberians face, including the devastation caused by drug addiction, hunger, curable diseases, and rampant sexual and gender-based violence. She also condemned the increasing criminal activities within the government, urging for accountability under Article 1 of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia, which places power in the hands of the people.
“Liberians are being openly provoked to anger daily,” she wrote. “Watching their children die of drug addiction and overdose, hunger and starvation, minor and curable illnesses… without conscience. It is time for Articles 1 of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia to be exercised by those who are given that power, (The People).”
This incident has fueled growing frustration among citizens who feel abandoned by the very leaders they placed in power. Senator Dillon’s fall from grace serves as a stark reminder of how quickly political promises can be broken once the allure of power takes hold. As dissatisfaction with the government deepens, many Liberians are left questioning whether their voices will ever truly be heard in the corridors of power.
