By S. Amos Bondo
MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe has long been lauded as a hero in Liberia’s fight against corruption. He carries the symbolic broom, vowing to sweep the country clean of graft, exploitation, and the systematic abuse of public resources. Gongloe’s unyielding stance against corruption earned him the respect of many Liberians, and he built a reputation as a principled advocate for transparency and accountability. However, his recent actions, particularly his association with Musa Hassan Bility, cast a shadow over his anti-corruption rhetoric. The question is no longer whether Gongloe will fight corruption, but whether his fight has been reduced to little more than political theater.
Musa Hassan Bility, Representative of District #7 in Nimba County and a well-known figure in Liberian politics, has been the subject of numerous corruption allegations over the years. His name has frequently surfaced in connection with financial scandals, both during his tenure as President of the Liberia Football Association (LFA) and in other private and public roles. Bility, now the political leader of the newly formed political party Citizens Movement for Change (CMC), has faced accusations of misusing both public and private funds. Yet, despite these long-standing allegations, Cllr. Gongloe has chosen to publicly align himself with Bility, attending political events with him and even expressing gratitude for a bridge named in his honor in Bong and Nimba counties. Gongloe’s refusal to distance himself from Bility raises serious concerns about his commitment to the principles he once espoused.
For a man who made his name by holding the powerful accountable and leading the charge against corruption, Gongloe’s willingness to associate with a man whose reputation is marred by scandal is perplexing. Gongloe, who represented the Liberia People’s Party (LPP) as its presidential candidate in the 2023 election, is part of a political group that prides itself on fighting corruption and advocating for good governance. The LPP has built its identity on the promise of transparency and the removal of corrupt elements from Liberia’s leadership. Yet, in embracing Bility, Gongloe compromises the values his party claims to represent. His actions suggest that political convenience may trump the principles he once vowed to uphold.
One cannot ignore the deeper question that hangs over Gongloe’s silence on Bility’s financial dealings: Where did the money come from to fund the bridge project that Bility dedicated to him? Gongloe has yet to provide a clear answer, and this silence only deepens the suspicion surrounding Bility’s wealth and political dealings. If Gongloe is truly committed to fighting corruption, he should be the first to question the source of Bility’s resources, especially given Bility’s controversial past. His failure to do so speaks volumes about his own willingness to turn a blind eye to the very corruption he once sought to eliminate.
By associating with Bility, Gongloe is sending a dangerous message. He is suggesting that the fight against corruption can be selective and subject to political calculation. If Bility’s involvement in corruption is acceptable in the eyes of Gongloe, what does that say about the integrity of his so-called anti-corruption crusade? If Gongloe cannot bring himself to speak out against Bility, even when the man’s actions clearly contradict his own stated principles, how can he be trusted to lead a broader campaign for justice in Liberia?
Liberians have long been disillusioned with leaders who promise reform but fail to deliver. The Liberian people have endured decades of mismanagement, exploitation, and poverty, all while watching corrupt officials enrich themselves at the expense of the nation. Gongloe’s inability to speak out against Bility only adds to the growing sense of frustration and betrayal felt by ordinary Liberians. The fight against corruption cannot be a political game played by those in power, where some individuals are shielded from scrutiny because of their political alliances. If Gongloe remains silent, he risks undermining his own credibility and, by extension, the broader anti-corruption movement in Liberia.
It is also essential to note that Gongloe’s current position is in direct contrast with his earlier actions. Cllr. Gongloe has made a name for himself as a fierce advocate for justice, both in the courtroom and in the public sphere. He has repeatedly spoken out against government officials, civil servants, and private citizens implicated in corruption. Yet now, when faced with a high-profile figure like Bility, Gongloe has failed to take a stand. This double standard cannot be ignored. It is not just a personal betrayal of the values he once championed; it is a blow to Liberia’s fight for accountability and transparency.
At this point, the ball is in Gongloe’s court. He has the power to choose which side of history he will be on. He can continue to silence the broom he once wielded with pride, or he can take the bold step of publicly distancing himself from Bility and reaffirming his commitment to fighting corruption. Gongloe still has the opportunity to redeem himself and restore the faith of Liberians who once saw him as a beacon of integrity. But if he chooses to remain silent, he will be complicit in perpetuating the same corruption he once vowed to eradicate.
The people of Liberia deserve better than a leader who compromises his principles for political expediency. They deserve someone who will stand up against corruption no matter who is involved, someone who will speak truth to power without fear or favor. Cllr. Gongloe must decide whether he will live up to the ideals he once espoused or whether he will succumb to the political hypocrisy that has plagued Liberia’s leadership for decades. The future of the country, and his own political legacy, depend on the choice he makes today. Liberia is watching.
