Liberia: MOVEE Describes Robtel Pailey’s Oration Against United States as ‘Toxic and Undeserved’ - FrontPageAfrica
by Obediah Johnson · FrontPageAfricaShare
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MONROVIA — The Movement for Economic Empowerment (MOVEE), through its National Executive Committee, has termed as “toxic and undeserved” accusation made against the United States in an oration delivered by Dr. Robtel Neajal Pailey during a formal program marking the celebration of Liberia’s 177th Independence Day.
By Obediah Johnson
At the ceremony held in Monrovia on July 26, Dr. Pailey accused the United States of taking more from Liberia than giving back.
“Truth be told, this so-called ‘special relationship’ only exists in our imagination. Lest we forget, the United States was one of the last countries to recognize our independence. Lest we forget, the United States has taken more from us than it has given.”
“Lest we forget, the United States will always serve its own interests above all else. Once we accept these truths, we will appreciate that a re-imagined Liberia can never be anyone’s ‘stepchild”, Dr. Pailey stated.
Her comments prompted the Charge D’Affairs at the US Embassy near Monrovia, Ambassador Catherine Rodriguez, to walk out of the ceremony in protest, far ahead of the official closing. The Liberian government, however, distanced itself from the statements contained in the oration, while the US government provided justification for the walkout in a statement released on the page of its Embassy in Liberia.
Though Dr. Pailey’s oration also opened a Pandora box and stirred mixed reactions among Liberians both home and abroad, the firebrand Orator of Liberia’s 177th Independence Day celebration declined to render an apology.
“I owed no one an apology or qualm. I stand by my statements, I stand by every word, I stand by every sentence, I stand by every paragraph because I mentioned earlier, I am a scholar par excellence of Liberia. I am also a Liberian scholar who has a deep love for this country. I am not an American citizen; I am a Liberian citizen.”
But in a statement issued in Monrovia on Monday, July 29, under the signature of its Acting National Chairman Prince Mehn, MOVEE claimed that the oration was an attack on the US by Dr. Pailey.
“MOVEE condemns the insensitive, undiplomatic and unfounded accusation made against the government and people of United States of America by the Orator of the 177th Independence Day of Liberia. The Movement for Economic Empowerment described Dr. Robtel Pailey’s attack as heartless and ungrateful considering the numerous contributions of the United States affecting the Liberian National Police, the Armed Forces of Liberia, the Judicial Institute JI, and the rule of law, good governance and the decentralization of services in Liberia among others.”
Toxic
MOVEE emphasized that the Independence Day Oration was toxic and undeserved.
It stated that Liberians and International partners expected a modest message that would foster peace and unity, provide hope for citizenry and urge government fulfill its campaign pledges rather than expressing absolute ingratitude towards Liberia’s most reliable, steady and a responsive Traditional Ally.
“We think the Boakai-Koung administration is proceeding wrongly. MOVEE wholeheartedly supports the press statement issued by the Mighty Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) under the signature of its National Chairman, Atty. Janga Kowo. As Diplomatic Relations is concerned, any country has the right to sway from one Competing Nation to the other without injuring the long-standing relationship we have built for centuries.”
The latest statement issued by MOVEE runs contrary to the one issued by three former executives of the party who were expelled for allegedly violating its constitution and being used by “hidden hands and outside forces” to undermine the party’s stability.
On May 26 this year, K. Mathew Shan, Mr. Jeremiah E. Paye and Patrick Karmo, National Chair, Secretary General and Chairman of Montserrado County were expelled following the climax of a NEC meeting in keeping with Article XIV Section 2 (b) of the by-laws and constitution of MOVEE.
The party accused the former officials of violating Article XVIII Section 6 (g) of its constitution by calling for the replacement of its National Robert Sammie and other executive members who are on national duties outside of Liberia.
They complained that some of those serving in NEC positions of the party, including their Chairman Robert Sammie, have taken up assignments at some Liberian embassies abroad, thereby paralyzing the workings of the political institution.
Article XVIII Section 6 (g) of MOVEE constitution prohibits any action that embarrasses the party, or that brings the party to public disrepute as may be determined by the national executive committee, national convention, county chapter, or any branch of the party.
In its report, the special investigation committee reported that despite using multiple outreach mechanisms, including messages and voice calls, through whatsapp Mr. K. Matthew Shan, Mr Jeremiah E. Paye and Patrick Karmo refused to honor its invitations.
According to the committee, none of the accused individuals were willing to comply with it.
It alleged that Mr. Paye was influenced by “hidden hands and outside forces” to undermine the party’s stability, as he was seen during the press conference on May 5, flanked by Mr. Goodrich S. Cheayan and Mr. Edward Norman, who were expelled from the party for various reasons inimical to the party’s values and principles, as well as other non-partisans of MOVEE.
The committee maintained that Mr. Paye “illegally placed the names of several members, including county chairpersons of the NEC, on the resolution he alluded to during his press conference on May 5, 2024.