Monrovia- Oct. 15, 2024: Senator Abraham Darius Dillon of Montserrado County has labeled the criticism aimed at Liberia’s current government, which has been in power for under a year, as “insensitive, immature, and unreasonable.”

Speaking on State’s Radio ELBC on Monday, October 14, 2024, Dillon, a strong backer of the new administration, expressed his preference for addressing issues internally rather than publicly criticizing the government so soon into its term.

Dillon, recognized for his outspoken views on governance within the Liberian Senate, reiterated his dedication to accountability and good governance, contending that it is premature to criticize a government that is still finding its footing. “I am supportive of this regime and a founding member of this administration. It would be insensitive and unreasonable for me to criticize my own government from day one,” he remarked, adding, “We need to allow this administration the time to learn and grow.”

He reassured the public that internal improvements are being made and stressed his commitment to fostering a systematic and well-managed government, stating, “Corrections should come from within.”

The Senator also noted that he has not shied away from opposing certain governmental actions when warranted. He cited his dissent against a proposed US$41 million budget under President Boakai’s administration, which included a demand for a domestic debt list, indicating he had taken a similar position during President George M. Weah’s term. “How many times have I not voiced my opposition to my own government in the Senate?” Dillon questioned rhetorically. “I opposed President Boakai’s US$41 million budget because I requested a domestic debt list, just as I did under Weah.”

He highlighted that his opposition led to the eventual release of the domestic debt list, a move he celebrated as a win for transparency and good governance, believing that it sets a standard for the accountability the new government aims to provide for the people of Liberia.

Senator Dillon also emphasized his ongoing resistance to certain government appointments, asserting that he has opposed the president’s nominations to tenure positions, claiming that some were unlawful. He firmly stated that those appointed inappropriately would not receive confirmation. “We have made it clear to the president that the current method of appointing individuals to tenure positions breaches the law, and we will not endorse them,” he declared.

Additionally, as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information, Dillon promised increased transparency in the legislative process. He announced plans for the state-operated broadcaster (ELBC) to carry Senate proceedings, ensuring that the public stays informed about legislative actions. “As the chairman of the Senate Committee on Information, we will guarantee that starting next week and continuing until the Legislature adjourns in December 2029, ELBC will cover Senate sessions,” Dillon stated in response to claims of his silence on important issues.in the eventual release of the domestic debt list, a development he hailed as a victory for transparency and good governance. He believes this action has set a precedent for the kind of accountability that the new administration aims to deliver to the Liberian people.

Senator Dillon also underscored his continued resistance to certain government appointments. He explained that he had opposed the president’s appointments to tenure positions, arguing that some of these appointments were in violation of the law. He made it clear that individuals appointed to such positions would not be confirmed.

“Today, we’ve stood our ground and told the president, ‘The way you’re appointing people to tenure positions is a violation of the law, and we will not confirm them,'” he asserted. Additionally, as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information, Senator Dillon has promised greater transparency in the legislative process. He announced plans for the state-owned broadcaster (ELBC) radio station to broadcast Senate proceedings, ensuring that the public is informed about legislative decisions.

“As chairman of the Senate Committee on Information, we will ensure that starting next week and continuing until the Legislature closes in December 2029, ELBC will cover the proceedings at the Senate,” Dillon said in response to criticisms that he had become silent.