The author, Hun-Bu Tulay, expresses deep concern over the state of Liberian governance, citing a pervasive lack of integrity, accountability, and courage within the political and judicial systems. He argues that years of unchecked corruption and abuse of power, coupled with a disheartening public apathy, have culminated in a national crisis symbolized by the burning of the Capitol Building. Tulay supports this claim by referencing past writings, “My Heart Bleeds for My Country” and “Blind Loyalty,” which analyze the detrimental effects of self-preservation among government officials and the dangers of unquestioning loyalty. He contrasts the current political climate with historical examples of leaders who prioritized national interest over personal gain, emphasizing the need for courageous individuals willing to challenge the status quo.
Tulay’s “My Heart Bleeds for My Country,” written in 2022, explores the motivations behind government officials’ deception, particularly towards the President. A discussion among Liberian professionals revealed a prevailing sentiment that self-preservation and job security often outweigh ethical considerations. This prioritization of personal gain over national interest, Tulay argues, is a root cause of Liberia’s current problems. He draws a parallel between deceptive practices and a painkiller: offering temporary relief while exacerbating the underlying ailment. The burning of the Capitol Building, he asserts, serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of such actions, a symbol of a nation teetering on the brink of collapse. The author contrasts this with historical instances of courage, citing figures like Edwin Williams who prioritized integrity over obedience, and Madam Christina Tarr and Taiwan Gongloe who resigned rather than compromise their principles. This lack of principled leadership in the present day, the author argues, contributes significantly to the current crisis.
In his analysis of “Blind Loyalty,” Tulay dissects the dangers of unquestioning allegiance to individuals or causes, highlighting how such loyalty can override moral judgment and perpetuate harmful practices. He draws parallels between blind loyalty in Liberia and historical examples such as the Nazi regime, the Jonestown Massacre, and the Manson Family. This unquestioning obedience, he argues, creates an environment where leaders are shielded from accountability and followers are empowered to commit acts of violence or intimidation in their leader’s name. Tulay traces the roots of blind loyalty in Liberia back to the civil war, where allegiance to faction leaders determined survival and access to resources. This culture, he posits, has seeped into the post-war political landscape, transforming political parties into tribal entities where loyalty supersedes national unity and progress. The failure of successive presidents to foster patriotism and national unity, Tulay argues, has exacerbated this issue and contributed to the current instability.
Tulay connects the concept of blind loyalty to the events surrounding the Capitol fire, questioning the President’s use of the term “hooligans” and suggesting a need for a thorough investigation into the incident’s causes. He criticizes the President for not immediately establishing an investigative committee, similar to the Brownell Committee formed after the 1979 Rice Riot, to ensure transparency and accountability. He emphasizes the importance of competent and ethical leadership, suggesting a critical evaluation of the current cabinet’s strengths and weaknesses to guide the government towards improved governance and restore public trust.
The author also criticizes the Minister of Justice’s recent opinion regarding a Supreme Court ruling, raising concerns about potential political bias and its impact on the judicial system’s integrity. He stresses that while the Minister’s opinion carries weight within the legal community, it lacks the authority of a court ruling, and the Executive’s decision to act upon it requires careful scrutiny. Tulay argues that the Minister of Justice, as Dean of the High Court, should prioritize impartiality and uphold the credibility of the judiciary. He also highlights the need for a thorough investigation into the Capitol fire, particularly given the building’s age and lack of renovations.
Tulay concludes with a direct address to the President and the Minister of Justice. He questions the Minister’s effectiveness, citing a series of legal setbacks and controversial opinions. He suggests that the Minister should consider resigning, or be dismissed by the President, if unable to effectively fulfill his responsibilities. Tulay urges the President to critically assess his cabinet, differentiating between individuals who prevent problems, solve problems, and escalate problems. He emphasizes that ultimately, the President bears the greatest responsibility for the government’s performance and must ensure his cabinet is equipped to address the nation’s challenges. He categorizes leaders as geniuses, smart people, and fools, with geniuses being preventative, smart people resolving issues, and fools worsening situations. He encourages the President to identify the types of leaders within his cabinet to improve governance. He acknowledges the significant damage already inflicted upon the government and stresses the urgency of corrective action to rebuild public trust and navigate the complexities of the current political landscape.
