By Bill W. Cooper
The former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has condemned the imprisonment in 2018 of her second son, Charles Sirleaf, in a tribute at his funeral attended by dozens of mourners on Tuesday in Monrovia.
She also highlighted her son’s love for his job, colleagues and friends as well as his family during his time on earth, and emphasized, “Charles had no anger, no hatred, nothing against anyone, even those who betrayed his friendship and trust.”
The late Charles, a former Deputy Governor at the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL), died June 3, 2024, at age 68.
Charles, according to family sources, left in his sleep, in Accra, Ghana, where he had gone to seek advanced medical treatment after battling a protracted illness.
Prior to his death, Charles was a well-known public figure and served as the CBL Deputy Governor for Operations and Acting Governor at the CBL under three successive governments including an interim government from 2004 to 2020.
But the latter stages of the deceased’s tenure was then marred by series of financial scandals, including allegations of printing excess banknotes outside of the financial law, during the administration of former President George Weah.
Even though he had a five years tenure, following his nomination and commissioned in February of 2016, Charles got dismissed in 2018 when the CDC-led government took office, citing his involvement into alleged corruption Scandal as reason for his dismissal.
He was also among several CBL officials including Governor Weeks charged in connection with the alleged unlawful printing of local currency worth millions of dollars that reportedly disappeared in 2018, leading to a nationwide protest across Liberia.
Charles and former governor Weeks, Finance Director, Dorbor M. Hagba, Director of Operations, Richard H. Walker, and Deputy Director of Internal Audit, Joseph Dennis were all indicted and throw behind bars at the Monrovia Central Prison by the Weah administration.
But in her tribute during the funeral service, Madam Sirleaf further described the incarceration of her son at the South Beach as “illegal and unjust,” and asserted, “Even in prison, he still forged friendships with inmates and improved their living conditions, bringing comfort and dignity.”
The former president’s emotional outburst has since sparked controversy and divided public opinion in the country, while some sympathize with her grieved but others believe that her assertion was belated and could undermine the rule of law.
According to them, the former President son’s incarceration was intended to those serving in public service be made to account for their service as means of strengthening the fight against corruption in Liberia.
They added that Liberia has long struggled to combat widespread corruption and improve governance, and as such, those linked to public corruption should be made to face the law despite their status and as such, the former President son was of no exception.
Despite these views, the country former head-of-state mourned her son saying, “He would send food and whenever their subscription would expire, they would send him a message for renewal. He had a compassionate heart and a determination to make a difference no matter what the circumstances.
According to her, her son’s sickness in the litter days however exposed his weaknesses but remained always making fun and music, and added, “I am glad that by God’s grace, I visited him two days before his death, leaving him in the same spirit of singing and dancing, even though he was there for serious medical attention.”
Earlier paying his tribute, President Joseph Boakai said Charles Sirleaf’s legacy of commitment to the betterment of Liberia will endure and that his memory will live on in the hearts of those whose lives he touched.
Before the funeral, President Boakai, along with several dignitaries, expressed his “profound regrets” and prayed for God to console Madam Sirleaf and her family during this difficult time and urged Liberians and friends to offer prayers for consolation and peace of mind for the former President and her family in their moment of grief and sorrow.
Both Robert and Fombah Sirleaf expressed their sadness over the passing of their brother, a memory they said will forever remain with them fitting as far back their childhood days being nature and thought by their mother.
Robert said, “I told you Sunday night, to enjoy yourself with what you had. Why were you so worried about your children? What I did not tell you was to leave us on Monday morning. The two most difficult words I had to type in the past 60 years: he’s home!”
Fombah Sirleaf, “Losing a brother is like losing a part of yourself. As I reflect on his passing, memories flood my mind, particularly those moments when he opened his home to me. Whether it was seeking refuge from the storms of life or simply craving companionship.”
“He always welcomed me with open arms and a warm smile. Now, as I navigate the empty spaces he once filled, I hold onto those cherished memories, finding solace in the fact that his kindness and generosity will forever live on in my heart,” he eulogized.
Also paying tribute was the Board of Governors and, Management and Staff of the CBL who extended their deepest condolences to the Sirleaf family for the loss of their son, brother, husband, and esteemed colleague, Charles Sirleaf.
Meanwhile, the funeral service of Charles held at the First United Methodist Church in Monrovia, drew national attention thereby stalling the plenary of the Liberian Senate.
