By Grace Q. Bryant
Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah has strongly criticized the opposition; the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), for endorsing the violent slogan “Kill one, kill all,” allegedly promoted by some dismissed Executive Protection Service (EPS) officers.
He described the CDC’s stance as counterproductive to the democratic principles of the country and warned that it poses a serious threat to Liberia’s fragile peace.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information’s regular press conference on August 8, Minister Piah emphasized the importance of democratic processes in resolving leadership disputes.
He expressed concerns over the CDC’s actions, particularly given that the party had been out of power for just over a month.
“This country is nobody’s inheritance. You had the opportunity to serve because the Liberian people chose you but you did not meet their expectations and so they voted you out. They brought in a new government. If this government does not meet their expectations, they will support someone else. The way to resolve leadership conflicts in this country is through the democratic process, ”Minister Piah stated.
Minister Piah warned that protests aimed at creating insecurity, scaring away investors, or making Liberia appear ungovernable would not be tolerated.
He emphasized that such actions only serve to destabilize the nation noting, “If these protests are also intended to divert our attention from our commitment to hold people accountable, then you are mistaken. They will have zero impact on our resolve to hold past leaders who breached the public trust accountable.”
He further criticized those who believe they can intimidate the government through protests and threats.
He pointed out that while many people serve in government, not everyone is involved in criminal activities and so those who are found guilty should be held accountable, regardless of their connections or past positions.
“Do you know how many people serve in government? How many get elected? How many have been investigated? Not everyone who has worked in government is involved in criminal acts. Does that mean that those who are guilty should not be held accountable? When they are, they cry ‘witch hunt,”he emphasized.
Minister Piah disclosed that the government’s commitment to accountability remains steadfast, regardless of how it is interpreted by various groups and reminded the opposition that the Unity Party did nothing to undermine the governance of the state in the six years of the CDC.
“What we are seeing again is a return to business as usual, threats of protests, talk of resistance, and everything that undermines the peace and security of the country. This is unacceptable,”he expressed.
