By By Staff Writer
MONROVIA, Liberia — Human rights lawyer and political leader of the All Liberian Party, Taiwan Saye Gongloe, has criticized Joseph Nyuma Boakai for publicly warning cabinet officials over poor performance instead of taking firm action against those he believes are failing to deliver results.
Gongloe made the comments Monday afternoon in a Facebook post, coming shortly after the President reportedly cautioned several ministers—including the head of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry—during a cabinet meeting at the Executive Mansion that they could face dismissal if their performance does not improve.
Concern Over Public Rebuke of Cabinet
Reacting to the President’s remarks as he approaches his third year in office, Gongloe said he was both surprised and disappointed by the public criticism directed at the cabinet, noting that leadership should focus on decisive action rather than public admonishment.
“Last week, I was really angry, but I needed to share my anger with the Liberian people,” Gongloe stated while responding to reports that the President warned ministers they risk losing their jobs if they fail to improve their performance.
He added that broad statements about cabinet inefficiency could unfairly undermine ministers who may be performing their duties effectively while placing unnecessary pressure on the entire administration.
Calls for Decisive Action
The former presidential candidate maintained that the President has the authority to remove officials who fail to meet expectations and should exercise that power instead of issuing repeated warnings.
“If there are people in the government, in his cabinet who are not working, fire them. Don’t threaten to fire—that is governance,” Gongloe said.
He stressed that cabinet members serve at the pleasure of the President and therefore should not require continuous warnings if their performance is already being monitored through government reporting and intelligence systems.
Leadership Example and Work Discipline
Gongloe also questioned what he described as the President’s work schedule, arguing that the behavior of national leaders often shapes the work culture within government institutions.
The ALP political leader further suggested that the President should relocate to the Executive Mansion once renovation works are completed so he can begin work earlier and maintain closer oversight of government activities.
Gongloe concluded by emphasizing that Liberia’s history demands responsible leadership, cautioning that governance should not be reduced to warnings and rhetoric.
