By By: The People News Online
Former Mines and Energy Minister Wilmot Paye has sparked fresh debate within the ruling Unity Party (UP) after issuing a deeply reflective yet pointed Homecoming Day message that shifts attention away from the Opposition and toward growing internal tensions within the party.
In a lengthy statement ahead of the December 6 Homecoming, Paye describes the event as a moment of recommitment, but also a moment of awakening, urging the party to confront what he calls “adulterants, intruders and unpatriotic elements” who he believes are undermining the party’s mission from inside.
According to Paye, the gathering is not a show of political power but a sober reminder of the pledge the party made to Liberians in 2023. He insists that the biggest threat to the party’s progress is not external critics but individuals within UP ranks who he says never contributed to the struggle yet are now positioning themselves to influence state decisions.
Paye warns that these internal actors could derail the ARREST Agenda if left unchecked. He argues that their alleged pursuit of personal wealth and influence poses more danger to the party’s future than any opposition activity.
He insists the Unity Party must not allow greed to overtake its mission. Paye cites vast national resources such as gold and iron ore as evidence that Liberia has enough wealth to thrive without excessive dependence on foreign aid, provided internal corruption and influence-peddling are addressed.
The former chairman further challenges the party’s National Executive Committee to expand leadership space and avoid concentrating roles and privileges among a select few. He questions why some leaders are “wearing all titles alone” while others remain idle, stressing the need for broader inclusion.
Paye also calls on officials serving in government to lead with integrity and resist temptations that compromise the administration’s credibility. He emphasizes that public trust, not political display, will determine whether the party is judged fairly in the 2029 elections.
His message urges Liberians—especially UP supporters, women, youth, and elders—to remain vigilant and protect the party from individuals he believes are attempting to exploit its success for personal gain. He frames December 6 as a moment for renewal rather than celebration, stressing that the party must recommit itself to honesty, accountability, and the spirit of service.
Paye notes that despite the progress the party claims to have made since returning to office, internal challenges could easily erode public confidence if not confronted transparently and courageously.
He closes his statement with a call for unity and action, urging the party not to allow its core values to be overshadowed by greed or internal factions. Paye’s wife will represent their family at the Homecoming as he attends a funeral in Nimba County, with the family pledging 500 dollars toward the event.
Paye’s message, though calm in delivery, has stirred conversations across political circles, with many watching to see how the Unity Party responds as it prepares for its first major public showing since returning to national leadership.
