Cllr. Cyrenius Cephas Lashes Out at Former President Weah's Leadership

In a candid and scathing statement that has stirred widespread public interest, former Solicitor General Cllr. Sayma Syrenius Cephas declared that he is “unwilling and unable” to criticize the administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, citing a host of systemic failures and embarrassing practices under the former government of President George Manneh Weah. In social media post over the weekend, Cllr. Cephas, who served in the previous Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC)-led government, offered a detailed, introspective account of the administration’s shortcomings, admitting to deep personal regrets about the direction in which the nation was steered under President Weah’s leadership. “I am unwilling and unable to criticize the Boakai government for a number of reasons,” he said. “Our government didn't promote and protect those who stood in the vanguard of the struggle during the party's days in opposition. Instead, we created illusions about finding experts and, in the process, empowered people outside the party at the expense of committed partisans.” The former Solicitor General described a culture of internal sabotage and disunity within the Weah-led administration. “Our leaders spent more time gossiping, spreading lies, and undermining those who did not share their sordid views,” he stated. “The President himself was like a Christmas light only seen at official ceremonies and accessible to a select few. It was a government for a handful, not the people.” Cllr. Cephas further lamented the administration’s poor results despite several ambitious undertakings, referencing the incomplete and flawed national population census as one of many examples of mismanagement. He also criticized the purpose and structure of cabinet retreats, alleging that such events became more of a social affair than a platform for critical policy discussions. “The President was by and large the ‘Gopio’ of the cabinet retreat,” he remarked, using the colloquial Liberian term for someone who delights in entertainment and gossip. In perhaps his most damning critique, Cllr. Cephas accused the Weah administration of being “Weahcianized,” likening it to the dystopian dynamics of George Orwell’s Animal Farm. “Children born into poverty were suddenly living like kings and queens,” he said, suggesting rampant nepotism and unchecked privilege within the inner circle of power. The former Solicitor General also pointed to Liberia’s compromised foreign policy under Weah, asserting that the country’s international posture was effectively “up for sale,” with key foreign policy decisions being influenced by the highest bidder. “Take, for instance, the two separate votes against China,” he said, “both of which worked against our long-term diplomatic interests.” Cllr. Cephas was equally critical of the lack of meritocracy in appointments, alleging that only personal friends of the former President were considered for lucrative government jobs. He also criticized the tribal configuration of state power during the CDC era, claiming that top leadership positions were concentrated in the hands of individuals from southeastern Liberia, particularly the Kru ethnic group. Closing his remarks with a mix of disappointment and satire, Cllr. Cephas made reference to President Weah’s continued presence on social media. “Our former President, who was fond of making music during his presidency, is now dancing all over the place on social media. What else is more shameful and childish than this?” he asked rhetorically. “I don’t have criticism for JNB yaaa!” The comments have sparked a wave of public reactions, with some praising Cllr. Cephas for his honesty and others questioning the timing and motives behind his revelations. Nonetheless, his remarks have added to the growing body of discourse around the legacy of the Weah administration and the current trajectory under President Boakai.