Public frustration is mounting across the Country as citizens and Unity Party (UP) loyalists express growing discontent with the conduct of officials under the Rescue administration. The backlash was sparked by Montserrado County Senator Abe Darius Dillon, whose recent remarks on State Radio ELBC have ignited intense debate about the perceived arrogance and neglect of government representatives. Senator Dillon declared, “Our people say Rescue Government officials are too mean; that’s the new talk in town.”
His statement resonated with many ordinary Liberians who feel sidelined and humiliated when seeking public services even those who campaigned for the very officials now in power. Reports from Montserrado and other counties reveal a troubling pattern: citizens, particularly UP partisans, are being ignored or dismissed when they approach government offices. Many recount experiences of being treated with disdain, denied basic assistance, or forced to navigate bureaucratic hurdles without support.
This has led to a growing perception that the Rescue administration is disconnected from the people it claims to serve. Critics argue that this behavior mirrors the elitism seen in previous administrations. Both the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and George Weah governments faced similar accusations of neglect, which ultimately eroded public trust and contributed to their electoral defeats. Observers warn that the Unity Party could face the same fate if it fails to address these concerns ahead of the 2029 elections. Analysts point to several risks if the Unity Party does not act swiftly: declining voter turnout and enthusiasm, rise of populist opposition figures promising empathy and inclusion, and internal fractures as disillusioned partisans seek alternative platforms.
The Consortium of Pro-democracy Organizations of Liberia (COPOL) has criticized Senator Dillon for allegedly undermining party unity. However, many Liberians view his comments as a necessary wake-up call rather than sabotage. “He’s saying what we’re all feeling,” said one Monrovia resident. “We voted for change, not for silence and snobbery.” To restore public confidence, citizens and civil society groups are urging the Unity Party to promote humility and accountability among officials, establish accessible channels for citizen engagement, and provide tangible support to grassroots partisans. As the chorus of complaints grows louder, the Rescue administration faces a pivotal moment. Will it heed the warnings and reconnect with the people or risk becoming another chapter in Liberia’s long history of political disappointment?
