MONROVIA — Former President George Manneh Weah has stirred fresh political controversy after delivering a fiery speech during the dedication of a new facility under his Royal Communications network, where he defended his legacy and made sweeping claims about his contributions to national development.
Speaking Sunday, Weah pushed back against criticism of his administration, insisting that many of the country’s existing development gains—particularly in infrastructure and public services—can be traced to his personal and presidential interventions.
One of his most striking claims centered on the University of Liberia, where he asserted that he provided the institution’s first-ever bus.
“Since 1847… the first bus that the University of Liberia received, I bought it,” Weah declared, drawing immediate attention and skepticism across political and public circles.
He went further to deflect criticism over current conditions at the university, placing responsibility on institutional leadership rather than national government.
“If the university doesn’t have a bus, what are the leaders of the university doing?” he asked.
Defending Legacy, Rejecting Criticism
Throughout his remarks, the former President positioned himself as a misunderstood leader whose contributions are being deliberately downplayed.
“We have to be responsible… don’t fabricate things,” he said, warning critics against what he described as misinformation about his record.
Weah also highlighted his role in national reconstruction and social support, recounting his involvement in assisting students, funding education, and supporting institutions even before entering politics.
“Everything I’ve done in my life is a success story,” he asserted.
Government Fires Back
However, the remarks have not gone unanswered.
Assistant Minister for Public Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Saywhar Nana Gbaa, issued a sharp rebuttal, questioning the consistency of Weah’s claims and narrative.
“Can you tell your audience that the sick man sent you brand new cars as your entitlement?” Gbaa said in a pointed response.
“How come his own entitlement turned to charity from you? One minute you were rich, another 24 hours you were poor—can’t comprehend your inconsistencies. You come cuss me,” she added.
The response signals growing tensions between the former president and officials of the administration of Joseph Nyuma Boakai, as political rhetoric intensifies.
Politics of Legacy and Narrative
Weah’s comments are widely seen as part of a broader effort to reshape public perception of his presidency while positioning himself and his political bloc ahead of future electoral cycles.
Observers note that his emphasis on personal contributions—rather than institutional processes—marks a deliberate strategy to reconnect with grassroots supporters.
At the same time, critics argue that some of his claims require verification and risk distorting historical records.
Rising Political Temperature
The exchange highlights a deepening political divide, with both sides increasingly willing to engage in direct and personal rebuttals.
As Liberia’s political space begins to heat up ahead of future elections, Sunday’s remarks—and the swift government response—underscore a familiar pattern: the battle over legacy, accountability, and narrative is far from over.
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