In Saye Town Saga!!

By Goddgift Harris

Affected families in the ongoing Saye Town demolition on Tuesday, February 3, shamed a sitting government minister.

The affected residents outrightly rejected an offer from a government Assistant Minister, Mike Jabateh.

Jabateh, an Assistant Minister for Urban Affairs at the Ministry of Local Government, was booed and jeered when the internally displaced persons (IDPs) rejected his offer of rice.

Jabateh had intended to demonstrate a deep commitment to humanitarian service, and national unity, even in the face of political misunderstanding.

But his planned donation of 150 bags of 25kg bags of rice intended for the homeless in Saye Town, was turned down by some community members due to perceived political considerations.

Many of the residents are being affected by recent court-ordered evicting them from the Saye Town parcel of land.

Despite this setback, Jabateh remained resolute, saying the gesture was motivated solely by compassion and concern for “vulnerable Liberians.”

Jabateh said, the initiative was designed to provide immediate relief to families facing hardship, and had no political agenda attached.

“We have no political interest in this gesture.”

“As a sitting government Minister of Local Government, it is our responsibility to make meaningful contributions to our people when they are in need. This is about compassion, not politics.”

Mr. Jabateh said his service transcends political boundaries, and district lines, extending to communities.

He underscored that humanitarian assistance should always be viewed as a unifying effort, not a partisan one.

He described the rejection not as a disappointment, but as an opportunity to reach other vulnerable populations.

He announced that the 150 bags of rice will be redirected to families in Bomi, Grand Cape Mount, and Gbarpolu counties, where the need for assistance remains high.

“This is not about the opposition CDC or the governing UP. It is about the people. I am not driven by district politics. I am a peaceful and humanitarian-minded Liberian.”

 Jabateh also called for calm and understanding regarding the recent evictions, urging the public not to attribute the situation to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, or the government, as the matter was resolved through legal processes.

He encouraged citizens to respect the rule of law while maintaining social harmony.

The humanitarian donation was made possible through support from partners in Israel and the Usman Sackor Foundation, highlighting Mr. Jabateh’s strong local and international partnerships, and his unwavering dedication to improve the lives of Liberians nationwide.