Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon has described as “insensitive, immature, and unreasonable,” criticisms directed at Liberia’s current government, which has been in office for less than a year. Dillon, a key supporter of the new administration, speaking on State’s Radio ELBC on Monday, October 14, 2024, emphasized that he intends to address issues from within rather than publicly chastising the government so early in its tenure. Dillon, who has long been known for his vocal stance on governance issues in the Liberian Senate, affirmed that his commitment to accountability and good governance remains unchanged and argued that it would be premature to launch criticisms against an administration that is still in its infancy. “I support this regime, this administration. I am a founding member of this administration. It is insensitive, immature, and unreasonable for me to criticize my own government from day one,” Senator Dillon stated, adding, “I have to give the baby time to learn to crawl.” He assured the public that internal corrections are being made, emphasizing that his role is to contribute to the development of a systematic and well-governed administration, stating, “You make corrections from within.” The Senator also pointed out that he has not hesitated to oppose certain government actions when necessary. For instance, he mentioned his opposition to a proposed US$41 million budget under President Boakai’s administration, which included a demand for a domestic debt list, adding that he had taken a similar stance under the previous administration of President George M. Weah. “How many times have I not stood up against my own government in the Senate?” Dillon asked rhetorically. “I voted against President Boakai’s US$41 million budget because I was demanding a domestic debt list—just as I did under the Weah administration.” He further disclosed that his opposition to the budget resulted in the eventual release of the domestic debt list, a development he hailed as a victory for transparency and good governance. He believes this action has set a precedent for the kind of accountability that the new administration aims to deliver to the Liberian people. Senator Dillon also underscored his continued resistance to certain government appointments. He explained that he had opposed the president’s appointments to tenure positions, arguing that some of these appointments were in violation of the law. He made it clear that individuals appointed to such positions would not be confirmed. “Today, we’ve stood our ground and told the president, ‘The way you’re appointing people to tenure positions is a violation of the law, and we will not confirm them,'” he asserted. Additionally, as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information, Senator Dillon has promised greater transparency in the legislative process. He announced plans for the state-owned broadcaster (ELBC) radio station to broadcast Senate proceedings, ensuring that the public is informed about legislative decisions. “As chairman of the Senate Committee on Information, we will ensure that starting next week and continuing until the Legislature closes in December 2029, ELBC will cover the proceedings at the Senate,” Dillon said in response to criticisms that he had become silent. Source: LINA