Sinoe County Senator Augustine S. Chea is raising concerns about what he describes as a growing culture of disrespect in Liberia’s political space, warning that the country is now facing the consequences of normalizing public insults.
Referencing a popular Liberian saying—“if the house doesn’t sell you, the street will not buy you”—Chea argues that when citizens tolerate or celebrate disrespect toward their own leaders, it opens the door for outsiders to do the same.
He pointed to recent years as a clear example, citing instances where public figures such as “Prophet Key” and Representative Yekeh Kolubah openly insulted former President George Weah and his family. According to Chea, instead of condemning such behavior, many political actors and supporters embraced it, even rewarding those involved with public attention and political backing.
For the senator, the issue goes beyond political rivalry. He stressed that a double standard has emerged—where disrespect is tolerated when directed at opponents but condemned when it targets others. He argued that true principles must remain consistent, regardless of political affiliation.
Chea described the situation as part of a broader societal decline in civility. He lamented that insults, vulgar language, and personal attacks have increasingly replaced constructive debate, with many people confusing aggression for courage and disrespect for free expression.
He also expressed concern about the role of education, noting that while Liberia now has more schools, universities, and degree holders than in the past, there appears to be a decline in discipline, respect, and critical thinking. According to him, education should not only produce graduates but also shape character and responsible citizenship.
Turning to current events, Chea criticized remarks made by a Nigerian pastor who described President Joseph Boakai as “confused.” He said such statements are not constructive criticism but rather disrespectful attacks on the presidency as an institution.
However, he emphasized that Liberians must also take responsibility. By allowing disrespect to flourish domestically, he argued, the country has unintentionally created an environment where outsiders feel emboldened to speak in similar terms.
Chea concluded that regardless of political differences, the office of the President—whether held by Boakai or previously by Weah—deserves a basic level of respect, warning that a nation that undermines its own leadership risks losing dignity both internally and on the global stage.
