In a statement commemorating the day, Koijee (left) extended congratulations to his successor, John-Charuk Siafa, while calling for greater cooperation and tangible support to enhance the capital city’s cleanliness and development.
Monrovia – As Liberia marks the 46th Monrovia Day, former Monrovia City Mayor Jefferson Tamba Koijee has extended congratulations to his successor, John-Charuk Siafa, while calling for greater cooperation and tangible support to enhance the capital city’s cleanliness and development.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
In a statement commemorating the day, Koijee reflected on his tenure, expressing gratitude to the residents of Monrovia for their unwavering support. He acknowledged the contributions of young people and students, whose energy and commitment, he said, were instrumental in driving initiatives during his leadership.
“I extend special appreciation to the youth and student communities; whose energy and commitment infused our endeavors with hope and dynamism. Your immeasurable love and admiration were both humbling and inspiring,” Koijee said.
Koijee served as Mayor of Monrovia from 2018 to 2024. Under his watch, he initiated several programs including the beautification of Monrovia and the celebration of Monrovia Day.
In his statement, he also paid tribute to former President George Weah, under whose administration he served as the youngest mayor in Liberia’s history. Koijee credited Weah for empowering young people, including himself, by giving them leadership opportunities.
“Despite my youthfulness, former President Weah entrusted me with the opportunity to serve as the youngest mayor in the history of our country,” he noted. “His belief in the potential of young people extended beyond me, as he provided similar opportunities to many other young Liberians, empowering a new generation of leaders.”
Koijee urged the staff of the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC) to extend the same level of support and dedication to the current mayor, emphasizing that unity and continuity are essential for the city’s progress.
However, he expressed concerns about what he described as inconsistencies in support from the central government under President Joseph Boakai’s administration. He criticized the lack of tangible backing for urban development despite public declarations of commitment, arguing that such a gap between rhetoric and action has hindered the city’s progress.
“A notable instance of this disconnect is the recent dismissal of nine Monrovia City Corporation employees,” Koijee said. “These individuals were terminated following allegations of criticizing government officials on social media, including Mr. Boakai. Such actions raise concerns about the administration’s commitment to free speech and the fair treatment of civil servants.”
The former mayor emphasized that Monrovia’s development requires a genuine partnership between the city government and the central administration, urging President Boakai to move beyond symbolic gestures and provide the necessary resources for effective urban management.
“Collaboration must transcend political affiliations and focus on the collective well-being of our citizens,” he stressed. “I call upon Mr. Boakai to provide the necessary resources and autonomy to the City Government, enabling effective urban management and development.”
Koijee also called on residents to take responsibility for keeping the city clean, stating that the well-being of Monrovia is not solely the duty of city authorities.
“The cleanliness and prosperity of Monrovia depend significantly on the attitudes and actions of its residents,” he noted. “By working together and holding ourselves accountable, we can transform Monrovia into a beacon of progress and unity.”
As Monrovia Day is observed, Koijee urged all stakeholders to recommit to making the city a true reflection of Liberia’s best aspirations. He reaffirmed his support for Mayor Siafa and encouraged a collective effort toward the capital’s sustainable growth.
