Former foreign minister disappointed over ARREST agenda launch exclusion

MONROVIA – Former Foreign Affairs Minister Olubanke King Akerele has expressed disappointment over the Boakai-Koung administration’s failure to invite former government officials and senior members of the Unity Party to the official launch of the ARREST Agenda.

On Wednesday, the Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, launched the ARREST Agenda for inclusive development.

Speaking on a radio talk show on Thursday, the former Foreign Minister voiced her disappointment over the lack of invitations extended to former ministers of government.

She indicated that despite her status as a former minister, she remains a ranking member of the Unity Party. She noted that the failure to extend her an invitation for such a momentous occasion demonstrates a lack of understanding and respect for party officials.

“I’m extremely disappointed that there was no invitation to former ministers and people in government. I never got any invitation. I’m very, very much upset about it. I’m a Unity Party person, and when these things are happening, it seems to be no understanding,” she said.

Madam Akerele further expressed that leaving her out while inviting foreign guests and diplomats shows complete disregard for her years of service to the country.

“They managed to invite foreigners, the diplomatic corps, and they don’t invite people like me who have served this country,” she lamented.

Despite her personal disappointment, she praised the ARREST Agenda, noting that it reflects the urgent needs of the country and its citizens.

At the same time, the former Foreign Minister cautioned against continual comparisons between the first year of the former and current governments.

According to her, such comparisons should be contextualized, measuring the first-year achievements of both past and present administrations.

“I think it is not correct to try to compare the first year of one government with the first year of another without giving the context,” she asserted.