Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon has publicly apologized to former President George Weah, admitting that his earlier criticisms of Weah’s private jet use were misguided and uninformed. Speaking on the “OK Conversation” radio program on Monday, Dillon expressed regret for his role in the 2023 opposition campaign, where he accused Weah of extravagance and misuse of public funds.

“We did not understand the constraints and reasons for using private jets,” Dillon stated. “I want to publicly apologize to President Weah for ranting loosely from an uninformed position.” He acknowledged the logistical challenges in the African region that necessitate private jet use and suggested that Liberia should procure a presidential aircraft for official purposes.

Shifting Perspective on Private Jets

Dillon’s apology has sparked mixed reactions, given his previous staunch opposition to private jet travel during the 2023 elections. As a vocal critic, he accused Weah of misusing taxpayer money for luxury travel. However, his perspective has shifted as private jet use has become a common practice under the current Boakai-Koung administration, which he supports.

President Joseph Boakai and Vice President Jeremiah Koung have also used private jets for international engagements, with Koung recently defending his travels as a courtesy from a Ghanaian businessman. This trend has placed Dillon in a complex position, leading him to advocate for a presidential aircraft to address the ongoing debate.

Public Reactions and Credibility Concerns

While some commend Dillon for his humility and willingness to admit past mistakes, others question the sincerity of his motives. Critics argue that the apology could be a strategic move to rebuild political credibility amid dissatisfaction with the Boakai administration’s perceived shortcomings.

“We trusted him as a light in our politics, but now we see the same actions he once condemned,” a critic commented. Dillon, however, described his apology as a step toward personal growth, stating, “In good conscience, I admit my wrongs to correct them. This doesn’t mean I’ll lie again in the future.”

A Call for Long-Term Solutions

In addition to his apology, Dillon proposed a long-term solution to the private jet issue: acquiring a presidential aircraft. “The thing that can solve the private jet issue is for us to procure a presidential jet for Liberia for official purposes,” he suggested, positioning this as a practical and transparent approach for future administrations.

Dillon’s public admission has reignited discussions about leadership accountability, political integrity, and the challenges of balancing criticism with governance in Liberia. As the debate continues, his apology serves as both a reflection of past political dynamics and a call for pragmatic solutions moving forward.