Monrovia, Liberia – Senator Crayton Oldman Duncan of Sinoe County has strongly condemned what he called Deputy Information Minister Daniel Sando’s “unprofessional and defamatory” remarks against him. The senator claimed that Sando’s remarks, which called him “spineless and unprincipled” and questioned his mental health, were offensive to both him and the Sinoe voters who chose him.
Senator Duncan emphasized that his prior criticism of the administration focused on the pressing need to address issues of national security, young unemployment, agriculture, economic instability, and institutional reform. He pointed out that the Deputy Minister’s focus on a particular road project in Sinoe County was a conscious attempt to minimize the problems that the nation faces.
“The Ministry of Information should not be used as a platform for malicious attacks, but rather as a conduit for responsible public communication,” the Senator’s office said. It also made the case that real development in Liberia must encompass opportunities, wealth, and health for all of its residents, not only the building of new roads.
In response to claims that he had not brought about progress in Sinoe, Duncan listed his accomplishments both prior to and following his election to public office. These include loans to market women, the establishment of youth and market centers, the financing of WAEC and WASSCE fees for Greenville students from 2015 to 2019, and the construction of schools, bridges, and clinics. In order to give students free transportation, he also bought buses; new ones would be delivered soon after the old ones were damaged.
The statement rejected Sando’s accusations as untrue and unrealistic, emphasizing that these measures are evident on the ground and are the reason the people of Sinoe promoted Senator Duncan from Representative to Senator. Such remarks, according to the senator’s office, were unacceptable for a public servant of Sando’s level and either demonstrated ignorance or purposeful disinformation.
The senator has urged Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah to maintain professionalism within the Ministry and has asked a public apology and retraction from Deputy Minister Sando. Additionally, he asked the Boakai government to put more effort into solving important national issues rather than launching personal assaults. The statement concluded, “Senator Duncan is steadfast in his resolve to stand up for his constituents and will not be sidetracked by unfounded taunts.”
