-Senator Dillon Proposes Presidential Jet Amid Mixed Reactions
By Jerromie S. Walters
Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon has proposed acquiring a presidential aircraft as a permanent solution to the government’s reliance on private jets for presidential travel.
Dillon suggested during the “OK Conversation,” a radio program on OK FM in Monrovia. He stated, “The thing that can solve it [the private jet] is for us to procure a presidential jet for Liberia for the use of the president and official use.”
This proposal follows Dillon’s recent admission that his earlier criticisms of former President George M. Weah regarding private jet use were misinformed.
A Passionate Appeal
Sen. Dillon expressed regret over his role in the 2023 opposition campaign, which accused Weah of extravagance in using public funds for private jet travel. “We did not understand the constraints and reasons for using private jets,” Dillon said. He added, “I want to publicly apologize to President Weah for ranting loosely from an uninformed position.” He acknowledged the necessity of private jets in Africa and advocated for Liberia to procure a presidential aircraft for official use.
Mixed Public Reactions
Dillon’s apology and recommendation have sparked mixed reactions. Some view his apology as a strategy to rebrand himself politically, while others appreciate his sincerity.
One Liberian commented, “Sen. Darius Dillon is very crafty! He still has political ambition! So, he’s trying to create a new path for future elections! We aren’t buying this… the light is off!” Another added, “Dillon only saying this as usual because his 9 years are gradually finishing… Sympathy apology.”
Critic Turned Advocate
Dillon’s push for a government-owned private jet comes amid frequent private jet use by the Boakai-Koung administration, which he now supports. This shift has drawn scrutiny, especially from those who remember Dillon’s sharp critiques of Weah’s private jet travels during the 2023 elections.
At that time, Dillon and other Unity Party (UP) members accused Weah of misusing taxpayer money for luxurious travel. However, in the early months of President Joseph Boakai’s tenure, both Boakai and Vice President Jeremiah Koung have been seen using private jets for international engagements. Notably, Boakai was spotted boarding a jet just two months into his presidency, while Koung defended his travel as a courtesy from a Ghanaian businessman.
Dillon concluded, “The use of private jets is necessary, especially now. It is only fair for someone to muster the courage and apologize to former President Weah. There is no need to defend it.”
