Boakai Eulogizes Tolbert at Memorial Event -Says ‘He Was Man of Deep Conviction, Immense Discipline’

MONROVIA –  Chief Executive Joseph N. Boakai continues to make rounds leading by example, at least symbolically, to mend broken hearts and relationships in the aftermath of violent politics that descended upon the nation since 1980, though some pundits point to other pre-1980 barbarity of Liberians against Liberians. And the president is left with the weight of finding the appropriate tune and words to express in consolation, from one unique solemn event to another. This time, he was at the memorial ceremony of ex-president William R. Tolbert and his political kin and kith killed in the aftermath of the 1980 coup. Singling out the ex-head of state of Liberia for special exaltations, President Boakai had some moving assertions as The Analyst reports.

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has been heaping praises on former president Tolbert who, he said, led Liberia during a “time of tremendous transition, both at home and across the African continent”.

Boakai said as the 20^th President of Liberia and a former Chairman of the Organization of African Unity, the late Tolbert “was known for his visionary leadership, his bold reforms, his Pan African spirit, his enduring belief in the young people of Liberia, social justice, economic empowerment, and the unification of all Liberians.

“He was a towering personality abroad and commanded much respect from the international community,” Boakai emphasized Tolbert’s deeds at a Memorial Service in honor the former president at Centennial Pavilion, Ashmun Street, Monrovia, Liberia, Tuesday, July 1, 2025.

The Liberian leader continued his eulogy for Tolbert: “He was a man of deep conviction and immense discipline. A Baptist preacher by calling and a statesman by duty, he brought to the presidency a sense of moral clarity and a deep commitment to building a nation where all Liberians could find dignity in their citizenship.”

He said president Tolbert’s leadership was grounded in humility, integrity, and service.

“I did not serve under President Tolbert, but like so many of my generation, I was inspired by his intellect, his values, and his steadfast pursuit of a more equitable Liberia,” he said, adding that Tolbert’s policies sought to bridge divides, uplift the poor, and expand opportunity.

“His vision for national development was anchored in the belief that Liberia could only thrive when justice and inclusion became the pillars of our democracy,” said president Boakai further.

The Chief Executive said the Tolbert memorial service, decades after his tragic death, was not simply a ceremonial gesture but an act of national conscience, and “a moment to restore dignity, to acknowledge historical wrongs, and to reaffirm our collective commitment to truth, justice, and reconciliation”.

He noted that Liberians cannot reflect on the moment without acknowledging the long arc of pain that has shaped our nation’s journey, noting that from the founding of Liberia and the unhealed tensions of the past, to the violent change of governments, and the tragic loss of nearly two hundred fifty thousand lives during our brutal civil conflict, the country has borne the wounds of history.

“These wrongs have left scars, but they have also left us with a responsibility—a responsibility to turn our sorrows into seeds of hope, to draw from our pain a renewed sense of purpose, and to ensure that the sacrifices of the past were not in vain,” stressed, and urged that “our shared suffering become the foundation of our shared strength.

“Let us allow our collective memory to serve not as a point of division, but as a force for unity. Let the stories of loss and resilience instill in us a deeper sense of patriotism and a lasting commitment to peace, justice, and reconciliation.”

He extended the deepest sympathy of a grateful nation to the Tolbert family, indicating that their father, grandfather and relative, Tolbert, “served this nation with distinction. Your lives of tolerance have been irreproachable and magnanimous.”

“I urge you to continue to honor his memory not only through mourning but through purposeful contribution to national unity and healing,” he told the family, and called on Liberians to let the memorial ceremonies “inspire a renewed sense of patriotism”.

“Let us reject the forces that divide us,” he admonished. “Let us choose peace over vengeance, unity over discord, and progress over stagnation. The Liberia we seek to build must be one where the legacy of our leaders is honored with truth, with respect, and with accountability.”