Liberia: Cummings Sacks Chief Aide who Co-authored a Book Considered 'Demeaning' to the Presidency

The political leader of the opposition Alternative National Congress, Alexander B. Cummings, has fired his most senior aide, Isaac Vah Tukpah, after public backlash over a book Tukpah co-authored, which many consider "demeaning to the President's wife and womanhood."

The book, titled 'George Weah: The Dream, The Legend, The Rise to Power', claims to be first of its kind biographical account of the life of George Weah, and takes readers on a revealing expedition, down the many rabbit holes and crevices of George Weah's journey into politics, exposing his alleged imperfections as an superstar at the helm of a youthful generation. 

However, it is chapter 13 of the book that has received huge public condemnation due to explicit references to the President's imitate life, which many consider as rude to his wife Clar Weah and disgrace to womanhood. 

In chapter 13, the authors attributed a quote to the President who, they claimed, made detailed references about his spouse. 

And with Alexander Cummings under pressured, he wrote that his Chief of Office Staff has resigned after asking him to do so as a result of the book.

"The book, co-authored by Mr. Tukpah, reveals an alleged discussion by a husband, Mr. George Weah, of his wife. The revelation of the alleged discussion exposes a deviant behavior in our society in the continuous disrespect and denigration of girls and women; I find the publication of the alleged discussion to be an error of judgment which, in itself, has the effect of enabling and fueling such reprehensible behaviors of men disrespecting women," Cummings wrote. "This  certainly does not excuse the alleged disrespectful and privately invasive discussion by a husband of his wife, which I find to be disgraceful and offensive.

"I can only hope that the alleged discussion, by our now President, as revealed in the book about his wife, is not true. If it is, it is unacceptable, distasteful and a bad example, which should not be tolerated."

Meanwhile, Cummings has clarified that book, "which is the object of my concern, was written long before Isaac joined our team. 

Tukpa was hired in August last year and was also once a close confidant of the President. But their relationship soon broke up after Mr. Weah ascended to the Presidency. 

His firing comes at a time when Cummings is in court for allegedly tampering with the framework document of the Collaborating Political Parties. 

Mr. Cummings is being sued by Benoi Urey of the All Liberia Party. However, Cummings has denied the claim and says he will win the case. 

Meanwhile,Tukpah in a release disclosed that he would like to thank Cummings and the ANC for the opportunity to serve as his chief of staff and  the Liberian people. 

At the same time, I would like to sincerely apologize to all whom I have offended. I meant no disrespect to anyone. Mr. Cummings had no prior knowledge of the contents of my forthcoming book and I would like to further apologize to him for the distraction this has caused campaign," Tukpah added . 

Tukpah and his co- author book also claims to spotlight President Weah within his element as he creates friendships and burns bridges with friends, allies, and supporters including women, and how he manages his personal finances. 

The book, authored by Tukpah and Prof. Emmanuel Clarke, is "mostly based on interviews with Weah's family members, classmates, close friends, coaches, journalists, political associates, and women with whom he has had intimate relationships, and gives the reader an in-depth knowledge of the life of George Weah."

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Below is Cummings' full statement on the saga:

This morning, I asked for and received the immediate resignation of my Chief of Office Staff, Mr. Isaac Vah Tukpah. 

This is despite the fact that a book which is the object of my concern was written long before Isaac joined our team. Since joining the team, Mr. Tukpah has served with diligence and professionalism, and I have come to respect and admire his work. My decision was not taken lightly because I value Isaac’s works and contributions.

However, the standards of alternative leadership for our country that we have set for ourselves, now and in the future, are particularly higher than the usual, and we are determined to maintain it. It means we must stand with all those who are right, when they are right, even if they are not our friends, and refuse to stand with those who are wrong, even if they are our friends and workmates. I will continue to do so because this is the example of the quality of leadership that our country desperately needs to change course, and improve the lives of Liberians.

The book, co-authored by Mr. Tukpah, reveals an alleged discussion by a husband, Mr. George Weah of his wife. The revelation of the alleged discussion exposes a deviant behavior in our society in the continuous disrespect and denigration of girls and women; I find the publication of the alleged discussion to be an error of judgment which in itself has the effect of enabling and fueling such reprehensible behaviors of men disrespecting women this certainly does not excuse the alleged disrespectful and privately invasive discussion by a husb, and o,f his wife, which I find to be disgraceful and offensive.

In our response to the President’s SONA, I spoke about the need to cleanse the soul of our nation. As leaders, and especially as men, on issues of gender and equality of women, which stains the nation’s soul, it falls upon all of us, especially men, to be good examples for those younger than us who look up to us, beginning in our own families. We must always show the highest consideration and respect for women and girls, especially our wives.

I can only hope that the alleged discussion, by our now President, as revealed in the book about his wife is not true. If it is, it is unacceptable, distasteful and a bad example, which should not be tolerated.