“Government is Like Borrowing a Coat,” Dismissed Mines and Energy Minister Breaks Silence

MONROVIA, LIBERIA: Seventy-two hours after President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s sudden dismissal of Wilmot Paye as Minister of Mines and Energy nearly two years after his appointment, the dismissed government official has presented a keen reflection on public service.

“Working in government is like borrowing someone’s coat. The owner can take it back at any time—without your consent, even while you’re walking down the street,” Paye said.

“That’s why, when you borrow a coat, wear a T-shirt underneath. If the owner suddenly asks for it back, you won’t be left naked.” He added.

The dismissed minister comments, conveyed with figurative aptitude, come on the heels on mounting rumor over the reasons behind his removal.

Paye’s assertion highlights the instability of political appointments and the need for readiness in the face of sudden transitions.

On late Monday, October 27, 2025, in what pundits described as a shocking reshuffle spree, President Boakai, dismissed Wilmot Paye as Minister of Mines and Energy.

The President immediately nominated former Representative of Nimba County Electoral District #9 R. Matenokay Tingban as Paye’s replacement.

An Executive Mansion said the changes were part of a broader shake-up affecting several key government institutions, as President Boakai seeks to “strengthen governance, improve institutional performance, and ensure accountability and efficiency” under his ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.

The dismissal of Wilmot Paye, a former chairman of the ruling Unity Party famous for his sweltering speech-making comes amid reports of internal disagreements.

His tenure at the Ministry was marked by his strong public stance on mining governance, including recent warnings against illicit mining and calls for greater transparency in the sector.

Though the Executive Mansion did not provide specific reasons for Paye’s dismissal, the move has generated widespread speculation within political and administrative circles.

However, an authoritative source at the ministry speaking to K-news on the condition of secrecy said Paye was not dismissed on the basis of corruption allegations, rather, the sources hinted that President Boakai’s action stemmed from Paye’s alleged refusal to compromise the interests Nimbaians, in the ongoing renegotiation of ArcelorMittal’s mining deal.

Nimba County hosts the industrial mining operations of world’s steel giant ArcelorMittal, and Wilmot Paye, a prominent son of the county, our sources said stood firm against decisions he believed would shortchange Liberians.

In the ongoing renegotiation, our source hinted that the dismissed Mines and Energy minister insisted that the new Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) should not be singed bearing the similar weak licensing clause.

Under the current MDA, ArcelorMittal pays only US$500,000 for 25 years; a deal that seems to favors the company. Amongst other, our informant added that Paye had proposed a new fee structure requiring Class A mining companies to pay US$1 million annually, a proposal AML fiercely resisted.

According to the source, the dismissed minister also proposed the establishment of a National Minerals Company to manage Liberia’s commercial interests and equity shares in major concessions.

Paye’s tenure at the Ministry of Mines and Energy was marked by his strong public stance on mining governance, including recent warnings against illicit mining and calls for greater transparency in the sector. His departure, observers say, could signal a shift in how the Boakai administration intends to manage Liberia’s lucrative mineral industry.