Monrovia – The President of the Liberia Council of Churches (LCC), Bishop Kortu Brown, has challenged elected leaders of Western Liberia, especially Grand Cape Mount County, to help improve the living conditions of their citizens.
Bishop Brown is also the Founder and General Overseer of the New Water in the Desert Apostolic Pentecostal Church located in Brewerville, outside Monrovia.
He observed that the challenges confronting residents of the Western region remain enormous.
He spoke in an exclusive interview with Front Page Africa in Konja Town, Grand Cape Mount County.
Bishop Brown is the head of the Council’s delegation observing the ongoing Senatorial by-election in the county.
The by-election was triggered following the death of Senator Edward B. Dagoseh.
The late Senator, died at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital in Sinkor, Monrovia, reportedly of cancer.
The LCC’s President noted that elected leaders of Grand Cape Mount, as well as Bomi and Gbarpolu counties should “stop playing” and lift their citizens out of poverty.
Bishop Brown maintained that for more than several decades, counties of the Western region continue to remain backward in terms of economic and infrastructural growth and development.
“This county (Grand Cape Mount) is about 163 years old. This county has a lot more to do. The people of Grand Cape Mount should wake up-the leadership should wake up. They should stop playing and address the concerns people faced; and lift them out of poverty. Too many mysteries in these areas-Bomi, Grand Cape Mount and Gbarpolu. These areas, after almost 200 years, are still backward. We shouldn’t celebrate or encourage that,” he added.
On the Grand Cape Mount County Senatorial by-election
The renowned Liberian clergyman urged eligible voters to use their ballots to make a change in the county, and Liberia at large.
“Every Liberian should know that to vote is not just about casting their ballot. It about pure democracy, it’s about consummating peace and stability in Liberia. Every Liberian should understand that you are a stakeholder. The ballot in your hand makes you a stakeholder. The citizenship you hold, makes you a stakeholder to be able to make a break in your country. It’s important that you know that election is part of the process of trying to ensure that our country is democratic, harmonious, hold our leaders accountable, and our country remains peaceful and stable.”
He further cautioned against violence during and after the voting process.
“We can say so far the process is calm; good weather. We’re concern about red marks-people trying to instigate violence and free fair and transparent election. We see people on the line-let’s see what happens between now and mid-day. But so far, the turnout looks encouraging.”
“We hope that whoever has a ballot in his/her hand will realize that, that’s how important that ballot is. Election is not about violence or sharing blood. At times you see other people misbehaving; it’s not what election is about. We want to encourage all our people to put that away.