Monrovia – A heavy downpour of rain for more than 90 minutes wasn’t enough to discourage Dr. Jallah Barbu and his supporters from declaring that they want to take over the presidency from incumbent Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in 2017.
“Having therefore consulted you and receiving from you the unwavering affirmation that I fit the criteria set by Dr. Harry Moniba (LINU founding father) now deceased and reechoed by you I do hereby now declare to the people of the Republic of Liberia and the World that I Cllr. /Dr. Jallah A. Barbu, a humble son of this Republic, I am contesting for the presidency of Liberia in the presidential election scheduled for October 10, 2017”, Dr. Barbu said.
Dr. Barbu and supporters were forced to seek shelter from the heavy rain that began just 15 minutes into the 2PM start time of the program held at the Sinkor headquarters of the Liberia National Union (LINU). Some left their seats, while others stood under umbrellas and the eaves of the building housing the party headquarters.
Dr. Barbu, flanked by his wife Yah Yeplah Dolo-Barbu were both sheltered from the rain by an umbrella held by one supporter, the learned councilor took advantage of a brief 15 minutes break in the rain to officially share his ambition.
The sound and sight of traditional music and dances, specifically from Lofa County, entertained the waiting crowd. A group of young people meanwhile chanted pro-Barbu slogans to another group of people at the event.
Deception of politicians
In his remarks, rather than going the normal way to discredit the current administration and make big promises to citizens, Dr. Barbu frowned on the deception of politicians especially those who intend to ascend to national leadership.
He said one should not aspire for office only for the sake of becoming popular nor should it be for the purpose of opposing others.
Dr. Barbu said: “The fact that prior to today we have had several individuals express their desire to contest the presidency, yet the people of this country have generally remain reluctant to participate in the electoral process, clearly speaks to the dire need of people for genuine leaders.”
The LINU “eminent partisan” said his decision to pursue the presidency is a result of consultation with elders, young people who encouraged him during discussions to run for presidency in the 2017 elections.
“Having therefore consulted you and receiving from you the unwavering affirmation that I fit the criteria set by Dr. Harry Moniba (LINU founding father) now deceased and reechoed by you I do hereby now declare to the people of the Republic of Liberia and the World that I Cllr. /Dr. Jallah A. Barbu, a humble son of this Republic, I am contesting for the presidency of Liberia in the presidential election scheduled for October 10, 2017”, Dr. Barbu said.
A respectable Liberian lawyer, Dr. Barbu believes that in a country with widespread poverty, poor water and electrical services, and an arbitrary use of the rule of law, the people certainly need a better future.
Dr. Barbu is one of the few Liberians with a doctorate degree in law and experience in government and academia.
In the public sector, he has served in various positions as an accountant at the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation. He later worked as a teacher assistant at the University of Liberia.
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf appointed him to review laws and provide legal advice to the executive and legislative branches, one of few Liberians.
He collaborated with the judicial branch in various outreach programs as well as serving on committees that examined applicants for admission to the bar as attorneys and counselors-at-laws.
He said his understanding of the marriage between law and politics gives him a unique perspective of the function of government in diverse circumstances.
He is driven to run for the presidency because of his realization that realizing his vision for Liberia requires that he has a role in directing the implementation of national programs and policies.
Henry Karmo – [email protected]