Monrovia – One time head of Liberia’s elections commission and former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Cllr. Frances Johnson-Allison, says if Liberia would reconcile and forge ahead in development, then Liberians ought to vote for Vice President Joseph Boakai as President.
Report by Lennart Dodoo, [email protected]
“Considering that decisions we make on October 10, 2017 will have grave consequences on the peace, stability and tranquility of our country and its standing among the comity of nations, no one should make those decisions lightly or on mere sentiments, passion or partisanship; Liberia must come first.
“It this stage of its existence, Liberia needs a leader who can heal and reconcile its broken people because s/he has a heart big enough to love everyone with malice towards none.”
“Healing and reconciliation which are needed urgently in Liberia today lie within the domain of the aged and wise. The aged are no in the business of settling scores,” she said.
Cllr. Johnson-Allison made the statement during a press conference held at her offices in Monrovia.
According to her, Vice President Boakai is an accountable leader, a good steward who understands that he is a mere custodian of the nation’s wealth and resources which have been entrusted to him.
“The stakes are high in the pending elections, the future of our children, our way of life – these are on the line.”
“The person who comes at the helm of power in our country must know that leadership is a call to service, not a jackpot win.
“I believe Vice President Joseph Nyumah Boakai who has answered his country’s call for patriots to redeem its image from corruption, insatiable greed and moral decadence possesses the qualities required for leadership at this time.”
“His personal integrity, humility and congenial nature make him suitable for the role,” she averred.
Generational Change Debate
Cllr. Johnson-Allison told reporters that she agrees with President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s call for a new generation of leadership, but noted Liberia needs people who are adequately prepared to steer the affairs of the country.
“I don’t have a quarrel with the generational change thing, but when we talk about generational change, we need people who are prepared, people who are educated, people who are refined; not because you are young so you’re fit to be President, that’s not it.”
“As long as we’ve been here I’ve never heard or remember anytime that the Vice President has been flown out of this country because he was ill or he went somewhere and fell down… I know he’s old but old age should not be a minus,” she said.
President’s Ill Advised Move
The astute lawyer who became the first female Chief Justice and also a former Justice Minister in President Sirleaf’s government described the recent invitation by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to the Commissioners of the National Elections Commission and 19 election magistrates to a private meeting at her home as “ill advised”.
“That did not happen when I was at the Commission and I think it’s ill advised to do something like that… These things, people need to understand that they give rise to suspicions so as best as possible you should try to avoid those kinds of incidences.