Monrovia – Vice President Joseph Boakai’s candidacy as standard bearer of the Unity Party is under a threat as the party’s sole lawmaker from vote rich Nimba County has pledged his support to former Minister of Foreign Affairs and ECOWAS Vice President, Dr. Toga Gayewea McIntosh.
In an exclusive interview with FrontPageAfrica, Rep. Worlea Saywah Dunah said his decision to support Dr. McIntosh is in the best interest of the country, adding that the former Foreign Minister is the best for the party’s leadership.
“I have assessed both candidates and their capacities to lead us to election and to victory which is very critical,” he said. “And in that process, we have come to look at what their strengths are to convince the Liberian people as Madam Sirleaf has done in two elections because it is important to continue the agenda that has come this far”, said the lawmaker.
He continued “I am calling on all partisans of the Unity Party in Liberia and the diaspora, all leaders of the Unity Party in Liberia and diaspora, that today I, Representative Worlea Saywah Dunah, declare that I am wholly—more than one hundred percent—supporting the veteran economist, international civil servant, the former dean of the cabinet, Dr. Toga McIntosh for the standard bearer ship of the Unity Party and that we will do everything in our power to ensure that he wins the standard bearer ship.”
When Vice President Boakai accepted a petition from citizens of Lofa County to contest the presidency many thought it was an easy affair for him to win the Unity Party slot but recent developments are looking the other way.
VP Boakai has a tough challenge in the primary. His contender, Dr. McIntosh has a wealth of experience in government and has held several key positions in the international circles.
The VP has also held several positions in government, including his current portfolio as Vice President under the leadership of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
He has received endorsement from key leaders in the Party, including the current Party chairman, Cllr. Varney Sherman who currently represents the people of Grand Cape Mount County. His public support for VP Boakai has created some criticisms for him as some party members believe it was too early for him to make such public declaration.
Dunah, who represents district#7 from vote rich county of Nimba, is the first lawmaker to declare support for a candidate in the UP for the standard bearer ship.
He is on record for being the first member of the UP hierarchy to criticize VP Boakai for declaring his interest to replace President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
Dr. McIntosh has repeatedly said he is aware of the challenges ahead in the party primary especially against the VP but claims it is the beauty of democracy.
Henry Karmo (0886522495) [email protected]