Monrovia – The Political Leader of the newly certificated People’s Liberation Party (PLP), Dr. Daniel E. Cassell, has cautioned Liberians to be mindful of those he called “recycled greedy politicians” who have regrouped themselves to continue to steer the affairs of the state or capture state power at the detriment of the citizenry.
Dr. Cassell who is also the President/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Dr. Cassell’s Foundation, and the Kwenyan Security Firm in Liberia, observed that these “recycled and greedy” politicians who have miserably failed the Liberian people are again regrouping under different nomenclature to sway the minds of citizens who they have exploited for a prolong period of time.
He made these comments when he appeared as guest on the OK Morning Rush Show on OK FM 99.5 in Monrovia recently.
He added that these old brand Liberian politicians have been in power for so many years, but they have not been able to find lasting solutions to Liberia’s problems for the benefit of the citizenry.
Dr. Cassell further observed that most political parties in Liberia are recycled institutions that are bringing on board individuals and politicians who dismally performed and inequitably distributed the wealth and resources of the country.
According to him, these recycled politicians remain allegedly visible in the former ruling Unity Party (UP), All Liberian Party (ALP) and the governing Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC).
The UP and ALP are part of the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP), while the CDC is made up of the ex-ruling National Patriotic Party (NPP) and the Liberian People Democratic Party (LPDP).
“Their track records speak for them and so, the Liberian people know exactly what they have done and the negative impact it has caused on the lives and our country”.
Dr. Cassell observed that many of these “recycled” politicians are either jittering or feel uncomfortable of the manner and form in which he continues to render unwavering assistance and support to needy Liberian citizens in the wake of harsh economic constraints.
He noted that some of these politicians who he described as “greedy hunters” remain dissatisfied towards his ambition.
As a result of the situation, he pointed out that he has decided to contest the country’s highest seat, nothing that, “you cannot continue to do the same old things and expect new results”.
Systemic, cultural and inter-generational
Speaking further, Dr. Cassell pointed out that Liberia and its citizens continue to confront challenges because, the country has “systemic, cultural and inter-generational” problems that need to be addressed holistically.
He disclosed that in order for these problems to be addressed adequately, the executive branch of the Liberian government must muster the courage and exhibit a high degree of patriotism to act or take decisions in the interest of the masses.
He noted that his decision taken to openly render multiple assistance to the needy is not intended to acquire a “government job,” put his hands into the “cookies jar or loot government resources”, but it is intended to help elevate the living standards of citizens and to transform the country.
“I can’t say I want to be President because, I have never been in politics. That has never been my thinking; but I am of the conviction that as a spiritual person, I will be able to transform the lives of our people and to transform our country. I believed that the Most High God has a messenger on the ground and that is Dr. Cassell-to help liberate our people who are suffering”.
He maintained that as one of Liberia’s professional and successful citizens, he cannot sit supinely and allow the country to “go to its early demise” on the international scene without taking steps and actions.
Individual impact not enough
When quizzed why he cannot continue to impact the lives of Liberians outside of the Liberian presidency or politics, Dr. Cassell emphasized that it is difficult for anyone to, at a large scale, impact the lives of citizens across the country unilaterally.
He pointed out that potential and financial potent Liberians can only continue to make impact on the lives of their fellow compatriots, but it requires ascendancy to the highest seat to transform and address the systemic problems confronting the society and its citizens.
“It requires executive approach and legislative powers to solve the systemic problems in our country. With my resources and expertise, I am doing what I can do. It can impact individual lives, but it cannot change the system that is fooling our people. It requires good leadership”.
On PLP
Dr. Cassell pointed out that his newly established People’s Liberation Party (PLP) remains “significantly different” from previous or current political parties that have governed and is governing Liberia.
According to him, the party stands for accountability, honesty, integrity and patriotism.
He added that those who are contemplating crossing over or joining the leadership of the PLP must hold such values because, for too long these values have been lacking in the governance process of the nation.
Dr. Cassell indicated that though he has been blessed with the needed resources to support the PLP, the party will be a people-driven institution- a decision that he does not intend to compromise.
He maintained that the PLP will not be a political institution where chief financiers of the party continue to provide finances accumulated from shady deals and corrupt acts.
Dr. Cassell pointed out that though the PLP remains open to hold discussions with like-minded individuals or political parties, the party will be very conscious in holding engagements with these individuals and institutions.
“This is an institution that we are building; it’s not just a political party and we will be conscious to know to what extent we are going to hold engagements with these individuals or political parties. If we have to sit at a table to hold discussions, these people, especially the recycled politicians will be evaluated”.
Willing to be second?
Dr. Cassell disclosed that though he does not mind coming second to any politician based upon the arrangements, he will not succumb to anyone who has not lived or deliver to the expectations of the Liberian people.
“If we are not go into a coalition, we will be negotiating on the position of strength. It’s not going to be one of those that will say you take the second place. I do not mind taking second place; I have taken second place before. I considered myself as a servant as long it’s in the best interest of our country, I will take second place”.
“But we will not want to take second place to somebody who doesn’t know where they are going. Will you want to be behind a driver or in a car with someone driving you don’t know where he is going or is a reckless driver? I will not like to do that. Everybody wants to be President, but people have to be evaluated”.
He maintained that the track records of politicians who worked in government or the private sector must be evaluated by the Liberian people in a bid to make a sound judgment come 2023.
Dr. Cassell added that Liberia needs innovative, internationally connected and patriotic leaders who are best suited to be able to rescue the nation and improve the country’s economy.
Vision
“My vision for Liberia is to see the lives of my fellow Liberians transformed; to see our country developed; to see us regain the respect that we once had in the international community through our deeds and work; to see that equity is equally distributed”.
Dr. Cassell furthered: “It is very, very sad to see our country that is rich in natural resources but yet it’s one of the poorest in the world; and to see the poverty rate is one of the highest and to see the illiteracy rate is one of the highest as well. Those are saddened things, but they are real and something has to be done. Those are the areas that need to be tackled and I am prepared to tackle them”.
Meanwhile, Dr. Cassell blasted at the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) led-government of President George Manneh Weah of “miserably” failing to live up to the hope and aspirations of vast majority of Liberians who elected the party at the helm of power.
He claimed that since the inception of the Weah led-administration, not much has been done to revive the country’s economy and improve the living conditions of the ordinary Liberian citizens.
He noted that for too long Liberians have been held captive to poor economic governance, massive suffering, poverty, and shattered economy and as such, it is now time for them to be liberated.
Dr. Cassell maintained that Liberia cannot presently be considered as a third world nation because of the current situations.
He stated that at the current stage, the lack of investment in the country’s education, health sectors and economy have caused citizens to suffer and die “unnecessarily from health complications” that can be addressed easily in other countries.
Dr. Cassell emphasized that it makes no “economic sense” for revenue generating entities, including the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), National Port Authority (NPA), and the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC) to continue to receive subsidies from government even though these entities have been commercialized.
He, however, frowned at the circumventing of concession agreements in the interest of the concessionaries and a selective few to the detriment of the masses.