MONROVIA – The political leader of the former ruling National Patriotic Party (NPP), Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor, has extended an olive branch and a hand of reconciliation to aggrieved stalwarts and partisans of the NPP who feel disenchanted over the actions or inactions of some officials who are running the party to the displeasure of vast majority of members and supporters of the NPP.
The NPP is one of the political parties that make up the governing Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC). The remaining parties that are part of the CDC include the Congress for Democratic Change and the Liberian People Democratic Party (LPDP).
VP Taylor described the NPP as the “lifeblood” of Liberians.
She made these assertions at the hoisting of county flags marking the opening of the People’s LiberaitionParty (PLP), in Congo Town, adjacent the German Embassy outside Monrovia on Thursday, February 18.
“I want to beg NPP Partisans; despite their position let’s leave the past to what it is and come back to where we used to be. There is no one; not even me that is more important than the sole intent of this party. Let us all dropped our swords to do what is necessary to bring NPP under one umbrella”.
“I pledged today that I will do my best and let go some of the things we been holding onto for the sake of peace. We must make the sacrifices and let go all of the bad feelings, iron up our differences and move forward.”
She noted that though the party seeks reconciliation, it will not relent to leave behind any member who intent to serve as “stumbling block” towards the forward movement of the party, noting that, no one is above the NPP.
“Let me sound this caveat, the NPP is moving forward if some of us decides to be stumbling block despite all the choice we will leave you behind. It is about choice, no one gets pay to be member of NPP. If anyone say they will be stumbling block we will leave you behind enough is enough.”
Let Butuo’s spirit prevails
VP Taylor further urged partisans and supporters of the NPP to roll up their sleeves and be ready to make some sacrifices in a bid to move the former ruling party.
She said though reconciliation within the NPP remains paramount, no partisan or supporters should take her latest call for everyone to make sacrifices personal because, she, as a political leader of the party, remain willing to go the extra mile to resign as head of the NPP if prudent just to maintain peace within the former ruling party.
“There will be some sacrifices, please don’t take it personal. Today if someone was to ask me if I am willing to step down as standard-bearer for the party to go forward I am willing to do so. May that same spirit that allows us to move from Butuo to the Executive Mansion preside over each member”.
Shouldering blame
“It is not about even me. If I am the Problem, I will resign. Former President Taylor was willing to step aside, despite all the dangers it entails. Let the NPP shine again. We are going forward ever, backward never. I take blame for everything as leader; let’s begin a new page it’s about the future of this Party.”
The latest olive branch extended and a call for reconciliation within the NPP comes in the wake of reports of a pending political divorce within the governing CDC.
There are reports that President Weah is contemplating on selecting a replacement of VP Taylor due to the sour relationship between the pairin the next general and presidential elections.
For sometimes now, President Weah and his Vice President have not been on good terms as evidenced by the withholding of her legal entitlements by subordinates and other government officials loyal to the Liberian Chief Executive.
Political pundits believe that with the unfavorable relationshipbetween the pair, VP Taylor appears to be strengthening her political base and solidifying her fallback position to just in case President Weah chooses another running mate over her for the next general and presidential elections.
