Monrovia – The secret is finally out. James Salinsa Debbah, the most celebrated footballer to ever don the red, white and blue jersey of Liberia’s national football team, the Lone Star is taking his shot in the rugged jungle of Liberia’s political arena, following the footsteps of his former strike partner, George Manneh Weah, the current President of Liberia.
“It is no longer a secret, I have decided to contest Montserrado County, District No. 9, it is the reality,” Mr. Debbah, who most recently served as coach of the national team.
District No. 9 was recently vacated following the death of its representative Munah Pelham Youngblood of the current ruling Coalition for Democratic Change(CDC).
The district covers the Monrovia communities of ICA Camp, Pyne People, Fiama, Fiama East, Fish Market, Gbangaye Town, Wroto Town, Raymond Field, Central Lakpazee, Old Matadi and New Matadi, as well as the eastern parts of Cooper Clinic and Ocean View communities. The 12th Street constitutes the boundary between Montserrado County District No. 8.
Youngblood won the seat in the 2017 General elections, tallying 12,783 votes for 40.3 percent.
Her closest challenger Fubbi F.A. Henries(ANC), who tallied 8,675 votes for 27.4 percent will likely be Debbah’s most formidable opponent.
Mr. Debbah, who says he has always been affiliated with the opposition Liberty Party and could likely run on the party’s ticket, appeared unbothered by the threat from Henries. “I’m not concerned about Fubbi, I’m concerned about what I’m supposed to deliver. As far as I’m concerned Fubbi is not a factor, my primary concern is how do develop people, I’m not concerned about Fubbi.”
Debbah had a successful football career starting with Mighty Barrolle, then Union Duala, before following Weah to Europe through the French Ligue 3 side Olympique Ales. He later journeyed to AS Monaco, Lyon, Nice, Anderlecht, Paris St. Germain and a short spell Greece, Turkey and Saudi Arabia.
Years after his retirement from football, Debbah says the timing is right for him to enter politics and play a major role in the community he grew up. “I was born, raised and nurtured in District No. 9; I have never had the capacity to atleast give back. So, now I think the time is ripe for me to give back to my community, this time in a more distinctive and a more complicated capacity.
Describing the fallen District No. 9 lawmaker as a down-to-earth human being, Debbah says he’s hoping to pick up where she left. “I’m here to continue her legacy – what she started, she was a good person, good human being, she was a very, very good person who was people-centered, that’s the kind of person she was. If is say she did not do well in the district – that would be like an abomination.”
Debbah says his main priority if given the chance to represent District No. 9 would be applying the same level consistency he has lived his entire life – and exhibited over the years. “I’m hardworking, I’m energetic and I promise to do the same. I will work tirelessly for District No. 9 and to continue the work that the late Representative started – equal opportunity for everyone. Things are still a little bit complicated here. Poverty is still a major concern and I will work toward that to empower young people. I grew up in a tough environment – it was killed or be killed, I had to hustle my way out of the gutter. So, I want to give the opportunity to market women and create a scholarship scheme for young people and create a lot of opportunities for young people.”
“Regarding the rift, I think he (President Weah) should look beyond the past. We came a very long way, we have been in the same fraternity for decades, I think he should retrospect on that because those that are surrounding him are not his friends, they don’t have his interest at heart. At times you don’t realize that – and I don’t blame him because he’s in a very – I don’t even know how to describe it. It’s unfortunate. He’s very charismatic and has a lot to offer but he’s been swayed by people he brings in his circle.”
– James Salinsa Debbah, Candidate, District No. 9 Montserrado County
More importantly, Debbah says he wants to bring a different approach to the national legislature by avoiding the mistakes of those currently serving. “I think a lot of mistakes Representatives make is that they take decisions unilaterally. If I’m elected, I would make sure that the elders and the constituents in that district have a seat at the table and form an integral part of whatever decisions that are made. I’m not going to take decision unilaterally. They are going to be decisions that will be inclusive with elders and young people. As you know, District 9 has a lot of young people, and there’s not recreation. When I am elected, I am going to form a council that will be comprise of young people and elders. They will be the ones to make the decisions, I’m only there as the representative but decisions will be made by those people because they know the ills of the society.”
While appearing confident of his chances, Debbah is quite aware he is following the footsteps of his former strike partner, Weah, whom he played with for the Lone Star for so many years. These days however, relationship between the pair have been rocky, although Debbah is unsure why? “We are not opponents, he’s my next of kin,” Debbah says.
The confusion and uncertainty have left Debbah baffled. “The competitive nature was on the football field – but we have gone beyond that. It is unfortunate that since he became President – he has only spoken with me a couple of times – and that was on the football field. I have never had the possibility to talk to him, one-on-one like a dialogue – I’ve never had that possibility. I have tried but it has all been futile, but I’ve never had the chance to sit with him.”
The lull in communication, Debbah says does Does give rise to the speculations which have been in the air for years, that there is some friction between the pair. “I don’t know, that’s why I want to understand. But as I said I have never had the possibility to talk with him; but I think there is a friction, but I don’t want to conclude but I think it is because I have tried to reach out to no avail.”
The pair has only met twice since Weah won the presidency. The first, last September when Liberia hosted Nigeria in a friendly, in which the host lost 2-1 and again at the November 2019 Liberia Football Association’s night.
Nevertheless, Debbah says it was the August 2018 snub of an awards ceremony honoring his former coach Arsene Wenger which really disturbed him. “I’m one of those who’s a past recipient of the award that was awarded to Arsene Wenger but unfortunately, I was not invited. I felt hurt, definitely, I felt hurt.”
Still unsure why his former strike partner has shut him out, Debbah laments: “I think he should look beyond the past. We came a very long way, we have been in the same fraternity for decades, I think he should retrospect on that because those that are surrounding him are not his friends, they don’t have his interest at heart. At times you don’t realize that – and I don’t blame him because he’s in a very – I don’t even know how to describe it. It’s unfortunate. He’s very charismatic and has a lot to offer but he’s been swayed by people he brings in his circle.”
It is a dilemma, Debbah is hoping to avoid – celebrity entering the political and not adapting to their new terrain. “I don’t think people change overnight, we are who we are. You could adapt somethings along the way; but you undoubtedly filter out – because it goes back to who you are. I’m a down to earth person, always will be. I’m not carried away, I’m not easily swayed by existing conditions – or whatever that may be. I’m James Salinsa Debbah, easy going, cool, calm and collective – and I will always be this way – and I don’t easily get carried away.”
In spite of the obstacles, Debbah remains optimistic of making a difference if elected. “I have proven that over the years. I have never been involved in any kind of malfeasance, credibility has been intact, I’ve been consistent over the years, I’ve always been steadfast, resolute in terms of what I want, so, I’m not going to change.”
For the foreseeable future, he says he is 110 percent confident of winning and bringing change to District No. 9. “I want to provide the opportunity a lot of young people never had in the district – and I am very optimistic, I will be elected. The residents in the district still lack access to safe drinking water and sanitation issues is still a problem. “That’s one of the primary things I think needs to be urgently addressed at the moment and I’m determined to ensure that I can deliver for my people.”