Monrovia – A Veteran Liberian Journalist Aaron Kollie says rather than showing love, Liberians have become fearful and suspicious of each other leading to too much mistrust in the society.
Report by Gerald C. Koinyeneh – 00231880881540 / 00231777769531 [email protected]
According to Mr. Kollie, Liberia’s value system is at its lowest ebb; putting the nation at a critical crossroad and as such there was a need for a “national redemption and recovery and a push to our current narrative that has become too polarized.”
He made the assertions Monday, April 1, at the launch of the ‘Liberia Patriotic Initiative -Show Love Campaign,’ a peace-building initiative organized by the Crusaders for Peace headed by Liberia’s Cultural Ambassador Juli Endee in collaboration with media institutions.
Said Kollie: “Our national political discourse has become so toxic, chaotic, acrimonious, rambling and incendiary, resembling an all-time political campaign season that must summon our collective resolve, to an immediate ceasefire and proffer a way forward. It is time to tone down the harsh rhetoric and discourage the actions of proxy and/or hired agitators and instigators.”
He added that “our strength as a nation lies in our diversity and our diversity must propel us to be tolerant and not hateful of each other, being fully cognizant that we are all equal stakeholders in the wellbeing of Liberia for socio, economic and political growth.”
According to him, advances in technology that are supposed to elevate society are being negatively exploited by a segment of our society, thus lowering our national pride, dignity, and morality.
Hate speech and conduct that do not appeal to the prurient interest, he said, are threatening our collective security and should be discouraged and discounted.
“Even the airwaves, are the public property and should not be willfully abused. The moral and moderate voices of our society must speak up directly to the power that be and to the whole nation to avert any potential or foreseeable national calamity,” he warned.
He furthered that Liberians cannot condone living in a compromised society; adding, “We should not condone the culture of impunity, arrogance, bigotry, enmity, marginalization or foolish pride.”
“It is hard time that we focus on the spirit of love, patriotism, unity, and oneness of purpose amongst our people. Let’s stop the blame game; let’s stop tearing down our nation and work towards fixing our problems. We cannot afford to be a society in a big rush, dwelling too much on form and not substance, thus getting our priorities upside down.”
As a matter of compulsion, he recommends the teaching of civics in all Liberian grade schools, and in addition to the enforcement of article 10 of the Liberian constitution which calls for the publication and dissemination of our Constitution throughout the Republic and the teaching of its principles and provisions in all institutions of learning in Liberia.
This, he noted will create an awareness, “particularly amongst our promising young generation, of their civic responsibility in building a decent, stable and fair Liberian society, regardless of religious, ethnic, political or social affiliation.”
He added: “Our families, our government, political, religious and civic institutions must rise to the occasion and take leadership, in setting the national agenda for advancing an orderly, respectful and tolerant society, respecting the civil liberties of all. It is a hard time that we preserve our nation, plowing the seeds of justice and liberty by reclaiming the glorious status of Liberia, regardless of our status or affiliation.”
Given that she has the prime responsibility to maintain law and order, he noted that the biggest onus is on the shoulders of the government to reach out to citizens across the divide, in the spirit of reconciliation, love, national unity and concord.
“We must as a matter of urgency, adopt a national reformed agenda to refine all aspects of our national life, and if the government’s pro-poor agenda for prosperity, is meant to achieve that, then this a glorious opportunity that must not be missed. The choices we make now whether good or bad, will ultimately determine the future direction of our country. Let’s talk about it responsibly, freely and openly,” he averred.