The need for accountability, integrity, and patriotism across state institutions in Liberia cannot be overemphasized. In fact, it is quite clear to us all that until we as a nation, take steps to ensure accountability and integrity across all sectors of the Liberian Society, we will not be able to achieve the justice we crave.
By Tee Wonokay and Alaskai Moore Johnson
We have seen over the years, that when election approaches in this country, politicians portray themselves as the liberators of the people, often for political expediency to score cheap points at the expense of the ordinary people, but once they ascend to power, they defer on their promises and ask the people to manage their expectations. We must understand that after 176 years of our existence, there is still so much work to be done in the educational, healthcare, energy and other sectors. The suffering of the ordinary people continues and there is no one to hear their cries. Prisons continue to operate beneath international standards; parents have to decide whether to feed their children decent meals or attend to their health needs.
The culture of silence and impunity, considered mostly responsible for various ills in the Liberian society, will not stop until we the people take actions to hold our government accountable.
It is in this regard, that the Foundation for Human Rights Defense International Liberia (FOHRD) has decided to stage a one-day Justice Parade to bring together a cross section of Liberia’s civil society actors, to submit a 12-count petition to the managers of our constitutional republic, demanding justice where justice is lacking.
Liberia is a signatory to so many international conventions, including the International Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, The International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of discrimination, yet Liberia continues to lag behind when it comes to providing children with basic necessities.
Article 6 of the Liberian Constitution states, “The Republic shall, because of the vital role assigned to the individual citizen under this Constitution for the social, economic, and political well-being of Liberia; Provide equal access to educational opportunities and facilities for all citizens to the extent of available resources. Emphasis shall be placed on the mass education of the Liberian people and the elimination of illiteracy,” but this very important provision continues to be ignored.
The essence of FOHRD’s Justice Parade is to lead the Liberian people in taking steps that will lay a solid foundation for transparency and accountability in this country. The suffering of ordinary citizens in this country is real and it reflects in all sectors of our society. To stay quiet on this justice parade is to be complacent in the matter that pertains to the need for justice.
In 2024, no conscious-minded Liberians should continue to condone the lack of patriotism, integrity and accountability from those we have entrusted with the power to manage the affairs of our state.
All of us Liberians have been equally imbued by the Creator with the same inalienable rights to benefit from the vast resources of the Liberian State. You should QUIT from sitting idly and being treated as if the managers of the state’s resources are doing you a favor by handling down to you, from their fat dining tables, crumbs that cannot sustain you and your entire family.
Now is the time to hold each other’s hands and stand up on the side of justice. This nation is so naturally endowed with lots of resources by the Almighty Provider and no hard working Liberian should lack life’s basic necessities.
In this day and age of high enlightenment, you should no longer find justification for being spectators in the affairs that pertains to the future of your country.
We need to hold the managers of our country responsible for every bad governance act and demand accountability for every action. We also should commend the leaders of our nation when they perform acts that are semblance of good governance, and this includes the signing of the Joint Resolution by the lawmakers and the issuance and signing of Executive Order 131 by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai. The Order eventually paves the way for the establishment of the Office of War and Economic Crimes Court.
To partake in FOHRD’s Justice Parade, please call 0776 772 729/ 0886 685 464 or email [email protected] for details.
Co-Author by Tee Wonokay, Executive Director of FOHRD and Alaskai Moore Johnson, Coordinator/FOHRD’s Media Department
