Monrovia – A US-based Liberian professional, Mr. Austin S. Fallah has congratulated President George M. Weah on his ascendancy to the highest office of Liberia.
In a press release issued today, Mr. Fallah said, “Please accept my warmest congratulations on your ascendancy to the Presidency of Liberia, and also my best wishes for your success as you have taken up the responsibilities and challenges of the high office, and as you shape the affairs of the nation for the common good of all Liberians.”
“As you have embarked upon your new responsibilities of ensuring that the Liberian people’s lives are improved for the good, better, and best, I want to assure you that all Liberians shall continue to give you their supports because you were the choice of the majority.”
“With that comes full circle of responsible leadership.”
Mr. Fallah, who holds several graduates and undergraduates degrees from prestigious universities in the United States, and is pursuing two more graduate degrees at Harvard University and the University of St. Thomas, however, cautioned President Weah not to follow the failed policies of his predecessor, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
He noted that the failed policies of Madam Sirleaf contributed immensely to the current downward trend in the Liberian economy, which has created one of the worst unemployment rates amongst young people in modern day Liberia.
Mr. Fallah also pointed out that Ellen’s prolong corrupt rule was due to gender sympathy by the international community but said President Weah may or may not enjoy such.
The young Liberian professional said, under the 12 years of Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, rapes, prostitution, corruption, economic hardship, and social injustices escalated beyond imagination in the country.
Mr. Fallah than called on President Weah to remain committed to his Pro-Poor policy saying, “The Liberian people are watching with eagle eyes and listening with elephant ears, hoping that under your leadership; open dialogue and compromise on all policy issues that may affect them shall not cloud the day and your judgment.”
On the issue of citizenship, the Constitution of Liberia, Article 27 states,” All persons who, on the coming into force of this Constitution were lawful citizens of Liberia shall continue to be Liberian citizens.”
Therefore, all Liberians who left the country either by their own accords or not in pursuit of better future are Liberians and shall always be Liberians. No one can take that away, Mr. Fallah pointed out.
When asked as to the recent appointments made in government by the President, Mr. Fallah said, “Under the constitution of Liberia, Article 54 gave the President the right to appoint anyone of his choosing.”
We as Liberians can only suggest to the President based on moral grounds but not legal.
The Liberian Senate has the final say on the issue of acceptance into any constitutional appointment.
The Harvard student called on President Weah to ensure that those who were found liable under the corrupt regime of Madam Sirleaf for corruption must be made to account. In his opinion, the government must be fully and forensically audited and made to account.
Touching on extradition treaties, Mr. Fallah called on the Congress (Coalition) for Democratic Change led government to ensure that a workable and effective extradition treaty must be signed with the Economic Community of West African States, the African Union, the United Nations, Organization of Americans, other international organizations, and including all nations for recouping stolen funds and to extradite corrupt officials back to Liberia to face justice.
When asked whether he is ready to return home and contribute to the building of his beloved country, Mr. Fallah said he has been ready since acquiring advanced education but could not go at the time due to policy differences with the previous regime.
He also said he is ready now because he foresees many good opportunities in the country under President Weah for young people like him who have the desire to serve and build a better future for “our children.
“Unlike the previous government that told me to take down my interviews or rescinds them. I told them no and that ended the conversation.”