Paynesville – Liberia’s Chief of Staff, Major General Prince C. Johnson has urged Liberians, especially public officials to uphold discipline and integrity in serving their country.
According to Major Johnson, public officials who should serve as an example, are in most instances found in breaking the rules or bypassing channels.
“You know you suppose to drive on the next lane, some public officials take the third lane to create unnecessary traffic and they expect to be respected by the surrounding. We as officials are not setting an example for ordinary citizens to follow,” said Chief of Staff Johnson when he served as keynote speaker of the 16th graduation ceremony of the United Methodist University held at the SKD Complex in Paynesville
“I am not a politician, neither am I a Nobel Peace Laureate, I am rather a professional infantry man, a soldier. Most of our work involves strategic planning and execution. In identifying goals, we always look at our mission, vision and values.”
Johnson noted that ordinary Liberians do not find interest in adhering to the laws on the book, but rather prefer calling people in higher position to intervene when they break the law.
“Many people think that laws are only for the book and not to abide by, and the majority of us would do not want to respect the laws on the book,” Johnson stated.
“Friends and relatives will rather call people who are in higher positions to solve problems for their unlawful behavior, rather than abiding by the law.”
He slammed public official for being “total dishonest” to request others to walk in line with the law, when they are going contrary with the law.
He said: “You cannot ask people to pay their taxes when you are not paying your taxes. You cannot be a lawmaker and you yourself are breaking the law.”
The AFL chief said it will not augur well that one would opt to see a difference person in public when that person is presenting different posture in the private sector.
In addition, he noted that a good leader must be able to correct the wrongs while in private life, then waiting to checkmate such wrong in the public sector.
However, he mentioned self-discipline as a yardstick that can guide individuals to maintain positive behavior pattern in either of the two sectors.
“Those who decide to be self-disciplined will be called names by his colleagues. To have integrity, you must be willing to stand alone, by simply respecting the rules of law.”
“This will help you understand right from wrong and lead you into higher authority. A person of good character doesn’t need to talk, you will sense it the moment you meet them”.
One Thousand and Four students graduated from the UMU in various disciplines including health sciences, business and administration, Liberal Arts, Theology, Education as well as Science and Technology.
Speaking to the graduates, the AFL chief admonished to conjugating integrity through discipline in their leadership drive.
“Graduates, you are all leaders, no matter where you find yourself, now or after graduation, you are a leader and you will always benefit if you focus on discipline and integrity. It is your strategy and discipline that helps you persevere,” Johnson said
“No one wants to give their case to a dishonest lawyer, no one wants to do good business with a dubious businessman, no one wants to give their building project to a dubious contractor, no one wants to save their money with a bank that has scandal, not anyone at all, because dishonest may provide easy ride in your movement, but it never lasts. What you do today will affect you.”
Major General Johnson then cautioned the graduates against associating with those who are not trustworthy if they want to build integrity.