Monrovia – The Rev. Dr. Samuel Broomfield Reeves, Jr. Senior pastor of the Providence Baptist Church, the oldest church in Liberia, today frowned on the growing waves of sponsored violence across the country, especially last Thursday’s attack on opposition politicians Alexander Cummings and Rep. Yekeh Kolubah in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County.
In the build-up to the upcoming December 8, 2020 Midterm Senatorial elections, Rev. Reeves, addressing service for the first time since churches were closed due to the spread of the deadly Coronavirus pandemic, called on the President George Weah to address these fearful and tragic acts that have the potential to derail this nation’s hard-earned peace.
The clergyman used his pulpit address Sunday to speak to both President Weah and the heads of the four collaborating political parties on the current wave of violence in the country. “Today, as we reflect on our most recent past, we as a nation and people cannot afford to return to such an unforgettable nightmare, the ensuing violent clashes should claim our utmost attention, whether members of the ruling party, the government of Liberia or the opposition community,” Rev. Reeves declared.
Rejecting All Forms of Violence
As Head of State and of government, the clergyman said the Constitution gives the President the power to protect the peace of the Nation and that burden rest solely upon him to instill peace in the minds of the citizens, including your officials of government and members of the opposition.
As pastor of the oldest church in Liberia, Rev. Reeves said it saddens him to see Liberians engaging in all forms of violence including physical and verbal attacks. “This, we believe, Mr. President, must be brought to check.”
“As president, these officials are directly accountable to you and as such you are clothed with the responsibility to bring them to check when their utterances undermine our peace.
Rev. Dr. Samuel Broomfield Reeves, Jr. Senior pastor of the Providence Baptist Church
The clergyman threw pointed jabs at the recent utterances from some officials in government, on the radio, the media, on Facebook, which are beginning to send discomfort and fears in the hearts of the people. “As our President, these officials are directly accountable to you and as such you are clothed with the responsibility to bring them to check when their utterances undermine you personally, your government and our peace.”
To all members of the opposition community, especially heads of the four collaborating political parties, Hon. Joseph Boakai, Mr. Alexander Cummings, Mr. Benoni Urey and Mrs. Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence, the clergyman called on President Weah to take the lead in protecting the peace. “Today, I also besieged your conscience to prevail on your supporters to keep calm and avoid utterances that would also affect the peace.
Rev. Dr. Samuel Broomfield Reeves, Jr. Senior pastor of the Providence Baptist Church
In particular, Rev. Reeves reminded the President about the recent utterances from some officials of the government, namely Monrovia City Major, Jefferson Koijee, who announced the setting up of a citizen unit to effect the arrest of citizens who disturb the city, the recent statement from the Superintendent of Maryland county, George Pratt who boasted of the government having under its control the security of the state and Deputy Minister Eugene Fahngon who took to his Facebook page to justify the incident in Grand Gedeh. “As president, these officials are directly accountable to you and as such you are clothed with the responsibility to bring them to check when their utterances undermine our peace.
A Caution to Opposition Leaders
To all members of the opposition community, especially heads of the four collaborating political parties, Hon. Joseph Boakai, Mr. Alexander Cummings, Mr. Benoni Urey and Mrs. Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence, the clergyman called on President Weah to take the lead in protecting the peace. “Today, I also besieged your conscience to prevail on your supporters to keep calm and avoid utterances that would also affect the peace. The responsibility to protect the peace does not only rest with the President but with you and all of us as well. As heads of these political institutions, it’s important that you condemn all forms of violence perpetrated by your Supporters.”
The clergyman condemned all forms of violence and took aim at the recent utterances of Senator Darius Dillon and Rep. Yekeh Kulobah. “Such utterances could lead to unnecessary violence, the destruction of lives and property. As heads of political parties, you cannot sit on the fence and allow your supporters to threaten our peace. For the record, I haven’t heard from any of you condemning Rep. Kolubah who is in the constant habit of raining insults on the President of Liberia. This must stop because this is the very office you all are seeking and it must be respected at all times despite who is our President.”
He also cited Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon as well for his recent utterances. “Recently, on a local radio show, Mr. Dillon openly threatened the peace by declaring the end of the Weah led government if he is cheated in the election. This also must be categorically condemned. The rule of law is our only alternative to addressing our grievances and let us not result to violence in whatever we do and say.”
The clergyman also encouraged all Liberians to remain calm and stay away from violence. “It’s time in the history of our nation that the young people put on their thinking cap and resist any form of manipulation from politicians who are selfishly seeking their interest. Stay away from violence and let peace reign.”
He also urged community and tribal leaders to promote and uphold the peace. “Without peace loving and peace reinforcing values, we all wither and perish in pain and darkness. The future prosperity of Liberia depends on our resolve for human flourishing.”