Monrovia -Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe, the political leader of the Liberian People’s Party (LPP) has attributed political tension in the country to President Joseph Boakai’s failure to build a relationship with former President George Weah.
By Victoria G Wesseh
Cllr. Gongloe, whose political party joined ranks with Boakai’s ruling Unity Party during the run-off election, said the president’s failure to develop a friendly posture with Weah is a missed opportunity for national unity.
“In the aftermath of such a close and contentious election, it is vital that our leaders engage in dialogue and reconciliation to reduce political tension,” Gongloe said during a September 6 press conference in Monrovia.
According to Gongloe, by distancing himself from the former President, Boakai is missing an opportunity to heal the divisions in our nation.
“The attempt by the Boakai administration to disgrace and shame former President Weah is a serious misstep,” the former president of the Liberia National Bar Association adds.
“To deny Weah the use of a Presidential or VIP lounge is an unnecessary attempt to introduce a superficial topic in our national discourse.”
He noted that entering a presidential lounge or even sitting in a presidential chair does not make one a president.
“Otherwise the janitors that clean the president’s office everyday would be presidents,” he said. The reaction of the government is childish to say the least. It is a sentimental issue that has no positive value in our collective effort to build a better Liberia.”
Gongloe noted that nobody can succeed in taking the place that Weah occupies in the history of Liberia.
“He was the first Liberian player to put Liberia on the football map of the world. He is loved by a large percentage of the people of Liberia. Yes, it was not advisable for him to enter politics,” Gongloe stressed of Weah’s political venture. Adding, “it misplaced him in Liberian history. But, as a professional player he understands the rules of any game, including the political game of election.”
Gongloe maintained that Weah graciously accepted defeat, which signaled him as a “man of peace.”
Gongloe added, “This is a good example for the young people and all Liberian politicians to follow. Nobody should support any effort by the UP-led government to disrespect, disgrace or shame former President Weah in any way, form, shape or manner.
“No effort should be made to make former President Weah uncomfortable in Liberia and to force him into exile.”
Gongloe said history has shown us that it is not good for our country. “President Taylor’s government did not end its six years because he made living in Liberia difficult for Roosevelt Johnson, a key player in the Liberian conflict, to live in Liberia. Similarly, Dr. Amos C. Sawyer, Hon. Conmany Wesseh, Kofi Woods, Alhaji Kromah, George Bolay and many other civic and political leaders were forced to go into exile,” he added.
He went on “I am publicly advising President Boakai to learn from our recent history. The Mano people have a parable that says “even if you want to slaughter a cow you still need to give it water to drink.”
On the other hand, Gongloe added that the government can do its work, such as auditing, but the President has a solemn responsibility to keep the nation united, reconciled, peaceful, calm and to rally the support of everyone in his effort to lead the country to progress and prosperity.”
