Monrovia –The orator of Liberia’s 177th Flag Day celebrations and former foreign minister, Madam Olubanke King Akerele has called on former President George Weah not to allow his associates to use hate speeches, something she said can incite violence in the country.
By J.H. Webster Clayeh (0886729972)-[email protected]
Speaking about the August 22 violence that took place at the headquarters of the opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) in Congo Town. Madam Akerele visited the scene during the violent clash between the police and supporters of CDC.
Addressing the audience at the 177th Flag’s Day program, the former foreign minister, 78, did not mention the names of Weah’s associates that are using hate speeches to cause violence, but said the use of hate speeches was wrong, adding that it incites violence and can disrupt the more than two decades of peace the country enjoys.
“Hate speeches and the inciting of violence is not freedom of speech. Moreover, freedom of speech is to have respect for someone. Hate speeches and the inciting of violence is not freedom of speech. Former President Weah, the World applauds you for the handover of power to President Boakai in response to the will of the people in the 2023 result of the election. Former President Weah must not let those associated with him continue to incite violence in the nation,” Madam Akerele said.
She added: “If we are to maintain the peace, any hate speech is harmful, it undermines social cohesion, discrimination, division, and it lays the foundation for violence, setting us back.
“Mr. Weah, I urge that you caution your supporters and caution all those with negativism and violence promoted in our society.”
The former foreign minister also called for a full investigation of the recent violence at the CDC headquarters. Madam Akerele added that for a long time Liberians have let their history divide them instead of bonding them together.
Madam Akerele’s remarks were greeted with mixed reactions, especially from partisans of the CDC. Former Representative of Montserrado County District #8, Acarous Moses Gray, took to Facebook to respond to Madam Akerele.
Gray wrote: “Your grandfather sent the Krus into slavery at Fernando Po, presided over the world’s most rigged election, sold our land for 99 years and killed our chiefs. He was forced to resign as President. Olubanke King Akerele is a curse to this sweet land of liberty.”
