MONROVIA – The political leader of the former governing Unity Party (UP), Joseph Nyuma Boakai, has expressed fear that the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP) would lose public support if it does not resolve its internal wrangling and remain committed to its objectives.
“The time has come when we must bite the bullet, bury the hatchet, and reach out to those whom we feel have hurt us. We must do so not because we are weak, nor because they are indispensable to our progress, but because we must, as people of faith in God and in nation be willing to give each other a second chance for redemption,” he said.
The former Vice President spoke Monday when addressing the press on his recent visit to the United States where he attended the Convention of the Unity Party Chapters in the Americas.
The CPP, a conglomeration of opposition political parties, has in recent time been shaky with some members of its members publicly disagreeing on with strategies, leadership and threatening to back out.
The CPP was birthed in order to have a united force defeating policies of the government that is not in the interest of the masses and also to collectively unseat the Weah-led government in the next election.
The CPP comprises of the former ruling UP, Alternative National Congress (ANC) of Alexander B. Cummings, All Liberian Party (ALP) of Benoni Urey, and Liberty Party (LP) of Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence.
However, Vice President Boakai stated that the CPP would not attain its mission in the wake of disunity among its leaders and officials.
He maintained that the CPP must remain a formidable and responsible opposition or risk suffering from the “people’s collective punishment” now or in the future.
“The time has come when we must bite the bullet, bury the hatchet, and reach out to those whom we feel have hurt us. We must do so not because we are weak, nor because they are indispensable to our progress, but because we must, as people of faith in God and in nation be willing to give each other a second chance for redemption.”
– Joseph Boakai, Political Leader of the Unity Party
He added that the outpouring of support and embracement of the CPP by the public, clearly demonstrates that Liberians need and yearn for true, genuine, selfless and patriotic leadership.
Boakai: “By pledging to work together, we have given hope to our people and have reassured Liberia’s international partners that we are prepared to place Liberia above all else. We have promised that our mission is to rescue and preserve the Republic.
“We must therefore continue to demonstrate that there is strength in unity. The CPP must remain a formidable force and a responsible and loyal opposition. We must remain committed to our objectives, lest we suffer the people’s collective punishment. We must not let our people down,” he furthered.
Plea to CPP Members
Mr. Boakai observed that personal attacks, unsubstantiated allegations, claims and counter claims are creeping vices that intend to tear the CPP apart.
He urged members of the Collaborating Political Parties to desist from acts and utterances inimical to the survival and credibility of the CPP, including unwarranted attacks on leaders of the CPP, wild and unsubstantiated allegations, and dangerous speculations.
“While in every human undertaking there are bound to be bottlenecks and hic-ups along the way, as a responsible opposition we have the capacity and mechanism to resolve our differences whenever and wherever they show up. We urge our supporters, sympathizers, and well-wishers to be calm as we work to resolve any differences, real or perceived,” he noted.
The UP Political Leader wants Partisans and members of the CPP, as well as Liberians remain resolute and press forward to save the state.
Unity Party’s Commitment To CPP
According to former VP Boakai, the UP remains commitment to the Collaboration.
He maintained that the former ruling party remains determined to subordinate its individual ambitions in the interest of Liberia.
“As a Party, we stand ready to place our experience and expertise at the disposal of the CPP as well as provide critical leadership whenever the need avails itself,” he added.
Olive branch extended
“In this connection, I wish to announce that I have personally forgiven all who, by design or omission have offended me and ask them to do the same. I hold no malice toward any Partisan. I also appeal to all Partisans, home and abroad, to do the same and initiate true reconciliation at all levels of the Party”
Joseph Boakai, Political Leader of the Unity Party
Meanwhile, the UP Political Leader has extended olive branch to all those who offended him in the party.
The ex-Liberian President did not receive the necessary support from former President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf during the conduct of the 2017 presidential and general elections.
The situation generated bad-blood and split between the pair and other executives and officials of the UP.
But in the statement issued, Mr. Boakai disclosed that “no sacrifice for me is too great a price to pay for peace and reconciliation.”
“In this connection, I wish to announce that I have personally forgiven all who, by design or omission have offended me and ask them to do the same. I hold no malice toward any Partisan. I also appeal to all Partisans, home and abroad, to do the same and initiate true reconciliation at all levels of the Party,” he stated.
“To the rank and file of the Party, I further ask that you accept the ruling of the National Elections Commission regarding the expelled members and I direct the legal team of the Party to resolve any and all outstanding legal issues,” he concluded.