Monrovia – The membership of the opposition Alternative National Congress (ANC) got a big boost over the weekend when Representatives Larry Younquoi (Nimba, District #8) and Beyan Howard (Lofa, District #5) joined their ranks.
Report by Gerald C. Koinyeneh 00231880881540 / 00231777769531 / [email protected]
At an elaborate ceremony on Friday, March 29, the lawmakers said they were joining the ANC because the party is the “best option for the upliftment of the Liberian people.”
According to Rep. Youngquoi, his decision to join the ANC is taken at a ‘very critical time’ of the nation’s history where it is going through political and economic uncertainties.
“It (his defection to ANC) is happening at a time when there’s alignment and realignment of political actors all over in our country for the sake of finding the appropriate solution to our political problems. It is happening at a time the entire country is almost being overwhelmed by fear, economic hardship, political marginalization and an attempt to create a one-party state,” he said.
The defection of Rep. Younquoi from the ruling Unity Party to the ANC come at a time the opposition blog is joining forces to ‘hold the CDC government’s feet to the fire.’
But Rep. Younquoi said although his decision to join the ANC effectively terminate his membership from the former ruling Party (UP), the opposition has not lost anything as his move offers him the greater opportunity to work harder and strengthen the opposition blog.
Said Rep. Younquoi: “I wish to admonish the public not to speculate a lot into my decision today. The opposition has not lost anything by my action, given that I am moving within the opposition. If it is anything, my move strengthens the opposition and, hence our democracy. The only difference is ANC offers me the opportunity to work harder and broaden my participation in the political process of our land.”
Speaking earlier, Rep. Howard noted that he joined the ANC because of the exemplary leadership role of the ANC political leader, Alexander Cummings and his (Cummings) vision of building Liberia and improving the lives of his fellow compatriots.
“We found a good home and all of the goodies are found in the first partisan. We can assure you that we are not going to disappoint you,” the Lofa County lawmaker said.
The party’s officials including its Standard Bearer, Alexander Cunnings, and Vice Standard bearer, Jeremiah Sulunteh as well as the party’s Chairman, Lafayatte Gould were on hand to receive their new members.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Cummings thanked the two lawmakers for the bold step taken and expressed hope that the coming in of Reps. Younquoi and Howard will pave the way for more lawmakers to join the party.
He attributed the ANC to a bowl of rice, stating: “We will try to grow this board of rice and make it big for everyone to eat. In the ANC, we will work together. We will debate the issue and move forward. The mantra of the ANC is put Liberia first and we are committed to travelling length and breadth of this country with our message. With the joining of Hon. Younquoi and Hon. Howard, we will get other Legislature on our side,” he averred.
Cummings was speaking as the result was being announced as the result of the impeachment vote was being announced. He declared that the decision to impeach Ja’neh was a misstep and a shame to the Legislature.
He then stressed that the ANC will field candidates in the 2020 Senatorial election against senators who voted to impeach the Supreme Court Justice. “If the Senate impeaches Ja’neh, then shame on them. It will show a lack of change; we Liberians deserve better,” he said.