Paynesville – Reverend Trocon W. Langford, in a compelling intercessory service held at Effort Baptist Church, called upon President-elect Joseph Nyumah Boakai and Vice President-elect Jeremiah Kpan Koung to address entrenched cultural norms and confront pervasive corruption in Liberia.

By Gerald C. Koinyeneh

The service, attended by distinguished figures, including outgoing Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor and former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, underscored the deep-seated frustration over the enduring battle against corruption in the nation.

Also among the notable guests present were House Speaker Fonati Koffa, Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karngar-Lawrence, Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Gyapay Youh, religious leaders, and foreign diplomats.

Rev. Langford passionately urged the incoming administration to challenge prevailing cultural norms and combat the deeply ingrained corruption that has impeded Liberia’s progress for 176 years.

As the senior pastor of the church, Rev. Langford expressed dismay at the current state of affairs, emphasizing Liberia’s protracted struggle with corruption and its detrimental impact on national development.

“We are indeed fed up with our current situation,” he declared.

The service, traditionally held at the historic Providence Baptist Church, was relocated in honor of President-elect Boakai, a member of Effort Baptist Church.

Before delivering his sermon, Rev. Langford paid tribute to Ambassador Boakai, commending his standards and values cultivated over 33 years of service as a member and deacon.

“His standards and values are things that I have learned from him,” Pastor Langford stated.

Reverend Langford emphasized the collective frustration of the Liberian people, highlighting the lack of substantial achievements after 177 years of existence.

Langford urged Liberians to scrutinize the culture of corruption and advocate for systemic change, asserting that corruption has permeated every sector of Liberian society, including homes, streets, and government.

Under the theme “Two Nations, Two Priorities,” Reverend Langford called for a departure from detrimental lifestyles that have hindered national progress. He urged Liberians to transition from a consuming nation to a producing one, utilizing resources for the benefit of the people rather than relying on external assistance.

The pastor underscored that corruption has infiltrated all facets of Liberian society, including the church and religious leaders. Lanford stressed the imperative of a collective effort to combat corruption, asserting that a nation, when misguided in its priorities, fails to fulfill essential needs and engages in detrimental practices.

Aligning with Boakai’s commitment to fight corruption, Rev. Langford’s message resonated with the central theme of the president-elect’s campaign.

In a brief response, President-elect Boakai expressed gratitude for the opportunity and reaffirmed his commitment to combat the menace of corruption.

The call for change and unity in the fight against corruption reverberated throughout the service, setting a tone for the upcoming governance of the Boakai-Koung administration.

This intercessory service marked a significant event leading up to the inauguration ceremony scheduled for Monday at the Capitol grounds.

President-elect Joseph Nyuma Boakai echoed Reverend Trocon Wilfred Langford’s sentiments during the Thanksgiving and Intercessory Service, acknowledging the pressing need to prioritize development objectives responsibly.

President-elect Boakai expressed alignment with Reverend Langford’s message, agreeing with the call to set priorities for the nation’s betterment.