Ganta, Nimba County – President George Weah has described the opposition Unity Party as a resting team, not a rescue team.

By Franklin Doloquee, Contributor, Nimba County

He said that those who are calling themselves a rescue team have not been able to rescue themselves before attempting to rescue the country.

“They are fooling you; some of them have been in government for the past 50 years and have not been able to rescue the country. They are fooling you. I’m the best choice for the presidential elections coming on October 10,” he said.

The Liberian leader then referred to Nimbaians as people who have been and continue to be supportive of his government. He urged them to support his re-election so that he can continue with more development activities across the country.

He boasted of his government being the only one to have paved more roads in the country since its independence. As such, his re-election will enable him to continue with road pavement, providing free education for Liberian future leaders, and the construction of more health facilities in the country.

The Liberian leader expressed disappointment and frustration over the bad road network in Lofa, the home of opposition Unity Party political leader Joseph Boakai.

“My mother is from Nimba County, so Nimbaian are my uncles. They will continue to support me to achieve my second-term bid so that most roads can be paved, education and healthcare sectors can be improved,” he added.

He urged Nimbaian to continue to have confidence in him, as he is the best person to deliver the country that has been suffering in the past government.

President George Weah assured Nimbaian that his second-term bid will help improve the lives of Liberians and carry out more development activities across the country.

Speaking further, the Liberian leader accused Senator Prince Johnson of only seeking benefits for himself and his family rather than acting in the interest of Nimbaian. He stated that this will not happen in his government.

He disclosed that Senator Prince Johnson brought more names to his office, but he rejected them because they were family members of Senator Prince Johnson.

“This man is not good, and he is not helping Nimbaian, only himself and his family,” President George Weah added.

Our correspondent reported that the Liberian leader brought a helicopter to gain more supporters as residents of Ganta gathered in large numbers to see the helicopter that entered the city since the end of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL).

According to our Nimba County correspondent, the Liberian leader is due to spend four days in the county to tour the 19 administrative districts.

Monrovia – In a scathing critique of the Unity Party’s handling of nepotism allegations, Deputy Minister for Budget Samora P. Z. Wolokolie has called for transparency and accountability within the party. In an article authored by him, Wolokolie questions Joseph N. Boakai’s presidential candidacy in light of nepotistic appointments.

Nepotism, a practice that favors family members or close associates in professional appointments, has been a contentious issue in Liberian politics. Wolokolie’s article, titled “The Perils of Nepotism: Questioning Joseph N. Boakai’s Presidential Candidacy,” raises concerns about the impact of nepotistic tendencies on good governance and the nation’s progress.

One of the key allegations in Wolokolie’s article is the appointment of Joseph Boakai, Jr. (Jojo) as Joseph N. Boakai’s Special Aide and Jake Kabakollie as his Chief of Staff, both of whom are his biological son and nephew, respectively. Wolokolie argues that these appointments signify a preference for personal relationships over merit and competence, potentially compromising the principles of good governance.

Deputy Minister Wolokolie contends that these appointments undermine the principle of meritocracy, where competence and qualifications should be the primary factors in leadership appointments. Prioritizing familial ties over qualifications, according to Wolokolie, could hinder the effectiveness and efficiency of governance, particularly in addressing complex challenges facing Liberia.

Nepotism, Wolokolie asserts, can be detrimental to the development and stability of a nation. When leaders appoint family members or close associates to influential positions, it creates an environment of favoritism, cronyism, and potentially fosters corruption. This can erode public trust in the government and hinder democratic principles.

Deputy Minister Wolokolie also expresses concern over the Unity Party’s response to these allegations, stating that their nonchalant attitude reflects a disregard for principles of fairness, transparency, and good governance. By not addressing the issue, Wolokolie suggests that the party fails to uphold the values it claims to represent.

The Unity Party’s response to these allegations and their commitment to transparent leadership are now under scrutiny as Liberia approaches its next election. The debate over nepotism in politics is likely to remain a prominent issue in the public discourse.

MONROVIA — The opposition Unity Party has described as an “imminent life-threatening situation” against its standard bearer, Joseph Boakai, from the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) by its government operatives following the release of a CCTV footage of Boakai departing the Roberts International Airport early Monday morning.

By Henry Karmo henry.karmo@frontpageafricaonline.com  

They also said their intelligence bureau has also established that other high-ranking members of the “Rescue Mission”, a mantra of the Unity Party, are being tracked on the orders of President George Weah.

At a news conference held at the party’s campaign headquarters, Mr. Mohammed Ali, spokesman for the campaign of Unity Party, accused the National Security Agency (NSA) Deputy Director, Sam Siryon, for unlawfully releasing to journalists at his Freedom FM radio station and surrogates of the CDC a Close Circuit TV (CCTV) footage of the Unity Party’s Standard Bearer making his way through the airport terminal to the plane. 

Mo Ali said: “The Rescue Mission Campaign through its Intelligence Bureau has now determined that there is an imminent threat to the life of our Standard Bearer from the CDC and its government operatives. Our intelligence bureau has also found that other high ranking members of the Rescue Mission are being tracked on the orders of President George Weah.”

According to Ali, the CCTV footage was sent to NSA Deputy Director Sam Siryon by RIA Managing Director Martin Hayes. 

“The unauthorized release of CCTV footage of former Vice President Joseph N. Boakai by authorities of the RIA, at the behest of President George Manneh Weah, to surrogates of the CDC is clear violation of Section 17.40.3 of the Liberia Civil Aviation Regulations, Volume XXI, No. 70. August 11, 2021. 

“The CCTV footage is part of the Passenger Name Record (PNR) of the UP’s Standard Bearer and it is his privacy. The right to that privacy was clearly violated yesterday by the RIA and the government operating through the NSA and its surrogates.”

In reference to the law governing CCTV footage, he further said.

Mr. Ali also informed journalists once the CCTV footage of their Standard Bearer was released by the NSA Director, the Intelligence Bureau of the Rescue Mission Campaign launched an immediate investigation to determine the motives behind such a blatant violation of privacy rights. 

“Our intelligence has found that the Government of Liberia through the National Security Agency, other state security agencies, and privately hired security groups/individuals, have been tracking every movement of the UP Standard Bearer with the utmost sinister motive.”

He further stated that the action by the NSA boss comes as no surprise that government officials and surrogates of the CDC have been planted to propagate that JNB is “sick and will die soon”.

The use of the PNR of the former Vice President and UP Standard Bearer for propaganda purpose which has put his life in eminent danger must claim the immediate attention of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union (AU), the US Embassy, the European Union, the United Nations and all other Diplomatic mission and international partners in and out of Liberia. 

The international community should also take cognizance of the fact that the Weah government has sent a clear signal to the rest of the world that no one’s privacy, including international travelers, passing through the RIA in Liberia, is guaranteed. Said privacy could be leaked to surrogates of the CDC at any point in time for political or private sinister motives.

“President Weah and his henchmen have realized that they will massively lose the ensuing October 10, 2023 polls and hence have set out to plunge Liberia into an irreversible chaos. These violations of the privacy of officials of the Rescue Mission is worrisome and we all now fear that the government has set out to get at us in the most vicious way,” Ali said.

Reminiscing the August 14, 2023 CDC, and UP riot, he said, the CDC sent its thugs and hooligans to attack the UP Campaign headquarters. 

“It has now been revealed that the attacks which were ordered by the hierarchy of the CDC with the approbation of President Weah had intended to inflict bodily harm and injuries on the person of former Vice President Joseph N. Boakai, Sr.”

“Despite massive public outcries and condemnations, the Liberia National Police and the Ministry of Justice deliberately refused to conduct any investigation into the attacks on the campaign headquarters of the Unity Party.

“In spite of all these, we called on our supporters to continue the campaign unabated as we are doing everything to ensure their safety. We will not allow this country to retrogress to war years. We will not allow any amount of threats to cowered us into surrendering the election to state sponsored gang looters who are bent on destroying the country.”

“That is why we are calling on all of our supporters to come out en masse to vote #2 on October 10, 2023, in order to remove this nightmare from the helm of power of our country.”

Legal team reviewing possible lawsuit against RIA

Ali also informed journalists that the Legal Team of the Rescue Mission Campaign is reviewing all of the legal implications associated with the release of the CCTV footage of the UP’s Standard Bearer and will advise appropriately.

MONROVIA – The Unity Party campaign in Montserrado, led by standard bearer Joseph Boakai, has temporarily paused due to his unexpected departure to Accra. Speculation surrounding his health has arisen, though party executives assert that his trip is primarily aimed at meeting with regional stakeholders who have a vested interest in the Liberian elections.

By Lennart Dodoo, ldodoo@frontpageafricaonline.com

Amb. Boakai, 78, departed Liberia early Monday via Asky Airlines. FrontPageAfrica has confirmed that he flew to Accra, Ghana,  He was expected to continue his campaign spree in Montserrado County on Monday with Doe Community and Logan Town located in Districts 14 and 15, respectively, scheduled for visitation.

Early Monday morning, rumors spread on social media that the Unity Party standard bearer who had been in the public eye due to concerns about his health, had been hastily transported to Ghana. He was reportedly accompanied by his son, seeking urgent medical care.

However, Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, a key member of Boakai’s campaign team, ‘Rescue Mother’ took to Facebook Monday morning to dispel the rumors of Amb. Boakai’s ailment. She stated: “Rescue One is not sick, and his trip is not a medical trip. Stop the cheap lies. Operation Octopus continues in all counties. One round victory”.

Also, in reaction to speculations of the UP standard bearer’s trip to Ghana, the campaign spokesman, Mo Ali released the following statement:

The Standard Bearer of the Unity Party, Amb. Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has made an impromptu trip in the ECOWAS sub-region for three days.

In view of the above, the Montserrado District tour involving the Standard Bearer is hereby suspended for the same period of days.

The Montserrado Campaign Team in collaboration with the UP Montserrado Leadership will reschedule the tour for the remaining districts.

Meanwhile, the campaign will continue with the same vigor throughout the country.

Signed:

Mohammed Ali

National Campaign Spokesman

Before the commencement of the campaign, Ambassador Boakai, who is set to turn 79 in November, consistently grappled with concerns about his physical stamina to endure the demanding nature of campaigning throughout the country, particularly because campaign activities typically coincide with Liberia’s rainy season, when the already deteriorated roads are at their most challenging condition.

In January this year, Amb. Boakai was admitted at the ELWA Hospital for a couple of days where he reportedly received treatment for a mild stroke. Following his release from the hospital, he traveled to the United States for an additional checkup.

Speculations regarding Boakai’s health gained momentum when Henry Costa, a former close ally of Boakai, made a revelation during a press conference in Monrovia last month. Costa claimed that the UP standard bearer had been advised to undergo heart surgery but was postponing the procedure due to concerns about its potential impact on his campaign.

“All the medical examinations from ELWA Hospital and from the doctors in the United States concluded on one thing; Amb. Joseph Nyuma Boakai needed to do a triple bypass open heart surgery in six months to have a weakening artery in his heart removed and replaced by another artery from his thigh,” Costa said.

However, during a Daybreak Africa interview on VOA in early August, Amb. Boakai addressed Costa’s allegation, saying, “Henry Costa might be a doctor of another kind who can determine the health of people. But I am moving around and who should know better about their own health than themselves? Maybe he knows more than the doctor and more than myself, but he’s still my son.”

Political analysts have observed a strategic approach in the Unity Party’s campaign, particularly regarding Ambassador Boakai’s extensive county visits. This approach, codenamed ‘Operation Octopus,’ entails a well-organized campaign team divided across Liberia’s regions.

As Ambassador Boakai focuses on campaigning in Montserrado County, his vice standard bearer simultaneously takes charge of Nimba County. Senator Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence would assume the role of lead campaigner in Grand Bassa and Rivercess Counties.

Following his campaign trail in Nimba, Senator Koung will shift his efforts to the Southeast, where he will be joined by Ambassador Boakai in Grand Kru. Boakai would travel in and out of Grand Kru County by air due to the bad road conditions in the Southeastern region.

The campaign strategy also involves a significant campaign event in Bong County which would be led by Senator Prince Moye, after which Ambassador Boakai will journey to Lofa, accompanied by Senator Koung. In Lofa, he will formally introduce Sen. Koung as his vice standard bearer to the residents of Lofa, his stronghold.

While some pundits speculate that this strategy was devised with Boakai’s health in mind as a primary consideration, others contend that it serves as an effective approach, capitalizing on the constrained campaign timeframe to ensure nationwide coverage while also remaining cost-efficient.

MONROVIA – The Vice Standard Bearer of the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP), Cllr. Charylne Brumskine, has criticized the Unity Party (UP) for what she perceives as a lack of leadership during the last six years as a former ruling party. She argued that the UP has failed to demonstrate tangible accomplishments during its time in opposition, following its 12-year stint in government.

By Lennart Dodoo, ldodoo@frontpageafricaonline.com

In an exclusive interview with FrontPageAfrica, Cllr. Brumskine raised questions about the relationship between UP’s standard bearer, former Vice President Joseph Boakai, and countries in the ECOWAS region and Africa as a whole. She contended that Boakai and the Unity Party could have utilized the connections established during their tenure in power to benefit Liberia as an opposition party, without relying solely on official diplomatic channels.

“The Unity Party is a former ruling party, and there should be some level of engagement between the standard bearer of the UP and ECOWAS countries. I would like to know what the standard bearer of the Unity Party has done to demonstrate Liberia’s strength as a reliable partner to ECOWAS and Africa. He does not necessarily need to use state channels; the Unity Party could have maintained its relationships to attract investors to Liberia,” said the CPP Vice Standard Bearer.

She observed that the UP, as an opposition party, has not effectively convinced the Liberian people why they should return to power. “In the past six years, despite the CDC’s failures, what has the Unity Party accomplished? What steps have they taken to change public opinion? Let’s be objective; I’m simply looking for evidence that would convince me, as a voter, if I were not the vice standard bearer of the CPP, that they deserve my vote.”

Cllr. Brumskine further criticized the UP for not offering policy proposals to guide the CDC-led government in governing the country.

Regarding her advantage over Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor and Senator Jeremiah Koung, both who are the vice standard bearers for the CDC and UP respectively, Cllr. Brumskine emphasized that she has not been involved in the issues contributing to the country’s current challenges.

“We are dealing with a broken system that we are striving to repair. We have a legislature plagued by corruption, and both individuals have been part of this corrupt system. My advantage is that the Liberian people know that I have earned every dollar through hard work,” she asserted.

Cllr. Brumskine continued, “I have worked tirelessly, day and night, to compete in the legal sector. I have never misappropriated funds from Liberia’s coffers or mishandled money on behalf of the Liberian people. My record is clean.” She also highlighted her experience in legislative drafting and policy-making.

Cllr. Brumskine conveyed that in a Cummings’ administration, a zero-tolerance policy on corruption would be enforced. She attributed much of Liberia’s suffering to rampant corruption at the highest levels of government. She stressed that combating corruption should begin with a compassionate approach, especially for the most vulnerable citizens struggling to afford basic necessities.

Regarding the sanctions imposed by the United States on former officials of the Weah administration, Cllr. Brumskine opined that these actions should not be considered a final judgment for Liberians. Nevertheless, she emphasized the importance of the Weah-led government taking these allegations seriously to preserve its reputation regarding corruption. She expressed disappointment at the lack of concrete steps taken by Liberia’s judicial sector to investigate and prosecute the sanctioned officials.

“Mr. Cummings has made it clear that any corruption within his administration will be thoroughly investigated, and there will be severe consequences. Even the appearance of impropriety damages public trust. If there are allegations of corruption against a minister, an investigation should be initiated,” she said.

MONROVIA – Joseph Boakai, the standard bearer of the Unity Party, has declared that the party will not tolerate intimidation or fear tactics from the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) during the election period. Boakai emphasized that the Unity Party, known for its commitment to peace, will not allow the CDC thugs to undermine their campaign. He asserted that no individual possesses a monopoly over violence.

By: Henry Karmo henry.karmo@frontpageafricaonline.com

In his first appearance at the Party Fiamah campaign headquarters since returning from the US, Boakai issued a stern warning to the CDC against resorting to violence. He urged Liberians to maintain the peace while cautioning that the Unity Party’s peaceful demeanor should not be misconstrued as weakness.

Boakai asserted, “Unity Party will not sit idly by and allow the CDC to trample on us. Nobody holds a monopoly over violence. During President Weah’s campaign kickoff, there was a casket displayed, falsely claiming it was meant for me.”

Speaking on Monday during the announcement of additional campaign team members, Boakai expressed gratitude to Liberians for their unwavering support. He acknowledged their orderly approach to launching the Rescue Mission Campaign, which aims to rescue the country from what he described as “greed, juvenile leadership, divisiveness, benign neglect, and disdain.”

He strongly condemned the recent violent attack on Unity Party partisans and drew attention to the party’s commitment to adhering to the principles of the Farmington Declaration. Boakai accused the CDC of having a history of employing violence, intimidation, and political thuggery as their signature tactics.

Boakai alleged that the George Weah-led administration had even orchestrated a campaign involving a mock casket, insinuating his demise. He accused them of resorting to violence out of desperation due to their lack of substantial campaign material.

“George Weah and his associates are desperate, lacking meaningful campaign content. They have perpetuated poverty, death, and misery, showcasing their incompetence. Their campaign will be characterized by fear, intimidation, and thuggery. Nevertheless, we call on our supporters to stand firm, campaign without fear, and resist any attempts at intimidation,” Boakai emphasized.

Boakai extended sympathy to injured partisans from the August 2023 attack and thanked Dr. Louise Kpoto for her medical and humanitarian support. He expressed his readiness for victory on October 10, 2023, following the launch of the Rescue Mission Campaign on August 5, 2023.

The campaign’s overarching goal, according to Boakai, is to reclaim Liberia’s soul and reverse the hardships inflicted by the CDC government over the past six years. He noted that this election presents an opportunity for Liberians to make a significant decision for their future.

Boakai underscored the commitment of the Unity Party and its allies in the UP Alliance to unseat President Weah’s government, restore the nation’s dignity, and create a brighter future for all Liberians.

In response to President Weah’s claims that Boakai had promised to hand over leadership to young people, Boakai clarified that Liberia had already been turned over to “young kleptocrats” focused on personal gain.

Boakai stressed that the Unity Party is committed to a violence-free campaign but urged the National Elections Commission (NEC) and international partners to educate the CDC on peaceful elections. He emphasized that Unity Party respects the rule of law and urged President Weah to refrain from making appearances in places of worship, which should be treated with respect.

Boakai concluded by highlighting the vision of building an inclusive, equal-opportunity Liberia where trust and cooperation between the government and its citizens are restored. He affirmed that through open dialogue and engagement, concerns of the people will be addressed.

Monrovia – Tensions flared on Thursday as supporters of the opposition Unity Party (UP) clashed with alleged backers of the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) during a campaign rally, leaving several UP supporters injured and prompting accusations of foul play.

The incident occurred as a convoy of UP supporters headed to the party’s campaign headquarters on the Airfield in District 9, aiming to kick off an event to announce their final campaign team. The UP alleges that a group of individuals wearing CDC insignia attacked some of their supporters, leading to a violent altercation that injured some of them.

Among the victims was Darius B. Rode, a 28-year-old UP supporter, who recounted the harrowing experience. “They held us hostage, chopped off my ear, and mercilessly attacked us,” Rode said. “Our belongings were stolen, and it was a nightmare.”

Rescue teams were eventually able to intervene, rushing the wounded to a nearby medical facility. The Unity Party blamed the CDC for the attack and for allegedly preventing UP’s standard bearer, Amb. Joseph Nyumah Boakai, from reaching the campaign headquarters. Boakai was reportedly delayed in traffic near the Ministerial Complex, leading to the cancellation of the event.

The Unity Party condemned the actions of the CDC and labeled them a “recipe for chaos.” They accused the ruling party of contravening the Farmington River Declaration, a pact signed by presidential candidates to ensure peaceful campaigning.

In response, the Weah-Taylor 2023 National Campaign Committee, representing the CDC, issued a statement denying the allegations. The committee clarified that their campaign activities had been pre-announced and were underway in other districts, well before the Unity Party’s event was planned.

The committee accused the Unity Party of deliberately scheduling their rally to provoke conflict and claimed they had adjusted their own campaign schedule to avoid clashes. They called on national and international bodies to intervene and ensure peaceful election proceedings.

Political tensions have been running high in Liberia as the country gears up for the upcoming elections. The clash at the Unity Party campaign rally highlights the fragility of the political landscape and raises concerns about potential unrest as the campaign season intensifies.

Monrovia – No longer walking in the shadows of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Joseph Nyumah Boakai, the standard bearer of the Unity Party is taking a stab at his second go in his quest for the Presidency, ever determined to do it on his own terms – and in his own way. In the process, he’s also trying to do what has never been done in 152 years, return a former ruling party to state power in Liberia’s rugged political history.

By Rodney D. Sieh, rodney.sieh@frontpageafricaonlien.com

Ahead of the October ballot, the former Vice President is taking nothing for granted with a cautionary approach and message to his supporters to expect the unexpected. “We also call on the ruling establishment not to engage in acts that will provoke the opposition as we strive to remain strictly within the parameters of the Farmington Agreement,” Mr. Boakai said in a statement on the eve of the start of the campaign season.

POLITICAL PARTY: UNITY PARTY

RUNNING MATE: JEREMIAH KOUNG

DECIDING BASE: Lofa County, Nimba and western belt counties of Gbarpolu, Bomi and Grand Cape Mount County. In fending off pressure from Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence and talk-show host Henry Costa, among a laundry list of potential running mates, the former vice president decided on Senator Jeremiah Koung, in hopes that a combination of vote-rich Lofa and vote-rich Nimba, where Koung hails, would make ensure an easy victory for Mr. Boakai. Political analysts however see Nimba as a battle ground likely to be fought for amongst the UP, Tiawon Gongloe of the Liberia People’s Party, the ruling CDC, and the Collaborating Political Parties of Mr. Alexander Cummings. Koung also carries the baggage stemming from his ties to controversial Nimba County Senator and former warlord, Prince Y. Johnson viewed as the Godfather of the county. If the PYJ force prove to be strong for JNB, Boakai could see a major improvement from his dismal 2017 performance. Doing well in the Western Belt could also help the former VP emerge as a serious threat to the incumbent Weah.

THE LOWDOWN:  During his first stint, the 2017 presidential elections, Mr. Boakai accumulated more than 457,000 votes, representing more than 38 % of the total ballots, falling short of the more than 732,000 votes resulting into 61% for Weah, who won the presidency.

Although he only won his home county, Lofa back in 2017, many of the former vice president’s supporters believe he stands the best chance of defeating the incumbent Weah this time around, owing to his elderly status and already established UP base.

Despite criticisms over his age and reports of a declining health, Mr. Boakai readily expressed that Liberia is faced with a leadership void which only he can fill.  For Boakai, Liberia under the incumbent Weah is bleeding because of ineffective leadership. “This is not about me. It is about the good of our country; and we must act now in correcting the problem”.

With more than 40 years dedicated to public service, Boakai elevated to the national public discourse when he was asked served as Vice President to former President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf in her quest for the presidency.

Now running on his own terms, the former vice president has made it clear that if elected president, one of his administration’s foremost priorities would be to audit the Weah administration.

This was emphasized recently with the luring of former auditor General John Morlu, who has joined the JNB team as an advisor with emphasis on fund raising and trumpeting accountability and transparency issues.

For JNB, his administration will audit and prosecute to the fullest anyone in the CDC government found guilty of malfeasance as he vowed that the audit would begin within the first 100 days of his administration; and it will help the incoming government in knowing where Liberia stands economically as a country. He maintained, “The UP, as a political party believes that some sources of government’s revenues in the CDC administration remain unknown”.

Says JNB: “Corruption will have no place in my government. My administration will have zero tolerance for the corrupt. That’s the situation of our country; I am talking reality. You can go and see for yourself what I am talking about. Fellow Liberians, we need to rescue our country, because Liberia is degenerating daily”.

Trumpeting the moniker as “The Rescuer”, Mr. Boakai hopes that his years in leadership and government will convince voters about his ability to rescue Liberia from the frailties and lapses of the Weah administration.

STRENGTHS: Mr. Boakai’s humble beginnings and statesman persona makes him easily appealing and likeable. After attending secondary schooling in neighboring Sierra Leone, he went on to complete a degree in business administration at the University of Liberia.

In the 1980s, Mr. Boakai served as the country’s agriculture minister under President Samuel Doe, who was mutilated and murdered in 1990, a decade after he had taken power in a bloody coup of his own.

Mr. Boakai He would go on to attend school in neighboring Sierra Leone, before completing a degree in business administration at the University of Liberia.

By the 1980s, he was serving as the country’s agriculture minister under President Samuel Doe, who would be mutilated and then murdered in 1990, a decade after he had taken power in a bloody coup of his own.

In that role, Mr. Boakai oversaw the programme to decentralize agriculture by creating regional agriculture hubs – a major project in Liberia, where many people are subsistence farmers.

So, when Sirleaf sought the presidency in 2005, selecting Boakai from vote-rich Lofa County was a no-brainer.

In Sirleaf’s shadows, Mr. Boakai shared that laurel of leading Liberia through a decade of peace. His critics however contend that the former vice president.

His critics, however, note that Mr. Boakai has not done enough to pull the country out of poverty and many question the lack of support he received from former President Sirleaf as a rather thorny stain on his political credentials.

Boakai raised eyebrows during the 2017 presidential elections when he tried to explain his way around the lack of effort under Sirleaf since he was “a race car parked in the garage” – suggesting that his talents had been wasted for the last 12 years – has not impressed some. Mr. Alexander Cummings, a former Coca-Cola executive who, like Mr. Boakai is making a second run at the presidency jabbed, perhaps unkindly – that “if you park a race car in the garage for 12 years and it doesn’t move, it becomes obsolete”, in a direct aim at the former vice president.

WEAKNESSES: The well-publicized concerns about Mr. Boakai’s health and the lack of transparency from his camp over the details of what is going on with him, health wise has prompted speculations, bolstered by recent revelations from one of his strongest allies, the talk-show host, Henry Costa.

During the past year, Mr. Boakai, 78, was admitted at the ELWA Hospital amid reports that he had a stroke, a claim the JNB camp was quick to dismiss. Mr. Boakai, often been criticized for being too frail to contest the election, has on multiple occasions denied having any medical condition that may hinder his performance if elected President.

Speaking to the Voice of America’s James Butty in 2021, Mr.  Boakai said, I’m very, very well. I took my Covid-19 vaccination and I’m doing well. I’m discharging my daily responsibility; I go on my farm, come to my office daily.  I know the state of my health, I am very, very well. I can assume the presidency because I haven’t been to any hospital in the last two years”.

Pressed by Mr. Butty as to whether he would make his health record public ahead of the 2023 presidential elections, declared: “If it’s the requirement of becoming a president of Liberia then I can do that, but I think it’s not a requirement. My doctors know my status of my health; they will tell me whether it’s necessary or not. All I can tell you is that I am healthy”. Asked about “being too old” to contest the presidency replied: “I can’t change my age and I thank God I am as old as I am. Age is about wisdom”.

All this backed by Mr. Boakai’s apparent tendency to fall asleep during official functions that has led to many of his opponents and detractors to brand him, “Sleepy Joe”.

Mr. Boakai has also been hit by concerns that the Collaborating Political Parties, seen as the best opposition shot at defeating the incumbent Weah, fell apart under his watch, when he served as chairman.

In addition to losing grip of the CPP, Mr. Boakai has lost many of his closest ally including talk-show host, Henry Costa, who recently accused Mr. Boakai of a “painful betrayal.”

Costa, who has for the last five years supported and promoted Boakai as the only person capable of defeating President George Weah, in a shocking turn of events, announced that he and the All-Liberia Party, which he is part of, would no longer support Boakai’s presidential bid.

Costa, known for his strong opposition to the current government because of his support of Boakai, made the accusation during a press conference today.

Said Mr. Costa: “The ALP is no longer a part of the Unity Party,” Costa revealed. “It was not the ALP or Costa that betrayed the UP, but it is the UP that betrayed us. Boakai and the UP have stopped talking to us for a long time.”

Mr. Costa went on to express his deep disappointment and frustration, alleging that Boakai had betrayed their friendship and the principles they had once shared.

According to Costa, the betrayal stemmed from a series of undisclosed actions taken by Boakai, which he claimed were detrimental to their shared political agenda. He claimed that the betrayal had been painful, and as a result, he and the ALP were severing ties with their former ally.

In a response on his Facebook page, Mr. Boakai wrote: “Henry P. Costa is my son, and I hold nothing against him. I forgive him, and I am always willing to work with every well-meaning Liberian to accomplish our mission to rescue Liberia. I would advise all to focus our attention on the mission to remove the nightmare we have presiding over our country. Let’s Think Liberia, Love Liberia, and Build Liberia.”

Many political observers say, Mr. Costa’s revelation on the former VP contains some damaging information that could harm Mr. Boakai, politically.

Boakai has also been bombarded with concerns that he may be too tribalistic to unify the country, a concern some of his supporters readily acknowledge and one that carries on from the 2017 elections when he decided to carry Rep. Emmanuel Nuquay as his running mate in the now ill-fated, “Country Ticket”.

KEY CAMPAIGN THRUST:  The former vice president would be the first to acknowledge that the October election while profoundly crucial, must be guided by rule of law, transparency, and credibility. In a statement on the eve of the start of the campaign period, Mr. Boakai that despite calls international partners, civil society organizations, ECOWAS, AU, and the United Nations for a credible, peaceful, and transparent elections, the burden will be on the National Elections Commission to ensure the process is free, fair, and transparent.  “The NEC must go the extra mile to ensure the conduct of free, fair, transparent, and credible elections, by enforcing all relevant laws guiding the process, especially during the campaign period. It must utilize the muscle given it by the Elections Law to track and catch violators in their tracts and bring them to justice as provided for under the Law.”

Boakai and his UP are already sounding an early alarm over perceptions of irregularities. “Let us be guided and reminded that when the 1985 elections were rigged by the Special Elections Commission, headed by Mr. Emmett Harmon, in favor of the then ruling Military Regime, that action later careened our nation into a protracted civil war, snatching away the precious lives of over two hundred and fifty thousand of our citizens.” 

Despite the fears of irregularities, Mr. Boakai and his Unity Party are trumpeting a plan of action emphasizing agriculture and the rule of law. Realizing that the foundation of Liberia’s economy plays a critical role not just in the national food economy but also serves as the main driver of economic development and source of employment for a large proportion of the Country’s labor force, the JNB campaign sees the sector as a key source of foreign exchange earnings to drive growth, while serving as the main source of food security and poverty reduction.

The campaign also aims to promote Agricultural Mechanization to Improve farmers’ access to using technologies in production that make them grow more food; support farmers to Increase production of the country’s main staple food crop and strengthen the development of rice processing industry to increase domestic rice supply.

The campaign also aims to develop national strategy to agriculture development based on regional comparative advantage, support agribusiness enterprise development to enhance agriculture value chains and improve access to agricultural value chain financing and enhance financial literacy of farmers.

For the JNB campaign, roads remain critical infrastructure for the development of our country. The availability of quality paved roads and railroads will unlock the potential of both our agriculture and tourism industries and spur commerce and industry. Our administration will focus on the followings to improve access to our country and make the lives of our people better:

The campaign aims to reinforce appropriate investment in roads and bridges to expand access across the country and continue the pavement of highways connecting county capitals to create easy access to all regions of our country; Pave all highways connecting the country to neighboring countries in the region to enhance cross-border trade and interactions with our neighbors; Construct feeder roads throughout the country to enhance farmers’ access to local markets and enhance local agriculture development as well as ensure proper management of the National Road Fund (NRF).

Additionally, the campaign is pledging to lay emphasis on sanitation and health which remains a critical area for human capital development. Realizing that the country’s healthcare service delivery system continues to face various systemic challenges that affect efficient healthcare delivery and the provision of basic water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services, the JNB campaign is promising to ensure that Liberians have access to safe drinking water, proper sanitation and hygiene present a tremendous asset to the survival of any society, whether in a high, middle, or low-income country.

The UP-led campaign is also pledging to promote tourism by establishing a National Tourism and Culture Authority (NTCA) to develop and manage the tourism sector a robust plan for tourism and culture (covering contemporary art, music and film); Designate Grand Cape Mount County as a national tourism center due to its natural endowment and Strengthen collaboration between NTCA and the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) in rehabilitating old cultural and historic landmarks sites, churches, schools, traditional shrines.

The Boakai campaign as it was in 2017 continues to push its Think Liberia, Love Liberia, and Build Liberia mantra, emphasizing that Liberians challenge themselves to think Liberia foremost in our national endeavors, and put our country and people’s interest first above everything else. We must defiantly think our situations; that is, think outside of the conventional wisdom box. We must dream big, dare impossibilities, think beyond narrow interests, and think forward.

KEY TO WINNING: Despite the much-publicized disunity with the opposition, Boakai and his supporters will need to mend fences with the Collaborating Political Parties after a nasty falling out, should they manage to enter a runoff with the incumbent Weah. This could be a chance for JNB to prove himself as the wise and elderly statesman his supporters believe he is. Some analysts also see the potential that in the case of a voters’ revolt against the incumbent at the polls, owing to governance lapses, Boakai, or the opposition candidate, Alexander Cummings could benefit.

CHANCES OF WINNING?  50-45 Percent. The former Vice President is looking to do what has not been done in 152 years – hoping to lead a former ruling party back to power through the ballot box. The last time it happened was in 1871 but through a coup d’état, when the Republican Party came back to power following the overthrow and assassination in 1871 of President E.J. Roye (first True Whig Party President). Following the overthrow, Vice President James S. Smith became president for a few months. Republican J.J. Roberts assumed the presidency again in January 1872. He was succeeded by another Republican James Spriggs Payne who served until 1877 when TWP President Anthony Gardner came to power.  But TWP hegemony was not assured until the 1883 election of HRW Johnson. The Republicans tried comebacks several times — 1891, 1893, but to no avail. Since the fall of the TWP, successive regimes like Samuel Doe’s National Democratic Party of Liberia, Charles Taylor’s National Patriotic Party (NPP) have attempted comebacks without success. The UP will be hoping that JNB change the narrative in October.

For Boakai, convincing voters that can take on the incumbent without the Unity Party baggage from its twelve-year reign will be crucial. But more importantly, he also has to be ready to address serious concerns about his health and the fallout from his selection of former warlord, Prince Johnson’s prodigy, Jeremiah Koung as his running mate.

COMING WEDNESDAY: ALEXANDER BENEDICT CUMMINGS, ‘THE FIXER’

MONROVIA — Senator Nyounblee Karnga-Lawrence has been appointed as the National Campaign Chairperson for the Unity Party’s campaign team leading up to the October 10, 2023 Presidential and General Elections.

The announcement was made by Ambassador Joseph Nyumah-Boakai, the standard-bearer of the Unity Party, during a fundraising event organized by the LP political party at the Farmington Hotel in Margibi County. The event was held in celebration of Senator Karnga-Lawrence’s 55th birth anniversary.

Joining Karnga-Lawrence on the campaign team are prominent individuals from various political parties and organizations. Maryland Senator James P. Biney, Chairman of the National Patriotic Party (NPP), assumes the role of Vice Chair for Administration. Amin Modad serves as the Vice Chair for Planning and Research, while Tornolah Varpilah takes charge as the Vice Chair for Technical Services. Madam MacDella Cooper has been appointed as the Vice Chair for Fundraising.

Additional members of the campaign team include Senator Prince K. Moye as the National Campaign Manager, Mo Ali as the Campaign Spokesman, Hon. Armah Jallah and Hon. Sando Jackson as Members, Senator Gboto Kanneh as a Member, Senator Abraham Darius Dillon as a Member and Chair of the Montserrado campaign committee, Cllr. Cooper Krauh as a Member, Veteran Alarick Tokpa as an Advisor on Political Affairs, and Jacob Smith as the Campaign Liaison.

Ambassador Boakai emphasized that this provisional Campaign Committee is an essential step towards the upcoming October 10 polls.

During the fundraising event, Senator Karnga-Lawrence announced that over US$100k had been raised. The funds will be allocated to recruit and train poll watchers to safeguard the party’s votes.

Senator Karnga-Lawrence stated, “We must secure victory on the first ballot, ensuring that our votes are protected. To achieve this, we will promptly utilize the funds raised from this event to recruit poll watchers.”

MONROVIA – The need for a Boakai-Cummings ticket for the October presidential elections has been overemphasized by supporters of the opposition bloc, however, the possibility of such happening seems to be mere wishful thinking. 

By Lennart Dodoo, ldodoo@frontpageafricaonline.com 

The issue lies beyond the two political leaders – Joseph Boakai of the Unity Party (UP) and Alexander Cummings of the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP) – agreeing to rejoin ranks for the sole purpose of defeating the incumbent, soccer legend George Weah, whom they claim is incompetent to lead the country.

The Problem

Both supporters of Boakai and Cummings have been jittery over the recommendations from some political actors calling for a united ticket from the pair. Their arguments on ‘to be or not to be’ intensified last week when Amb. Boakai in an interview with VOA’s Daybreak Africa said though the UP left the CPP, it never closed its doors and that he remains open to collaboration.

Despite quitting the CPP – the opposition conglomeration that comprised the UP, Liberty Party, All Liberian Party and the Alternative National Congress – and leaving behind a sour relationship among the parties, Amb. Boakai said he and Cummings remain “good friends”.

The CPP broke apart as a result of ALP’s Benoni Urey accusing Cummings of tampering with the CPP’s Framework Document. Cummings vehemently denied the allegation. However, Cummings was dragged to court by the Weah-led government for forgery and criminal conspiracy on grounds that the alleged crime was committed against the state. 

Amb. Boakai and other members of the UP and ALP testified against Cummings in court. The case was, however, later dropped by the government. In his interview with the VOA last week, Boakai said, “Alex [Alexander Cummings] and I will always be friends and political collaboration is always necessary because we came together to defeat Weah and we’re still strong on that Weah needs to be defeated, we need all hands on board so our arms are always open to further discussions, we never close doors”.Boakai, however, came under a barrage of criticisms for doing too little about the when the CPP reached its highest decline and eventually broke into pieces right under his watch.

Others argue that Boakai, having worked in government for much of his life, should not be needing the Collaborating Political Parties to bill him out in order to be a serious contender as a presidential candidate in the October elections.

“The Liberian people know who you are. Didn’t you run for president in the 2017 presidential elections? Weren’t you Vice President of the Republic of Liberia in the Sirleaf-Boakai Administration from 2006 through 2018? In the pending 2023 presidential election, are you willing to run on your accomplishments as Vice President in the Sirleaf-Boakai Administration?” asked Charles Anders, in a comment on FrontPageAfrica’s website.

Dolly Nelson also commented on Facebook: “I guess he has forgotten he tried to destroy CPP and walked away! Now he’s calling for unification! Is he really serious? He told the world and the Liberian people he doesn’t know Mr. Cummings when he testified against Mr. Cummings in court!!”

Despite these arguments, the calls for the two opposition leaders to form one ticket is strongly believed to be the surest way of taking over power from Pres. Weah in October. 

Former Maryland County Senator John Ballout, former Special Aide to Cummings, Taa Wongbe, Nobel Peace Laureate Leymah Gbowee, among others, have all called on the pair to join forces for the purpose of winning the October elections. 

Former Sen. Ballout believes that a ticket that will carry former Vice President Joseph Boakai as standard bearer and Mr. Alexander Benedict Cummings as vice standard bearer would be a one-round winnable ticket.

In his justification, he said owing to his experience in politics, former Vice President Joseph Boakai, who served two terms, is the most prepared to redeem Liberia. 

He added that Cummings being a person with the greatest understanding and knowledge and capacity to transform this country can make a good vice president.

“It must be reminded that in politics and political arrangements, no one gets everything and in the midst of harsh political realities, there must be room for compromise for the sake of political strength,” he said.

Back to the Basis

Amid these calls and Boakai’s expressed openness for a collaboration, the chairman of the new CPP, Musa H. Bility, stated on social media that in order for the two men to appear on one ticket, they must go back to the dictates of the CPP Framework document which calls for primaries. 

He wrote: “We had a collaboration that the Liberian people craved. We won the midterm elections in 2020. You plotted to destroy it. When you failed, you went to court to get out of it. Now that all your so-called expectations have fallen flat, you come crawling and peddling this nonsense of a “united ticket”. Well, CPP is still alive and kicking. If you want a united ticket, come back let’s go through the process intended to give us a truly united ticket. Otherwise, let’s face Weah separately and commit to uniting around whoever faces off with him in a run-off.”

Section 10.5.1.2 of the original CPP Framework Document states: “The Presidential Aspirants of the four initial parties shall have until December 1, 2021 to, by consensus, decide/agree on and name a presidential ticket, including a running mate…”Section 10.5.2.1 also states: “Where the Presidential Aspirants of the CPP fail or are unable to decide/agree on and name a presidential ticket, including a running mate, on or before December 1, 2021, the CPP shall conduct a non-binding Voters’ perception surveys (VPS) funded by the CPP, for the purpose of informing the four parties and its delegates on the views of the general public in preparation for primaries. For the purpose of accurately determining the political marketability and voters’ preference of presidential and Legislative Candidates, the VPS shall include the four Standard Bearers or Legislative candidates of each of the CPP constituent parties as survey subjects (SS), and in addition, also obtain voters’ preference and perception about other influentially potential presidential and legislative aspirants from within and outside of the CPP, as Standard Bearer.”

Chairman Bility’s comments on Facebook attracted a lot of pros and cons reactions. 

Joseph Kollie: “My long time friend Musa Hassan Bility , let’s put aside our differences, come together, form a united front and move forward. The writings are on the walls that Joseph Boakai is the leading contender against George Weah. Cummings would have greater advantage of serving the country as a Vice President and succeed Joseph Boakai after. Take this to the bank!

Emmanuel T Dickson also reacted:  “Chairman, let’s forgive Up and move on.This is about Liberia and I know the pain they caused Mr. Cummings, but for the sake of Liberian people let’s find a common ground. We should not allow these paid agents to destroy the opposition community. Librarians need better.

Sakadoss Kilidoe, another Liberian, weighed in when he said: “JNB’s (Joseph N. Boakai’s) statement doesn’t in any way suggest that he’s begging CPP. He was only responding to the majority of Liberians in the opposition’s bloc constantly appealed. The fact remains, the majority of opposition Liberians and undecided voters feel that JNB is the most formidable candidate that can defeat President Weah but cannot do it alone. The truth is conspicuous. For example, CPP called for “WE TIRED SUFFERING PROTEST”. Look at how poorly it was attended. Currently, the reason the entire opposition bloc is not actively engaging in campaign activities is that JNB has not announced his running mate. Take it, the day JNB announces his running mate, all the other opposition presidential candidates will start to announce theirs. This is a fact. JNB is the most popular opposition. Another advantage, Unity Party is a grounded political party in Liberia that has committed members from all over Liberia. I have many officials in the CDC who are my friends. They admit to me every day that they see they and UP still going to the second round of the elections and are afraid that it may not be like 2017.”