The electoral process that once divided the country on bitter political line is now over and President-Elect Joseph Nyuma Boakai of the Unity Party (UP) is rallying Liberians for sustained peace and stability.
Speaking Wednesday, November 22, 2023 when he addressed the nation at his Rehab Residence in Paynesville, outside Monrovia, the former Vice President said the elections are now over and it’s now time that Liberians come together as one people to rebuild their country.
“There are no green Liberians or blue Liberians, western Liberians or southeastern Liberians, north central Liberians or southern Liberians. There is only one Liberia, citizens of the oldest republic in Africa! All of us have won. What has happened in our democracy over the last 4 days is a win for Liberia, and will be a legacy for us as a people and marked in posterity forever. We will no longer be known for war, but for the peace that has prevailed in our country,” said the Liberian leader-elect.
“We must, therefore, embrace each other, be magnanimous in victory and gracious in defeat. Politics should not define us. What should define us is our collective resolve to transform our country for the good of everyone including future generations.”
In achievement of his development goal and mode of reconciling the country, Mr. Boakai promised to extend development across the country including building the roads in the beautiful region of Southeastern Liberia, which for years has suffered the fate of rural neglect.
He implored all Liberians, irrespective of their ethnic background, county, religion, and political party affiliations to join the journey to rescue our country.
“The hard work to rebuild starts now. The challenges of this country must be confronted immediately and head-on to create an equal future for all Liberians and succeeding generations. We must leave no stone unturned to address and remove the economic, social, and political disparities that undermine our potential. Our country is not poor; the problem with our country is bad leadership in all facets of society including the institutions of the state. I promise to lead by example! I promise a Liberia that will benefit all Liberians,” he assured.
According to him, the Liberian state will no longer be used as a predatory tool by and for a few to the detriment of the majority of the people, thus vowing that his government will promote broad participation of the people, including those in rural communities, in the decision-making process.
The incoming Liberian President further assured Liberians that the UP-led government will establish a responsible and accountable government that will address the major problem of corruption in government especially in high places.
“In this regard, I will announce a transitional team in the next few days to work on a transitional plan. We will start working immediately with the outgoing government for a smooth and peaceful transition. We will work with the current administration to assess the current state of affairs, determine the necessary actions to respond to challenges, build on any progress, and prevent any disruptions to a smooth and successful transition.”
The Liberian leader-elect vowed to redeem the country’s ‘lost image” on the international stage.
“To our Mano River neighbours’, the West African region, and the international community at large including the global business community, we open our arms to you for effective cooperation for the good of our respective peoples. We are, therefore, announcing our intentions to the world that with the mandate of the people of Liberia to lead, we intend to actively participate in global affairs and restore our respectability and dignity as one of the oldest states in the world.”
“Meanwhile, in recent years, there have been accounts of several mysterious deaths and disappearances. Over the period of the campaign and the struggle, many Liberians and some of our partisans lost their lives. We regret the loss of all our compatriots and we offer our prayers for the peaceful repose of their souls.
Which is why, our tribute to the families of those who lost their valuable lives is to embark on a drastic security and justice reform to bring relief to the families of the many victims, but also to lay the pathway to achieving a society where the rule of law reigns.”
The former VP President and incoming President then took time off to express sympathy to the families of deceased UP partisans who met their untimely demise during a day of celebration on Monday, November 20, 2023 following the final announcement of results as a result of a tragic motor incident.
The Liberian statesman also sent some words of encouragement for recovery to those who sustained minor and major injuries in the incident.
“On Monday, November 20, 2023, our nation was gripped by a tragic event that occurred at our party’s headquarters which led to the loss of valuable lives and caused serious injuries of our partisans. Our partisans were peacefully celebrating the announcement of the final results of the run-off elections. On yesterday, November 21, 2023, we visited our wounded partisans at the John F. Kennedy Hospital and sympathized with the families of our partisans who lost their lives and assured them that a thorough investigation will be conducted by the Liberia National Police and justice will be dispensed. We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of all those who lost their lives. The Unity Party and all her alliance members are asked to begin a period of 3 days mourning for the victims. We want to thank the doctors and nurses who are providing them care.”
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