PATRICK S. TOKPAH
Africa-Press – Liberia. Dr. Clarence Moniba, a dark horse presidential candidate who has cast himself as the only candidate unafraid to radically tackle Liberian’s numerous problems, has emerged as a formidable force that could wrestle Lofa County from former Vice President Joseph Boakai.
Moniba, who is one of the youngest candidates vying for the Liberian presidency, is surging in Lofa, one of the five crucial battlegrounds county, which has historically been a stronghold of Boakai–playing a pivotal role in the former Vice President’s political success.
During his recent trip to Lofa where he crisscrossed the entire county including the hometown of Vice President Boakai, Moniba was swarmed with adoring crowds eager to see one of their own occupy the highest seat in the land and transform this country.
According to Saah Harlie, a small business owner in Lofa, Moniba represents a fresh start for the country as he comes with tangible solutions for long-standing problems such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure, which “struck a chord with many of us who have grown tired of stagnation and unfulfilled promises by established politicians.”
“Moniba is a beacon of hope,” said Harlie, who a few weeks ago, had the opportunity to interact with Moniba. “He inspires us to believe that things can get better and has what it takes to deliver real change and that’s something we desperately need here. I’m excited to support him.”
Moniba’s growing appeal is rooted in his populist visions, which focus on addressing the country’s growing economic inequalities — including the promise of creating a mortgage scheme plan to spur infrastructure development and home ownership.
Under this plan, Moniba envisions constructing and refurbishing more than 1 million affordable homes across the country to boost the housing supply and reduce price pressures for renters and homeowners.
Additionally, his plan for the economy, which involves significant investment in Agriculture, is something that aligns with voters in Lofa County which has a predominantly agrarian economy. Many farmers see Moniba’s proposals as promising initiatives that could enhance their livelihoods and uplift their communities.
Another factor contributing to Moniba’s rising popularity in Lofa County is his strong family ties to the region. His father who hailed from the county was a former Vice President during the administration of President Samuel Doe.
This connection has made it easy for him to resonate with many voters who see Moniba as a native son — opening doors for him to flip the county over.
Lofa County’s pivotal role in Liberian politics cannot be overstated. Its electoral significance has made it a hotbed of political activity for the October 10 polls. If Moniba’s momentum transitions to votes, it would bolster his chances of securing the presidency.
Voters like Massa Ngorbu, who is an agricultural worker, believe that Moniba’s policies can restore trust in government and bring about positive change.
“His reputation for honesty is what attracted me. It gives us hope for a better future. Liberia needs a leader who can clean up corruption and bring transparency to our institutions,” Ngorbu added.
“When Moniba speaks, you can feel his passion and sincerity,” says Sangay Ndorleh. “He’s not just a politician; he’s a leader who can inspire us to work towards a better future. He is not a divisive figure; he’s a unifier. He understands that Liberia’s strength lies in its diversity, and he’s shown a commitment to bringing people together.”
Moniba’s charisma and ability to connect with people have not gone unnoticed. His past campaign activities in Lofa County have drawn large and enthusiastic crowds. Supporters have been energized by his speeches and his vision for a prosperous Liberia.
Dr. Clarence Moniba engages a crowd in Lofa County as he presents his “New Liberia Vision” — a blend of popular ideas and policies aimed at putting Liberia on the path of development and prosperity.
While he has strong support in Lofa, he faces a competitive field of candidates from other regions of Liberia. However, his supporters remain confident in his ability to win the hearts and votes of Liberians across the nation. As the presidential election draws closer, Moniba’s campaign team is working tirelessly to reach voters in all 15 counties of Liberia. They are determined to carry the message of hope and change that he represents.
Moniba, who is a former cabinet Minister in the administration of former President Sirleaf, oversaw the implementation of the Somali Drive and the Mt. Coffee Hydro projects — the latter of which he helped secure its US$250 million funding and worked to source funding for other sectors of the country, including the US$255 million MCC Compact in 2016.
By the end of the administration, he had become one of the President’s most trusted lieutenants and the youngest person in the history of Liberia to be named Minister of State without Portfolio, as well as the Chairman of the Board of the Liberia Electricity Corporation.
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