ALVIN WORZI
Africa-Press – Liberia. President George M. Weah has called on Liberians not to allow politics to drive away the unity and family ties that have existed among them for many years.
The Liberian leader cautions Liberians to collectively work to promote and ensure that the country’s peace is sustained or maintained.
President Weah made these remarks at the Thanksgiving and Intercessory Prayer commemorating the nation’s 176 Independence Day held at the Philadelphia Central Church in Oldest Congo Town on Sunday, July 23, 2023.
Yesterday’s prayer service, which was characterized by splendid performances from different choirs, brought together Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, President Pro-Tempore, senior and junior cabinet members, as well as clergymen, among others.
Weah told the congregation that there is a need for Liberians to always promote peace, adding that “it is about time that all Liberians — despite diverse backgrounds embrace peace — promote peace and believe that peace is possible.”
The President’s call for peace comes amidst numerous attacks against opposition groups by actors loyal to him and his ruling party, the Coalition for Democratic Change. According to opposition leaders, Weah’s failure to specifically and publicly hold his loyalists accountable for such acts of violence, has actually diminished the atmosphere of peace for which the President claims to be advocating.
Weah indicated that amidst criticism from people in the opposition, he will remain focused and ensure that the right thing of the country is done for his people.
The Liberian leader told the gathering that it is only God who can designate a leader for Liberia, and therefore called on other politicians to attend and support national events void of politics.
According to Weah, he has every reason to appreciate God, especially from where he came from to who he is today.
However, Weah questions top members of the opposition who want to be leaders for the country for snubbing National functions such as the Thanksgiving and Intercessory Prayer.
“When I was in the opposition, I attended major national programs even when I was criticized by members of my party, but I did that for my people for peace and for the Love I have for this Country. But it is regrettable that others are not doing same,” Weah said.
According to him, as a patriotic and nationalistic leader, he prayed for former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf when he was in the opposition, he also prayed for former Vice President Joseph Boakai including the entire citizenry of this Country and wants others to follow suit.
Weah urged all members of the opposition to love Liberia, help promote peace and to do the right thing for the people of this Nation.
“As far as I know, I am the most criticized son in Liberia, from even my parents and up till now but I am not deterred, as my greatest desire and goal is to work for my people and to keep their smiles alive,” he disclosed.
The Presiding Bishop of the Philadelphia Central Church, The Most Rev. Dr. George D. Harris, said Liberia needs prayers and called on the churches to pray for the nation as Liberia has come this far by the grace of God.
“Why do we pray for peace? We pray for peace because peace opens the door to development, growth and everything. God said when my people pray for peace, I will hear them,” Harris said.
“Give us peace, avoid deceit and hypocrisy. We must pray for peace because the God we serve is a God of peace. The Lord spoke to me and said pray for Liberia,” Harris told the congregation.
Harris said peace is crucial to any nation because it opens the doors for development, joy and happiness amongst the people.
The Thanksgiving and Intercessory Prayer was held under the theme: “Lord Gives Us Peace in the Land,”
“God gives Liberia peace,” Bishop Harris said, adding, “right now, we need peace as things are not as they used to be.”
According to him, it is time that national leaders changed their ways in doing things for the country. To maintain the nation’s peace, he said it is each and every citizen’s responsibility to help make it possible.
“Let’s stop being narrow-minded because we need to have values to live by and not to always depend on donor support to develop our country when we can do it ourselves,” Harris warned.
He said it’s our God-given responsibility to pray for peace and, as Liberians, do not need permission, stating it’s unfortunate for those who take the church lightly.
“We call for coexistence between the Legislative and the Judiciary. Lord, give us peace. There’s friendship, there’s love for human values. There’s God. God gives us peace so we can love one another,” he said.
According to him, July is a very interesting, sensitive month in the year and they will continue to pray for Liberia, stating there are other months that come after July and prayers will continue to be made for the nation.
“God made us successful and we must continue to pray to God for good things. Your family needs prayers and that’s why the devil keeps us away from prayers. We only show up for prayers [during] adversities and challenges but Jesus did all with prayers,” he said.
For More News And Analysis About Liberia Follow Africa-Press
