Africa-Press – Liberia. President George Weah has warned Liberians to “not be swayed by empty promises” made by failed political elites.
The caveat from the President comes as nearly all of the politicians vying for political offices are highlighting frustrations among Liberians due to growing poverty and lack of economic opportunity — using catchy slogans — and superficial rhetoric to gain support.
But Weah, whose administration has struggled from its inception nearly six years ago to revitalize the economy and improve infrastructure, is also using counter-rhetoric to boost support for his reelection while claiming that a change in leadership could impede the ‘progress made so far.’
“Let us not be tempted to drink the same old wine from the same old bottles,” Weah remarked at a rally organized by the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), which was geared towards thanking the President for ‘developments.’ “Instead, let us recognize, embrace, and celebrate the generational change in national leadership that has taken place under my guidance.”
“And when the time comes, let us exercise our precious franchise wisely to maintain this momentum. I am proud to say that we are well on our way to fulfilling the vision of our Pro-poor Agenda. However, amidst our progress, some remnants of the old guard have launched a campaign of lies and vilification.
“It is even more disheartening that those who have contributed to this failure for over four decades are now raising their hands, seeking another chance to continue this sad narrative,” the President added.
The President, in taking a direct swipe at opposition politicians, warned Liberians to “not be fooled by those who have only brought disappointment and unfulfilled expectations in the past.”
The President argued that the failure of the political elites who have now metamorphosed into opposition politicians makes it imperative for Liberians to exercise caution and make informed choices based on the achievements of his administration which he claims are tangible.
Since assuming office in 2018, Weah has consistently expressed his commitment to ushering in an era of change and progress for Liberia.
However, his administration has admitted that it failed to considerably reduce poverty as envisioned in the administration’s Pro-poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development.
The President had promised Liberians that by the end of his six-year term, one million Liberians would have greater income security, while absolute poverty would be 23 percent across 5 out of 6 regions.
However, poverty has been on the increase with about 50% of the country’s estimated 5.4 million poor — wiped out nearly half of the gains made postconflict, during which the poverty rate declined from 64 percent to 42 percent between 2007 and 2014.
But Weah skipped the issue and instead boasted about his administration’s efforts to revitalize the economy, improve infrastructure, enhance healthcare services, and invest in education.
“As we approach the upcoming race, my competitors boast of experience. Yet, I stand before you today as the most experienced candidate, having served as president for the past five years. We have utilized our time in office to work tirelessly for the Liberian people. We have not squandered the opportunities that were entrusted to us.
“The improvements in our economy and infrastructure are evident for all to see. We are on an irreversible path of progress, a path that touches every sector of society,” Weah said to a thundering crowd of supporters. “Liberia is not a test tube for failed experiments as people’s lives are at stake, and they deserve better development. Our efforts have extended to the education sector, built and rehabilitated numerous school buildings, in order to provide access to quality education for the youth.”
However, critics of the President are accusing him of deflecting blame and avoiding accountability for his government’s failure to achieve the major goal in its national development plan which involves improving “greater income security while absolute poverty would be 23 percent across 5 out of 6 regions.”
They argue that the Weah administration failed as it is being plagued by corruption and a lack of progress in key areas such as job creation and poverty reduction and, if given another term, it would be disastrous.
The President’s warning against empty promises and failed political elites, according to his critics, may be seen as an attempt to divert attention from the shortcomings of his own government.
However, for the President, the warning is something that he is serious about and not about the blame game. He cited his experience of witnessing parents struggling to provide for their children, igniting his desire to create change.
Weah further told his supporters who have defied the inclement weather that he will soon embark on a journey to every town and village, reminding every Liberian of his desire to continuously build a “Liberia that thrives, and a Liberia where every young person has the opportunity to succeed.”
“When my team and I assumed office in 2018, we were well aware of the enormous challenges that lay before us. Our economy was in dire need of revitalization, our road infrastructure was in disrepair, and our schools, hospitals, and market buildings were neglected. It was our duty to address these pressing issues and ensure a better future for all Liberians.
“In pursuit of progress during these six years, this government has achieved significant milestones, constructed hundreds of kilometers of roads, and transformed connectivity across the country. We have also focused on improving healthcare services by establishing new hospitals and investing in the well-being of our people, to secure a prosperous future for our young generation,” the President added.
“We understand the importance of removing barriers that hinder their potential. That is why we introduced and implemented programs such as free tuition and fee payments for WASSCE and WAEC. We could not stand idly by while children were denied an education and our infrastructure crumbled.”
Meanwhile, Weah has also extended an open invitation to all former members of the ruling coalition “who have left for any reason whatsoever to come back home.”
“Whether it was because of dissatisfaction, disappointment, disrespect, disgruntlement, disenchantment, or any other ‘dis’ let all bygones be bygones, and come home to join hands with your brothers and sisters in this great commission for victory.
“Whatever you think we did to you that hurt your feelings or your pride, PLEASE FORGIVE US!, and Whatever you might have done to us that may have hurt our feelings or our pride, WE FORGIVE YOU,” he said.
Meanwhile, the “Thank You” rally, hosted by the ruling coalition, saw an overwhelming number of supporters rallying for President Weah’s reelection campaign. However, the event, held at the coalition’s headquarters in Congo Town, took an unexpected turn as numerous supporters began fainting.
In response, the Liberia National Fire Service swiftly intervened to provide assistance to those in distress. Concerned for their safety, the President and other officials appealed to additional supporters approaching the rally site to return to their respective districts, as the venue was at maximum capacity and could no longer accommodate more attendees.
“Today, as we gather to commemorate the achievements of my six years as President, I stand before you with a deep sense of gratitude and humility. Your presence here today is a testament to the collective vision we share for a brighter and more prosperous Liberia. I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for the trust and mandate you bestowed upon me six years ago. It is a responsibility I have carried with the utmost seriousness and dedication,” Weah said.
Meanwhile, Weah has named the Commissioner of the Liberia Maritime Authority, Lenn Eugene Nagbe, as the party’s campaign manager for the October 10 polls.
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