Africa-Press – Liberia. Ahead of the October 10 General and Presidential Elections draws closer, Mayor of the City of Monrovia, Jefferson T. Koijee has called for well concerted efforts in maintaining the peace of Liberia.
Koijee said no Liberian should allow the genuine and positive peace [we] incessantly enjoyed go down the drain like the case of the 14-years of senseless and ruthless warfare that ghastly killed innocent and defenseless citizens.
He added that 2023 is a major turning point in the lives of Liberians, because it determines whether or not Liberia remains on the fast-moving trajectory of growth, definitively noting that everyone should see the safeguarding of state peace as a noteworthy endeavor.
Koijee explained, “As we head for presidential and legislative elections come October 2023, we wish to extend continuous thanks to everyone including residents of the City, citizens of Liberia, the private sector and our chiefs and elders for helping to maintain the peace.”
He extended his profound acknowledgement and a very nationalistic role to President George Manneh Weah, particularly Liberia’s traditional ally, the great United States of America for sustaining the peace.
“Let us continue to hold together as one city, one nation, one people, and one destiny for unhindered peace, development and progress of our only country, Liberia,” he urged.
Koijee made these remarks on Thursday, February 16, at the celebration of the 44th Monrovia Day, held in Monrovia. It was held under the theme, “Peace In Diversity: A Monrovia For All.”
Additionally, February 16 each year is observed as Monrovia day in accordance with City Ordinance No.4 which authorizes the City Government of Monrovia to organize programs gloriously befitting said event.
Monrovia Day is commemorated to project the identity of Monrovia, educate its residents about the fundamental essence of the establishment of Monrovia as a City, and contrive the best policy framework to safeguard the elemental norms and values, the strategic interests of Monrovia as well as its integrity,and cleanliness.
However, Koijee reminded Liberians that the 20th year of lasting peace they are enjoying is far bigger than any political parties or individuals, “we can all disagree, but one thing we shouldn’t do is not to jeopardize the peace that we are currently experiencing”.
Koijee added, “If You don’t see me as the person you imagine to be that’s your right, but please let us join hands in maintaining the peace of this country.”
He further explained that Monrovia was hit hard by COVID-19 and together they experienced restrictive lockdowns.
Koijee said, “Our efforts enabled life to return to a new normal, but it has come at an incredible cost. Now we have an opportunity to think about how we want to emerge as a city over the next 5-10 years and be bold in creating a better future for Monrovia.”
He, who also used the occasion to address members of the City Council Government said it’s incumbent upon every citizen to uphold the peace noting that no country experiences development without peace.
“Our City is a dynamic municipality with diverse populations and communities each with its unique characteristics and needs, from densely populated urban environments, such as the central business district – downtown Monrovia, to more residential areas, such as Sinkor and Mamba Point and slum communities,” he said.
In remarks the head of the national chiefs and elders Zanzan Kawah tern the celebration as a great process that will inform citizens on issues about Monrovia.
“Mayor Koijee we came here since 9am this morning and because we believe you are doing a good work for this country that’s why we stay to witness this occasion”
“We want to thank Mayor Koijee and the MCC family for giving our city a decent facelift as we gear towards the conduct of the presidential and legislative elections. Let us be reminded that Liberia is all we have.
“We also want to use this medium to call on every well-meaning Liberian starting with the students to get involved in cleaning up this city,” he adds.
“The cleanliness of any country doesn’t rely on one man shoulders, but it requires the collective efforts of citizens of that country”
Meanwhile, this year Monrovia Day celebration was not as flagship as it has been in past years due to the City Government impending preparation for the what is expected to be an exotic and capstone Global Parliament of Mayors Conference in September, an event that is expected to bring Mayors from cities within the International System together in Monrovia to discuss city governance through transnationalism.
This year’s scanty but colorful celebration of Monrovia day brought together key state and influential non-state actors including traditional, religious, and student groupings as well as council members of the Monrovia City Council.
For More News And Analysis About Liberia Follow Africa-Press
