Bill W. Cooper
The opposition Movement for Economic Empowerment (MOVEE) has described the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) response to the 177th Independence Day Orator, Robtel Neajai Pailey message’s as ‘unsophisticated and ill-advised.’
MOVEE, a constituent member of the CDC also stated that it strongly believed that the CDC’s action to have hastily reacted to the independence message without careful analysis was deceptive and un-consultative.
Dr. Pailey, in her oration rated the United States benefits to Liberia as poor, thus witnessing the Us Ambassador at the head of her delegation noticeably walked out of the program.
Orator Robtel Neajai Pailey, frankly accused America of taking advantage of Liberia’s resources and people, leading to an unequal relationship between the two countries amidst their longstanding relationship.
In her address, the American trained scholar at the same time called for a revision of ties with the United States government; if it would be to open new frontiers for Liberia’s speedy advancement and growth.
However, responding to the oration, CDC said the National Independence Day Oration should be about peace and prosperity, not about attacks as were spewed out by Dr. Pailey at the United States which happens to be Liberia’s longest ally.
The party noted that the attacks against the US by Dr. Pailey, does not represent the view of all Liberians, who cherish the long-standing relationship between Liberia and the United States of America.
The CDC, in its release said while they supports free speech, it absolutely don’t condone any speech or action that demonstrates semblance of attacks on the values and principles of the United States of America and – or any of Liberia’s international partners or diplomatic friends.
They condemned and termed as irresponsible, the respons in support of the unfounded attacks from the officials of the Boakai- Koung Unity Party led Administration as the US.
CDC added that the Orator’s attacks demonstrate an elementary lack of understanding of Liberian history and current realities and added that from the foundation of Liberia and up to present, the United States has been a supportive partner to Liberia’s growth and development.
But responding to the CDC, MOVEE as a constituent member of the CDC also maintained that the CDC’s condemnation of Dr. Pailey’s message was unsophisticated, especially for a party that left state power months ago.
In a release issued late Sunday, July 28, 2024, the party emphasized, “As an ideological and policy-driven opposition, MOVEE assures all Liberians that it will remain objective in its analysis of national issues, and posit itself as a constructive, responsible and policy-driven opposition that will commend, condemn and offer recommendations to the government where necessary.”
“So, the unsophisticated condemnation made by the Congress for Democratic Change on the Independence Day Orator’s Message regarding Liberia-US relations was deceptive, ill-advised and un-consultative,” MOVEE asserted.
MOVEE at the same time welcomed the myriads of issues raised by the national orator in her independence message and stressed that Liberia has not met its combined purpose since independence.
The party, in its statement added that Liberia’s entrusted authorities and past governments have failed the citizenry, and the current government is still grappling with this fundamental purpose.
MOVEE added that it is encouraging the Unity Party-led Government to take cues from the orator’s criticism of Liberia’s relationship with the US, by holding strategic bilateral partnership dialogues with the US Government regarding mutual benefits.