By Precious D. Freeman
“Silence makes us all culpable in wrongdoings. Why am I doing this? Because I am a leader and because I care for the good of the country,” Liberia’s former President, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf says as she celebrates 86th birth anniversary yesterday.
Turning to the Executive branch, Johnson-Sirleaf urged leaders to “speak with the power of exemplary behavior,” highlighting the necessity of ethical governance; a hallmark of her two terms in office from 2006 to 2018.
She said it is time for the Executive to speak pointing out that the time for Liberia is running out.
She emphasized that silence from influential voices on pressing issues breeds complacency, urging all Liberians to hold their leaders accountable.
“It is time for reflection, my people. It is time for us to work. It is time to stop the stealing. It’s time for honesty,” she urged, calling for a collective effort to address the nation’s persistent struggles with corruption and inefficiency.
She did not shy away from criticizing the current legislative body, stating that lawmakers have prioritized noise over lawmaking.
Her 86th birthday message, delivered in a brief prerecorded video, reinforced her call for legislative reforms and this comes amid a divided House of Representatives, where lawmakers are split into factions supporting and opposing Fonati Koffa as Speaker.
Johnson-Sirleaf emphasized that this legislative turmoil could jeopardize the country’s progress.
“If our lawmakers fail to focus on substantive issues, Liberia risks losing valuable time for growth,” she cautioned, advocating for genuine legislative efforts as crucial for the nation’s advancement.
“Time for us, time for Liberia, is running out,” she warned, stressing her commitment to the nation’s future.
Addressing the Judiciary, she called for integrity and transparency in its operations, reflecting public frustrations over delays and perceived biases.
Johnson-Sirleaf also pointed to delays in the Judiciary and a lack of transparency in the Executive branch, stating, “It is time that our Judiciary gets on with settling cases and dispense justice without being compromised.”
“Liberia is at crossroads,” she said, emphasizing the historical divisions that have plagued the country and the need for unity in the face of challenges.
The former Liberian President also addressed the pressing governance challenges facing Liberia, emphasizing the need for immediate action and accountability.
The remarks of the Octogenarian come at a critical time when many African nations are reimagining their systems to harness potential, while Liberia struggles to keep pace with its neighbors.
Johnson-Sirleaf underscored the risks of Liberia being left behind despite Africa’s promise as the “continent of the future.”
Despite these difficulties, Johnson-Sirleaf celebrated Liberia’s resilience, recalling its role in supporting liberation movements across Africa.
She highlighted the crucial contributions of women, referencing influential figures like Suakoko, a chief who brought significant investment to the country, and Angie Brooks Randolph, the first African woman to lead the United Nations General Assembly.
“As we embark on another regime of promised political change, the stakes are high,” she declared, noting that the world is evolving and Liberia must adapt.
Johnson-Sirleaf, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate honored for her contributions to peace and democracy in Liberia, continues to be an influential figure in the country’s political discourse.
Her call for a shift from rhetoric to action aligns with her enduring belief in Dr. Lawrence Bropleh’s famous phrase “changing minds and changing attitudes.”
Her insistence on accountability resonates amid Liberia’s ongoing struggles with corruption and governance reforms.
This appeal for integrity is a demand echoed by citizens and the international community alike.
