Thousands of Liberians will today present a petition at the American Embassy in Monrovia supporting the United States Government’s action in Liberia’s fight against corruption.
The protest dubbed; ‘March for Economic Justice’ against corruption is being organized by the Youth Wing of the Liberian People’s Party (LPP) and it is expected to be graced by scores of Monrovians from various communities and its environs following huge mobilization last week.
The ‘Economic Justice’ aims at creating opportunities for every person to have a dignified, productive and creative life that extends beyond simple economics; but that is lacking at the moment under the present administration in Liberia as corruption seems to be another outrageous outbreak of an unknown strange virus that scientists are yet to manufacture doses to combat it.
LPP including presidential hopeful Tiawan Saye Gongloe, Chairman Yanqui Zaza and many others are also expected to be in attendance during the march in the fight against corruption in the country which is eating the fabric of the society.
According to the organizer, the marchers will either begin from the Center for the Promotion of Intellectual Development (CENPID) on Carey Street in central Monrovia and walk to the American Embassy up Benson Street or converge peacefully before the Embassy where various position statements from civil society organizations, human rights groupings and some opposition political parties will be read to the United States Government.
Last week, Presidential Affairs Minister Nathaniel McGill, Chief Prosecutor Sayma Syrenious Cephas, and the National Port Authority (NPA) Managing Director, William “Bill” Twehway were slapped with sanction freezing their bank accounts wherever they are and also placing them on visa restriction from entering the United States.
The three senior officials have been accused by the United States Government of corruption using their respective offices to steal or divert public funds for their personal use.
The sanction was a result of some period of unannounced investigation both locally and internationally.
However, the trios have been suspended off their respective official duties by the President following the pronouncement by the United States Government.
But the public including the opposition bloc, civil society organizations, human rights groupings, the religious community among others believe that the suspension is not enough and are therefore calling for their immediate dismissal instead.
Until press time, it was not known whether or not the marchers have sought any request from the Justice Ministry seeking permission before their planned protest.
However, organizers who are not strangers are relying on Chapter 1 Article 1 of the 1986 Liberian Constitution: “All power is inherit in the people. All free governments are instituted by their authority and for their benefit and they have the right to alter and reform the same when their safety and happiness so require. In order to ensure democratic government which responds to the wishes of the governed, the people shall have the right at such period, and in such manner as provided for under this Constitution, to cause their public servants to leave office and to fill vacancies by regular elections and appointments.”
