By Bill w. Cooper
The standard bearer of the Unity Party (UP), Joseph N. Boakai, has announced Jeremiah Koung as his running mate in the October 10, Presidential and Legislative elections.
Making the pronouncement at a colorful and well-attended event held at the UP headquarters over the weekend in Monrovia, Ambassador Boakai said his search for a running mate was to find someone who knows and have experienced how it feels to live in a nation with no hope.
He said his search for a running mate was not a search for a sinless angel, but a real human being whose imperfection and that his belief in God compelled him to seek redemption and imbibes the humility and willingness to work with a team that will make Liberia better.
“I wanted someone young and energetic who will commit to integrity and accountability in governance, commit to reconciling and healing our country and who by their early upbringing understands and connects with a youthful generation and a nation still traumatized by war and denial but yet is an example to success” Boakai emphasized.
According to him, in his search, he also interacted with a lot of qualified and committed Liberians and foreign partners, sought guidance and advice on how he can address the hemorrhaging leadership deficit in country and lauds everyone for their service, support and commitment to Liberia.
He also assures the citizenry of a leadership of inclusion, stressing, “There’s much to offer in the coming campaign and the future government when we earn the confidence of the people of Liberia.”
Amb. Boakai added, “Let me assure you that with the nomination of this Mr. Koung, Liberia and Liberians stand a better chance of progress and development; someone who has supported my political ambition and understands the suffering of our people and is willing to rescue them.”
In remarks, Senator Koung thanked Boakai for selecting him as his running mate for the October 10 polls thus described his preferment as blessing and a dream come through.
He said, “Honorable Boakai, I accept this honor to serve our country. This is a dream to me but I am here for one simple reason: I love Liberia, I think Liberia and I am determined to work with all Liberians to build Liberia.”
“You are supporting change because you cannot afford another six years of decay, division, hate and backwardness. You anxiously look forward to a future of hope and promise. You want government to work for you,” he told the supporters and crowd.
“You want government to be accountable and honest and you want government to protect you and your family. Many families continue to cry out for justice without any ear to listen. We want to be a government that listens and dispense justice without favor,” he added.
