The United People’s Party (UPP) under the leadership of T. Q. Harris as Chairman, has fired back at President George M. Weah’s opposition to be a blamed theory.
In a position statement issued recently in Monrovia, UPP indicated how they were obliged to proffer a counter comment on the President’s statement which according to them cannot be overlooked in light of its implications.
The nation was exceedingly shocked recently when President George M. Weah blamed the country’s bitter economic situation squarely at the feet of members of the opposition community, who he termed as clever people living with hatred, only keen on criticizing his government instead of offering ideas that could move Liberia forward.
In his expression on Sunday, June 7 at the City of Hope Church in Congo Town, near Monrovia, President Weah said even though his administration is making gains with regards to roads and construction and infrastructure developments, all the opposition camp does, is spread hate speech and negative propaganda about the country.
President Weah said, “Those that think we’re still running campaign, you on your own – campaign finish. It is time to co-exist. You are not a Unity Party partisan no more. To build this country, we the leaders in the opposition, we joined the government; we worked in the government.”
Statement from the Liberian leader prompted a number of sharp reactions originating from several groups from the opposition’s Community, with UPP being the latest to disagree with Pres. Weah’s assertions.
“Since the inauguration of the CDC Administration, UPP has consistently proffered
suggestions and practical solutions to fix the economy. We have quietly advanced
number of ideas and strategies for creating quick-impact projects which could lead to creation of job opportunities, especially for the youths. We have also advanced
procedures and processes leading towards National Reconciliation,” the party disclosed.
UPP stated: “We have suggested development and implementation of national food production
program, using a domestic menu-based school-feeding as an immediate and sustained
market; and a massive construction program, using not less than 80% local material
including re-enforced soil brakes and roofing tiles, along with local planks and timber.”
“As a collaborating opposition party, UPP has been unwavering in its support for the
CDC Administration. In 2018 when the President invited political parties at the Bella
Casa Hotel for a meeting, UPP was represented by its National Chairman and its political leader; along with other National Executive Committee members; UPP put
forth ideas to move the country forward,” the party statement added.
Additionally, the United People’s Party (UPP) highlighted that its party stalwarts were in full attendance in 2019, when the administration organized the National Economic Conference which was held at the Ministerial Complex and invited political parties, again that they, (UPP), offered constructive contribution during the deliberations.
“Since the 2017 election, opposition political parties collaborating with the CDC,
including the United People’s Party, have stood ready and willing to assist the
administration in the process of nation-building. But we have yet to be constructively
engaged and consulted on how best to address the critical national issues from the perspective of the opposition,” UPP indicated in its statement.
“While it is true that parties, including the United People’s Party, that are collaborating
with the CDC since during the 2017 election season, are opposition parties, it is well to
note that, politically, they have decided to relate to the Weah’s administration as partners
in the search for lasting solutions to national problems; fully aware that the issues are
much too large and complicated for the Weah administration to handle alone.”
The UPP emphasized that they are convinced that the current posture of political collaboration, which is evolving in Liberia, is a constructive engagement position – rooted in the adage that two heads are better than one.
UPP therefore calls on President Weah and the CDC’s leadership to welcome, encourage and support what they referred to as the new trend in Liberian politics as a means of reducing the political tension in the country.
According to the Liberian leader, despite his continuous efforts to bring the opposition on board to provide solutions to the nation’s problems, the opposition leadership seems not to be sincere in proffering ideas that would move Liberia forward.