Why The “Weah Step-Down Protest” Is Undemocratic, And Unconstitutional

Even up to today, Liberia is still wiping off the dust from the more than 14 years of uncivil war. The years of bloodbath ramshackle the entire nation economy and is still having its toll today-this is why a political machination in the form of “Weah Step Down Campaign” that seeks to dethrone a government is scaring.
While it is true Chapter III of the 1986 Constitution spelled out the FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS of every Liberian, which includes right to life, liberty, security, and property. The right to equal protection of the Law. Prohibition against slavery and forced labor. The right to freedom of movement. The right to leave and enter the Republic and extradition of Liberian citizens and Non-Liberian residents. The right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.

The right to freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly and association, but the protest calling for the stepping down of a democratically elected President, who is just two (2) years into his six (6) years constitutional tenure has no backing in the law, hence unconstitutional.

The “Weah Step-Down Campaigners” may have legitimate issues confronting the growth and development of Liberia, the right guaranteed under the constitution is to assemble and petition the Government and not to demand a legitimate President to step-down.

It is no secret that Liberia is stressed and the economic outlook is a bit gloomy. As it stands, the President, His Excellency Dr. George Manneh Weah has to take concrete actions and inflexible decisions in the interest of the suffering Liberian people.

Liberia Meeting IMF’s Significant Prior Actions
We have to applaud the President for changing the guard of command at the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL). The Government will no longer borrow from the CBL, according to President Weah. Massive cleanup and reduction in the Government wage bill have commenced and thanks to the President.

Recently the Central Bank announced a new monetary policy targeting the Bank’s exchange rate regulation and interest rate-based framework. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reached a Staff-Level Agreement with Liberia on an Economic and Financial Program that could be supported under the Extended Credit Facility.

One of the key condition precedents of this agreement was for Liberia to take “significant prior action in the fiscal and monetary areas”, something which the CBL has already started as evidenced by the new exchange rate-based framework policy that is in full swing. The CBL will soon welcome a new Governor to lead a team of technicians in a more strategic direction.

Step-down is Illegal
PROTESTERS have right under the Liberian Constitution to assemble and petition the Government and their Leaders. Most protest carries the tagline: ‘Nonviolent and Peaceful’, however, most protest ends up in violence and chaos. Civil disobedience is not a moral weapon in the fight for justice.

In Sudan, it is reported that over 800 people died protesting the removal of the President. Every time there’s a protest, hundreds of thousands of people died and/or are affected.
Gandhi believed those who break the laws must take full responsibility for their actions. The campaigners must remain peaceful and be cautious of the fact that the Government is under huge obligation to protect life and properties, and ensure peace, and serenity across the Country.

Liberia’s ugly past of over 14 years of uncivil conflict dealt us a great blow. The country’s infrastructures in education, health, and the economy were destroyed and hundreds of thousands of our citizens lost their lives.

The peace and security of Liberia are paramount
The peace and security of the State are of most significant to His Excellency President George Manneh Weah and the Liberian people. The safety of every Liberian is also of more importance to the State. Maintaining the peace is of more value to all Liberians including the Opposition than any chaotic protest that could send us packing.

Members of the opposition should join the Alternative National Congress’ (ANC) Political Leader, Mr. Alexander B. Cummings to reinforce calls for the COP to abandon the protest. We know just the thought of a protest sends shocks into the spines of every Liberian and particularly, investors who are keen on bringing development to Liberia.

I also call on members of the International Community, Liberia’s development partners: The U.S. Government, British, Sweden, AU, and ECOWAS to join all Liberians and the Government in challenging the COP to let peace reign thereby supporting Government’s plan for economic growth and development.
Peace First Peace Last!! All Hail The Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development. United We Stand, Divided We Fall. One Nation Indivisible, With Liberty and Justice for All
Our Country Cause Defending, We Will Not Fail.