If one were to ask President George Weah and his Vice President Jewel Taylor as to whether there exists any misunderstanding or problem between them, definitely, both of them, would individually and resoundingly say ‘all is well and that there is no such situation,” as perceived in many quarters in the public.
I use the personal Pronoun “His,” which shows possession, to bring to light how close these two individuals are and how inseparable they are as political leaders in the hierarchy of the Executive Branch of the government.
In other words, they are like the Siamese Twins, an identical twin joined in utero. That is, any pair of twins born with bodies joined together in some ways.
For some time now it has been observed that all is not well between the President and his Vice President. It can be recalled that several months ago, this same cat-and-mouse situation was observed, thus bringing about public outcry. However, it was later learned that the two leaders ironed out their differences, as all was then well.
But in recent time, it has again been observed that all is not well again. Noticeably, the conspicuous absence of the Vice President during the President’s tour to her county-Bong- heightened this concern in the public, even though recently I did a piece raising similar concern.
Again today, I deem it necessary to raise this issue, being fully aware of their religious sect and the season being observed by them, as Christians.
The President, like me, is a METHODIST, worshipping with the Georgia Patten United Methodist Church near Waterside Market, while his Vice is a Baptist, worshiping with the Restoration Baptist Church of uncompromising preacher, Rev. J. Gardea Johnson in Sinkor.
Coincidentally, both the President and his Vice as Christians, who I can presumably say are observing LENT, which is one of the important events in the Christian Calendar.
Etymologically, Lent is an old English word meaning ‘lengthen’. “Lent is the period of 40 days which comes before Easter in the Christian calendar, while “Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus after his death on the cross; Lent recalls the events leading up to and including Jesus’ crucifixion by Romans. This is believed to have taken place in Roman-occupied Jerusalem.”
It usually begins on Ash Wednesday as “Lent is a season of reflection and preparation before the celebrations of Easter. By observing the 40 days of Lent, Christians replicate Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and withdrawal into the desert for 40 days. Lent is marked by fasting, both from food and festivities.”
Historically, it is said “the Christian churches that observe Lent in the 21st century (and not all do significantly) use it as a time for prayer and penance. Only a small number of people today fast for the whole of Lent, although some maintain the practice on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. It is more common these days for believers to surrender a particular vice such as favourite foods or smoking.”
Today I am raising the issue of Lent because of its importance to Christians.
For the past few days my pastors at the Trinity United Methodist Church in New Kru Town- Senior pastor Dr. Emmanuel Saywon and his Associate, Rev. Alexander Kanwie, have been reiterating the essence of Lent to all worshippers and Christians.
To accentuate and reinforce the message of Lent, the Church on Sunday, held a special service characterized by singing only, in place of the usual preaching, with a specific preacher, theme and text.
Again, the pastors re-echoed the importance of the Lent which includes RECONCILIATION, REPENTANCE and FORGIVENESS.
It is based on these that today I am again, re-echoing the situation between the President and his Vice, something I am aware they would not admit to.
But in all fairness, by observing certain situations and as it is said, one does not have to be a “rocket scientist” to know certain happenings.
As our two leaders join other Christians in observing this season, it is befitting that everything be done to reconcile whatever differences.
Sometimes, to achieve this by the two, may be difficult, therefore, the involvement of others, perhaps the church, could help to reconcile our two key leaders.
Equally so, the President and his Vice who are considered the “CENTER’ of the governing system, should see the need to resolving whatever differences, as it is counter-productive to continue this way and manner.
As author Chinua Achebe, alluded in his, “THINGS FALL APART,” if the center cannot hold, things are definitely going to fall apart, as this could potentially have a trickledown effect, thereby undermining productivity in the public sector.
Again, let me say all is not well between our two key leaders. Let us act for the center, which is the fulcrum, to hold.
I Rest My Case.