‘Political Bazooka’ Unleashed?

By Jackson C. Clay, Jr.

Immediately upon penning their respective signatures on the collaborating document by the four former standard bearers of Unity, All Liberian, Liberty and Alternative National Congress Parties, many political analysts and observers began dubbing the establishment as a political minefield; raging Tsunami to purge barricaded change; tornado; hurricane, earthquake, but most importantly a ‘Political Bazooka’ that will sweep and clear the way of making a country and people great again.

The ceremony which was attended by tremendous mixed-reactions from the political spectrum of the society; with one segment branding it as a mere sham by unserious self-seeking power junkies, characterized by the displayed of wining and dining; a vivid portrait of flowers that smile today and die tomorrow;  a replay of previous failed attempt on that portion of opposition during the 2017 elections; while others scored the agreement as the force unleashed to crumble the ruling coalition at the 2020 and 2023 ballot boxes respectively.

On Thursday, February 21, 2019 former standard bearers Dr. Joseph N. Boakai, Cllr. Charles W. Brumskine, Dr. Benoni W. Urey and Mr. Alexander B. Cummings affixed their signatures to a political document committing their various political parties to collaborate as a united and collective driving engine to change the political landscape ahead OF 2020 thereby issuing the ruling party a one-way non-refundable “exit ticket” at the ballot box.

At the same time, the four opposition political parties have joined ranks in forging, branding and rebranding and supporting a common national interest upon which they may collaborate,

“To commit to forging, branding and rebranding, and supporting a common national interest upon which we may collaborate, keeping in focus the welfare of the people, and not allowing our political differences and personal ambitions to derail the cooperation among opposition political parties in our country,” a statement quotes the group as saying.

The Unity Party (UP), Liberty Party (LP), Alternative National Congress (ANC) and All Liberian Party (ALP), Thursday, February 21, 2019 at the UP headquarters signed a statement of commitment expressing their unflinching support for collaboration efforts being made by the four parties.

According to the statement of commitment which was signed by the former and current standard bearers of the four parties, their decision to do so was as a result of a fair, transparent and competitive democratic process that is vital to Liberia’s long-term prosperity and security.

The statement stated that the four former presidential candidates of four political parties recognized the role of political parties as indispensable partners in national development and the strengthening of the country’s young democracy.

“Aware of the weight and strength of political leaders’ collaborative and collective opinions on matters of national leadership, the rule of law, and accountability, as pillars of good governance and recognizing the sacred responsibility always entrusted in national leaders by citizens to represent their interests, and to commit and contribute at all levels of national engagement and development,” the statement noted.

The statement of commitment furthered that the parties are aware that Liberia’s political process needs a selfless approach that subordinates of their individual aspirations and ambitions to the national good.

They asserted within their statement that they are determined to work together in the interest of Liberia for its survival, peace and prosperity which are of utmost priority and consideration.

Meanwhile, the four parties indicated that their collaboration to openly and consistently engage and collaborate on various issues of concern to the people whom they represent, and establish common national positions and to promote a common agenda where necessary to aid, support and encourage the ongoing efforts of their individual political parties aimed at ensuring responsive governance and effective collaboration for the good of the country. TNR