By: Frank P. Martin
MONROVIA: Ahead of the 10, October, 2023 Presidential and Legislative elections, Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe, Political Leader of the Liberian People’s Party (LPP), has outlined his plans and vision for a “Better Liberia” and why he (Gongloe) should be elected to the coveted Liberian Presidency in October this year.
The Liberian People’s Party (LPP) political leader, in an interview on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, said it takes lots of things for a country to be prosperous.
He said the Liberian Nation has abundant natural resources and human capitals but bad governance and unbridle corruption have severely impacted the country and its people.
Gongloe believes that the problems which are confronting Liberia are mainly occasioned by lack of proper national leadership and bad governance.
The LPP political leader underscored the importance of adhering to the rule of law, human rights and security for all.
He also stressed that construction of roads across the country; provision of quality, accessible and affordable healthcare; ensuring food security, access to quality but free education, among others are cardinal in making Liberia a better country.
“We have to correct the wrongs by using the appropriate measures through the legal system for justice to prevail for all.
“That is why when you see us carrying the broom across the country, it means we have to unite at all fronts to fight for the country, especially when it comes to the Judicial System,” he stressed.
Gongloe emphasized during the interview on Prime FM recently that “October 10, 2023, is time for Liberians to make very serious decisions and that such decisions must be in the best interest of the country.
He stressed that Liberia was meant to be a land of liberty and justice for its citizens.
The respected human rights lawyer believes that occupying a top government position is a privilege to serve, and not an opportunity to steal taxpayers’ money.
He indicated that money generated from taxpayers is primarily intended for improving the livelihood of the vast majority of the citizens through provision of basic services.
“We will not allow officials of government, under our watch as President of the Republic to steal from public covers without punishment as it is being seen under this government of President Weah and under previous administrations,” the LPP political leader vowed.
Gongloe believes that national leaders must exude or display honesty and integrity in the performance of their duties.
Those character traits, according to Gongloe who is former President of the Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA), are some of the indispensable assets that are grossly lacking in Liberia’s current governing paradigm.
He stressed that national leaders ought to be exemplary role models at all times.
“We have to be serious about steering the affairs of the state that will bring honor to our people and country. We, as leaders, must first be good examples of leadership, and not faking leadership,” he stressed.
“Under my watch as President, I will reduce the many high travel allowances for government officials and divert such proceeds into other national development initiatives that would impact the lives of the vast majority of ordinary citizens. In fact, under our leadership, officials of government will have travel restrictions,” Gonglo added.
Gongloe: “We will have a better health care system as opposed to the ones under President Weah wherein officials are unable to seek medication. Ironically, his (Weah’s) Finance Minister, Samuel Tweah, boasted that the 14 Military Hospital is one of the up-to-date hospitals on the African Continent upon completion of its construction. Sadly, he (Tweah) ran to Turkey after he was involved in a motor accident on the Lofa road.”
“This will not happen under our watch because health facilities across the country will be equipped with assorted medical supplies and trained professional nurses and doctors who will be available to serve our people.
“One thing we will do is to get some retired medical professionals from the United States who will be assigned at various health facilities to provide quality health services to our people. I believe, with this, our local doctors will learn from those retired and experienced doctors,” Gongloe assured.
Commenting on education, the topnotch lawyer said under Article 6 of the 1986 Constitution of the Republic of Liberia, every government of the Republic is charged with the full responsibility to provide access to education for all Liberians.
Therefore, Gongloe pointed out that when he is elected President in October, his government will make education which is a right and not a privilege available to the citizens.
He quoted Article 6 of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia as saying: “The Republic shall, because of the vital role assigned to the individual citizens under this constitution for the social, economic, and political well-being of Liberians, provide equal access to educational opportunities and facilities for all citizens to the extent of available resources. Emphasis shall be placed on the mass education of the Liberian people and the elimination of illiteracy.”
Gongloe said the Liberian constitution doesn’t ascribe to individual President of the country to play a humanitarian role for the education of the citizens.
He said provision of education for Liberians is a responsibility that will be executed by him as Head of State and government.
“We will make education free at the highest level including the payment of WAEC fees as well as instituting free tuition policies that will benefit the public in general; not making it like a political commodity at the expense of the people who are protected to access education under the law.”
“My administration will work with the Ministry of National Defense as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia, for provision of food across the country. The Army will also work with the Ministry of Agriculture to make farms that will produce more food and reduce hunger. We will get more tractors in every district where biggest farms will be made for massive production of food.”
