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| Catholic Bishops Conference of Liberia |
The Challenge to Be Liberian |
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Introduction
Liberia is considered a failed state. Wise people use failure to change the direction of their lives. Nations use failure to change the course of their history towards development and the welfare of their citizens. The moment for Liberia is now.
To vote is a fundamental political right which must be exercised freely and in conscience for it to be truly effective. The voter has the obligation to inform himself/herself adequately with reference to the issues at hand, and to the overall vision for the country.
In 1985, for the first time in our recent history, Liberians went enthusiastically to the polls. We were determined to make the political change in a civilised and politically mature way. Unfortunately, most unfortunately when the results of this sacred exercise were announced, the majority of our people felt cheated and gradually violence became an attractive but unwise and unrewarding option.
Then came the elections of 1997. Liberians cast their votes in fear and with hope. Fear because violence had now become a weapon of control, and very sadly for our dignity as persons, for our sovereignty as a nation, a weapon which ultimately grew out of control. Hope because warlords turned politicians were promising the ultimate - good governance. But our hope was cruelly dashed.
By a stroke of Divine Providence the International Community saw the insanity of our actions and came to rescue us from ourselves. Their timely intervention, thanks to the massive support of their many millions of citizens has brought Liberians to this crossroad. Our gratitude can best be expressed to God and to those who continue to help us so generously if we seize the moment with courage and with confidence in ourselves so as to be able to right our wrongs, God being our helper. We owe at least this much to our children and theirs yet to come.
The Task Ahead
Ten weeks hence all registered voters will be going to the polls yet another time to choose men and women hopefully with vision - not potential tyrants; to choose patriotic leaders - not disguised vultures. How will these right choices be possible, one is tempted to ask.
It will certainly be possible to elect patriotic leaders if we take the time to think;(What future do we want for our country?) - if we take the time to reflect on the
wholesome qualities of leadership needed to ensure this future, if we take the time
to discuss the issues with frank sincerity and not make personalities our focus? Above all, we must pray for wisdom for honesty, and diligently seek God's guidance in this all-important endeavour if our nation is to become truly whole. To do this effectively we must be ready and willing to ask each of our candidates the hard questions, which of course sincere patriots will find easy to answer. Here are some essential points to be raised:
Sir/Madam, how does your record of public and private service read?
How do you intend to tackle our national ills of bad governance, corruption, poverty, illiteracy, disease, unemployment, mediocrity, and the sorry lack of nationalism?
What is your net worth in dollars and cents and in real estate?
How did you accumulate your wealth?
How do you intend to help Liberians distinguish between their real partners-in-progress and their exploiters?
How would you be guided to cooperate fully with the former and to expel the latter?
How do you intend to contribute actively to the peace and stability of the sub-region?
How do you intend to challenge Liberians to realise their potential?
the ability to do away with tribalism in favour of nationalism the capability to plan and to execute a wholesome national agenda such as:
..accountability at all levels in both the private and public sectors for the growth of the nation and preservation of the state
transparency in their official and unofficial dealings?
the determination to share and to protect the nation's resources and wealth for successive generations?
the resolve to selflessly participate in nation building which emphasises quality education for all, the rule of law, respect for human rights, Cafe of the environment, economic, social and political justice?
the need to be reconciled and to be reconcilers?
Fellow Liberians, let the questions flow continuously. Let the debate grow livelier. We must demand answers of those who would lead us. It is our right to know who they are. The welfare of all Liberians, the preservation at all cost of our common patrimony must be at the very top of their agenda. If not, he/she will not be worthy of our votes.
Conclusion
While the International Community - USA, UNMIL, EU, ECOW AS, AU - are helping us in very significant ways we Liberians must be in the fore front in trying to c1ean up our own image. We must consider no sacrifice too great for the sake of our nation.
We have the power to choose leaders who must emphatically assert that this country belongs equally to all Liberians. We can and we must choose leaders who understand in no uncertain terms that they are accountable to the people. We can and should choose leaders who know that it is their moral duty to make the country safe so that the majority, if not all, of our citizenry can do more than merely exist, so that we can prosper as a people.
With unwavering faith, with dogged determination, with enduring love we "can do anything in Christ who strengthens us." Philippians 4:13
+ Lewis Jerome Ziegler BISHOP OF GBARNGA
PRESIDENT, CATHOLIC BISHOPS CONFERENCE OF LIBERIA
Very Rev. Fr. Andrew Jagaye Karnley APOSTOLIC ADMINISTRATOR ARCHDIOCESE OF MONROVIA
+ Boniface Nyema Dalieh BISHOP OF CAPE PALMAS |
| Catholic Bishops Conference of Liberia (2005-10-11) |
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