Betrayal of trust

By Lewis S. Teh

The Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) describes President Joseph Boakai’s appointment of public officials as a betrayal of the trust of people who labored in the rain and sun for the Unity Party to take state power.

“In the face of his shameful, embarrassing, and dehumanizing treatment meted out against his own people, Unity Party leaders, militants, and foot soldiers, who are sadly treated like ‘Plantation workers’ that labored only to supply the table of distant masters, Mr. Boakai’s insensitivity towards the needs of ordinary people is considered as a complete betrayal of the people’s trust”, the CDC notes.

The National Chairman of the former ruling party Mulbah Morlu made the observation here late Monday at the CDC headquarters in Oldest Congo Town in a news conference when he also announced a massive retreat for the party to be held in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County.

“Our country is now faced with a new level of fear and anxiety that leaves many doubting what tomorrow brings”, Chairman Morlu continues.

He says amid Liberia’s annoying problems, and the different analysis of challenges that led to President Boakai’s hearted presidency, it is time that the CDC rises above blame-shifting by regrouping quickly to strengthen and expand existing alliances to hold the new regime accountable. 

According to him, though the CDC vied against the UP as its major opponent, what the party will not do is discredit the tremendous role and efforts applied by foot soldiers and militants of the Unity Party, adding that these people are Liberian citizens that deserve better for their services.

“But for you Boakai to be calling names that don’t resemble the foot soldiers of the Unity Party is a clear betrayal of trust. We knew they were lying and deceitful, but their partisans didn’t believe us. For them to sacrifice people that suffered for them throughout the entire process is complete wickedness.”

He says the retreat scheduled for April 24^th to 29^th 2024 is being planned under the theme: TURNING SETBACKS INTO COMEBACK, adding that the planned retreat will elevate an essential institutional platform that will enable the CDC to move forward in unity, strength, and renewed momentum.  

Morlu also discloses that the retreat will provide a space for constructive dialogue to resolve internal differences and promote unity and solidarity within the party’s ranks and file. 

“Fellow partisans, our crucial governing challenges as a country make it imperative that we stand together as a cohesive force, united by a common purpose and vision for a better nation for all.

Furthermore, this ‘CDC COMEBACK Retreat 2024’ will provide us an opportunity to develop strategies that will serve as our roadmap towards the year 2029, which is already being widely considered as The CDC COMEBACK year.”

He emphasizes that the retreat will not be a one-way street, but a people-driven platform that will value partisans and supporters’ input, suggestions, and ideas, noting “We recognize that the strength of our party lies in the diversity of perspectives and experiences within our ranks.” 

Morlu says in addition to developing strategies, the party will seek valuable insights from partisans in formulating national policy responses that resonate with the aspirations and needs of the Liberian people.

The CDC is still recovering from its defeat from the 2023 election that took thousands of its partisans and supporters by surprise, as it had campaigned vigorously for another six-year mandate from the Liberian people. Editing by Jonathan Browne