Brumskine-Konneh ticket!

-Liberty Party clarifies 

The opposition Liberty Party says reports of ongoing negotiations between its political leader Cllr. Charles Walker Brumskine and Liberia’s Finance and Development Planning Minister, Amara Konneh, for the duo to put forth a ticket for the Presidency in 2017as discussed on a talk show here Tuesday are baseless.

A local talk show presenter indicated yesterday that Cllr. Brumskine and the Liberty Party are in discussions with the Finance Minister to bring him onboard as running mate for  the 2017 Presidential and General Elections.

According to the presenter, sources closed to the two individuals have hinted that the negotiations are in their conclusive stages to pick Konneh as running mate.

Cllr. Brumskine had contested for the highest seat in Liberia twice – 2005 and 2011, but lost appallingly to the ruling Unity Party of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. The Liberty Party came third in the 2005 poll and fourth in 2011.

Following the two defeats, the LP strongman announced that he was stepping down for private life, but of late, party officials have indicated that all options were still on the table relative to the political leader vying for the third time.

During Tuesday’s talk show, many callers opposed the ideal of the Liberty Party choosing Konneh as running mate to Brunskine. 

However, Liberty Party National Secretary General, Jacob Smith, said via mobile phone that there were no ongoing discussions between the LP and Konneh.

Mr. Smith intimated that the Liberty Party is open to merger with any registered political party and individuals for the impending 2017 race, was is considering many options except Amara Konneh.

He noted that it is more glaring that no one political party could win in an election except through merger, but the party is being very careful in reaching such decision.

He also clarified that at no time did Cllr. Brumskine say he was retiring for politics.

According to him, Brumskine had said on radio that if he (Brumskine) did not win the 2011 election, he would have gone to on farm in Grand Bassa County to eat his traditional dish, dumboy.

“As far as I’m concerned and according to my records as national secretary general of this great party, there is no negotiation ongoing between Konneh and the Liberty Party,” Smith said.

He said for anyone to contest for the vice standard bearer or any elected post within the party, that person must be a registered member and be in good standing with the party’s constitution and guidelines, which include being an active due payer.

Mr. Konneh is yet to comment on the speculation. 

By E. J. Nathaniel Daygbor