Pres. Weah tells Imam Alie Krayee
By Lincoln G. Peters
Monrovia: President George Mannah Weah has told members of the Muslim community here that holidays in Liberia are not proclaimed by the Executive but require constitutional processes that involve both the Executive Branch and the National Legislature.
President Weah said those that believe that everything that is constituted can be erased without going thru the rightful process should stop.
The President’s statement was in response to a seven-count position from Liberian Muslims, among others, seeking holidays for the celebration of Ramadan and Eid al-Adha, commonly known as Abraham Day.
Presenting the recommendations to President Weah at the Benson Street Mosque in Monrovia on Friday, February 11, 2022, during the official celebration of Armed Forces Day, Chief Imam Alie Krayee said Muslims need a working holiday in honor of the late King Sao Saco Boso Kamara to enable Islamic students and the general population appreciate the role the late king, who was a Muslim, played in the formation of Liberia.
Imam Krayee also recommended that a university should be built either in Monrovia or in Gbapolu county in memory of the late King Sao Saco Boso, who was among several other kings, including King Long Peter, that welcomed settlers from the United States to Liberia.
He demanded that beginning this year, celebrations of Ramadan and Eid al-Adha in Liberia be declared national holidays either thru legislation or by Presidential Proclamations.
He continued that going forward, all public programs in the country that fall on Fridays be delayed, pending  Muslims’ Friday prayers, adding that they also want statute of a naked woman at the Centennial Pavilion on Ashmun Street in Monrovia removed because it denigrates the religious community.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]
“Lastly, we recommend that reconciliation committees be set up in every county to resolve long-standing conflicts. Liberia can be a great country and we are a wonderful people with an understanding of love and unity. We have to make sure that everyone is respected and our plight be considered without us being marginalized”, Chief Imam Ali Krayee said.
But President Weah in response noted the Imam did not sound like an agent of peace despite the many dialogues he (Mr. Weah) has had with Muslims in the country, urging all Liberians to focus on the national cause rather than sectarian interests.
“Democracy gives us all the process and right as citizens to speak but we have to make sure that we follow the right path because failing to do so is treading on the wrong path. Every time my brother speaks, you know for me, I don’t like to answer people. I love leaders that drive those behind them to a logical conclusion. Leaders that promote peace and unite people, those are the real leaders”, President Weah responded.
Muslims here have persistently called for holidays but public holidays are legislated thru lobby and votes at the Capitol, where they are in minority.https://thenewdawnliberia.com/muslim-council-blasts-iman-krayee-over-threat/ Editing by Jonathan Browne
