Weah rallies citizens, opposition

President George Manneh Weah says all citizens inclusive of opposition should join him and help to build Liberia, stressing that Liberians need a strong union and the peace that abides in their hearts for the prosperity of the Motherland.

“No matter who you are and where you are, opposition or not, in the rural parts of the country or in the Diaspora, in the towns or villages or in the city; so as long as you are a Liberian, it is your patriotic and nationalistic duty to put your hands on deck to help us build our country,” The President said here Thursday, 26 July at Liberia’s 171st Independence Day celebration.

Delivering a special statement at the event graced by his predecessor Mrs. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former Vice President Joseph N. Boakai and hosts of former and current officials, including members of the Diplomatic Corps, Mr. Weah says Liberians must be united and be at peace with one other to move the country ahead and achieve sustainable development.

He stresses that government alone cannot shoulder the task of rebuilding the country.“I, therefore, call upon all of you, irrespective of our political persuasions, to join me and let’s build a better Liberia. Let us begin now to move our country. Let us come together to recover the lost years,” he adds.

He urges Liberians to join him in building the better and great nation longed for since the founding of the country 171 years ago.Mr. Weah acknowledges that the task of building a vibrant nation is a momentous challenge that requires the overriding involvement of all of its citizens in a strong bond of peace and unity.

He recommits himself to a solemn pledge of diligently working toward a more perfect peace among citizens with the aim and objective that the nation becomes more reconciled, united, peaceful and prosperous.

According to him, developing the nation would prove fruitless and futile in the absence of peace and unity among Liberians.He seeks God’s blessings, direction and guidance as Liberians endeavor to chart a new course for the country.

President Weah expresses hope that all Liberians will be able to celebrate gains achieved together in next year’s celebration of the national independence.“It is my hope that at the age 172, Liberia under our leadership would have accelerated the pace of the coming of the happy land that we will wish our country to be – a glorious land of liberty and prosperity by God’s command,” he concludes.

Earlier, National Orator and Minister of Finance Mr. Samuel D. Tweah, Jr. called on Liberians to join the government for the advancement of the country.Minister Tweah emphasizes that corruption retards growth and development, thus suggesting that it be fought at all levels of the national sphere – including the churches, mosques and schools.

He suggests that government should even remove from the classrooms teachers caught in the web of corruption.Mr. Tweah stresses the importance of diversifying the economy for the benefits of Liberians.—Press release