– Read Her Article of “Patriotic Cry”
Madam OluBanke King-Akerele, one of Liberia’s foremostPatriot and Pan-Africanist, as she celebrates her 77th birth anniversary, she signals the government’s and citizens’ attention on burning issues affecting the state, ranging from peace, security, health, politics, and several others.
“Over the past two years (2021 and 2022), as I entered my mid-70s, II have penned my thoughts and concerns about”Mama” Liberia in what I termed “a Patriot’s Cry!” This year, as I turn 77 years old on May 11, Patriot’s Cry has become even more intense. The issues that I highlighted in the past have become graver, as there has been little if any, progress or attention to their amelioration. In short, the problems have worsened because of a lack of action.
Preamble.
She composed, “So why bother?” They” don’t care! But who are the “they.”. The “they” are, yes, foremost the government, but also, it is all of us. If one believes in Liberia, then one cannot turn a blind eye to everything happening around us. We must all be concerned and care about what legacy we will leave for future generations; we must, above all, do our part in addressing”Our nation’s problems,” she narrated.
Additionally, she noted, “The signing of the Farmington Declaration and its commitment to free and fair elections, as well as the promotion of non-violence, must not be just for a talk! In this regard, we are pleased to note that a Steering Committee co-chaired by ECOWAS and the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator has been put in place for monitoring its implementation. This demonstrates lamentation. This demonstrates seriousness and goodwill by the government and the political parties, as well as both civil society and our development partners. We say “thank you” for this”.
According to her, “It is in view of the above that one calls on the NEC to ensure that steps are put in place for the provision and protection of data Security”.
She believes it will be determinant, as it is understood that such expertise may be drawn upon through the UNDP, given experiences from Kenya.
“At the same time, the Ministry of Justice must ensure that no political party, including the CDC, is allowed to have its own separate security force”.
Accordingly, she said the CDC must show an example by dismantling its alleged militia, as it is the ruling party and has under its command and control, the entire Armed Forces of Page 2 of 12Liberia with the CDC’s standard bearer, the President of Liberia as Commander in Chief. What does a separate militia convey to the citizens of Liberia? That our president does not trust the Armed Forces of Liberia, which he commands to secure us? We do not believe this”.
“All political parties MUST dismantle militias as such unauthorized legal bodies are against an environment of peaceful and fair elections; Furthermore, they would undermine the very essence of the Farmington The declaration”, she added.
Moreover, she stated that the Trucking of Voters and other problems with the voter registration process that is being pointed out must be addressed by the NEC.
“Amongst the critical issues, I wish to underscore, in this my 77th years are the following:
1) Foremost, the drugs issues and their devastating effects on our nation’s future ~ our youth;
2) the extra-judicial killings & murders that have become the order of the day; many of which are yet to come to closure;
3) Garbage (with serious health implications) such that Liberia has been designated internationally as the dirtiest country on the
continent;
4) The growing crime wave and lack of security in the nation – at the community level and elsewhere in broad daylight.
5) The desecration of our national cemetery, and others throughout the nation ~ Paynesville amongst others”.
The Drug Situation In her article, she outlined that young people are now dying with the Drug “Kush”. “Drugs have invaded every town and village in Liberia. We are now being touted as the biggest drug transshipment point in the
Mano River Union”.
The situation she said is desperate, yet one has not
heard or seen sufficient urgency on this from either GOL’s
platform or the incoming Presidential aspirants, why? The
nation’s future is at excessive risk.
“Closely related is the security situation in the country. The case
of the young “keh keh” driver, near the Mesurado compound in
Logan Town – highlighted in the Media generally and on the
“Crime Watch” radio show recently is a case in point”.
Meanwhile, she commends the work of the “Crime Watch” Media Program and those supporting it. “I came upon them recently when the mother of the 29-year-old “keh keh” driver was featured. She said that her son left a 4-day-old baby; a 4-year-old and a 6-year-old. She pleaded for assistance to bury her son. I responded with a small package. But above all, I want to say “thank you” plenty – to Mr. Zeze Ballah; to Makini Henries, its female General who together runs the Programme. Above all to Mr. Bernard D.J. Blue who we understand is the owner of the
radio station; may God Bless all of them for their work and making their contribution to “Mama” Liberia,” she narrated.
To the public at large and the private sector, she appealed for everyone to assist the “Crime Watch” by responding to their need for motorbikes to help with their work and to the Partners, and Diplomatic Community generally as they need Ambulances to help them respond to emergencies of Pregnant Women in the night hours”.
Making emphasis on the Garbage in the city, she said, “Our
nation’s Capital has the distinction of being the continent’s
dirtiest city. Moreover, there are serious health
implications. Where is our Mayor, for “God’s” sake? How I
recall meeting with the Mayor at the very beginning of this
Government. At that time he was concerned and wanted a visit
to Rwanda to learn from them. I was responsible for
Rwanda, amongst the crisis countries portfolio that was mine at
UNDP Africa headquarters under Mme. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
then Assistant Administrator at UNDP – Africa at the time. I
undertook missions there at least three times”.
She continued, “The City of Monrovia is a disgrace and an embarrassment to
Africa. One wonders if anyone cares! Where is the
Government? I suggest that the Mayor takes Mr. President
together with his health and environmental team on a tour of the
city. Mamba Point, Sekou Toure Ave. / Newport Street & UN
Drive, leading to the Diplomatic Section of the capital city
which has become another waterside– barber shops – cook
shops on the sidewalks; “keh keh” parking – garbage and you cannot imagine what else”.
“For God’s sake – my people! A similar thing is happening in Sinkor and throughout the city. Mr.
Mayor / Aye Mehn! – Aye Mehn! No rule of Law; no discipline; no demarcation! Look at Broad St and Ashmun St. amongst others is there no pride; no dignity?” she questioned.
On extra Judicial Killings and Murders, she stated, “We spoke
on this two years ago when we expressed concern and wrote
formally as well as in-person visits with others to the
Ministry of Justice, foreseeing upcoming elections. We were
well received. In this regard, we recall more recently the Press
Release issued in late February, formally this year by Angie
Brooks International Centre For Women Empowerment,
Leadership Development, International Peace and Security, the
Board of which I Chair! That Press Release raised seriously
concerns about many unresolved extra Judicial killings &
murders”.
Howbeit, she said the most recent victim of senseless violence, the daughter of
former Chief Justice, Gloria Musu Scott. We have worked
assiduously, along with other eminent Liberian women, to
advocate for justice and seek resolution through international
interventions. In this regard, the former Chief Justice Scott was
one of the signatories to other interventions of ours in the past”.
“Late last year at the one-year memorial service on the murder of
Liberia’s Peace Ambassador at Mount Zion Baptist Church,
Bentol, we also spoke at that occasion; the Angie Brooks
International Centre (ABIC) lamented the fact that the closure
remained outstanding in several of the murders and deaths
while we implored the international community for help and
asked why they continue to remain silent on our appeal to them
to enhance the Government’s capacity in the various
investigations that were/are badly needed”.
For the public, she said “We are
aware that it is for the Government to request such specific
assistance to enhance its capacity with outside expertise. We
urge the Government to make the specific request as I am sure
they would receive a positive response from our Partners!”
‘The condition of our country today reminds us of the late
Bishop Michael Francis’ Prophecy some years ago, in his 1999
report to the Vatican about Liberia. The Bishop’s Prophecy is
amongst other Prophecies about “Mama” Liberia by several
Liberian Prophets over time. Thus, anyone who wants to know
where our nation is today and where we are headed needs to read
that Prophecy as the Bishop was one who was known to speak
Truth to Power. That Prophecy can be found in the Catholic
Secretariat and TLC Africa, amongst others.
Desecration of National Cemetery etc’.
Lastly, she noted. “our national Cemetery and others – there is a saying to the
effect that “Show me how a people treat their Dead and I will tell
you what kind of people they are”. The condition of the Palm
Grove Cemetery is a condemnation of us the Liberian people and
the Government of Liberia. Indeed it makes one ask, what was
the 200-year observation last year about? Come on, come on my
people! What did it leave behind?”
“The onus is on the President’s advisors and his team. I pray daily
that they are discerning and advise the President appropriately;
Yes – I know I am a target. But I cannot hold my peace. When
we sit down and ignore all the extra Judicial killings & murders.
What does it say about us as a people? The African-American
late Congressional Representative John Lewis said there are
times when one has no alternative but to get in “good” trouble.
As such, if this is my “good” trouble, with consequences and
risks, I accept”.
Interestingly, she mentioned, “At 77 years, I am prepared for whatever may come. In
Psalm 90, amongst my daily reads, says “Help us to number our
days and spend them as we should”. I have fought against
injustice all my life – as a young professional back in the late
‘70 some 44 years ago, when together with 500 women
signatories we stood up for the late Judge Emma Shannon
Walser, – against the Joint Resolution for her removal by the
Legislature when she refused to condemn the alleged rice rioters
without due process; Then there were all the others persecuted by
the Doe Regime. We stood up there along with others in the
Diaspora, getting the situation in Liberia before the UN High
Commission for Human Rights (UNHCR) in Geneva and before
the UN Special Rapporteur for Summary Execution, Mr. Amos
Wako of Kenya”.
Moreover, she said “We would be dishonoring the memory and legacy of
other courageous Liberian women – mothers and grandmothers –
now Gone to the Great Beyond – such as Ma Mary Brownell;
Dr. Mary Antoinette Brown Sherman; Ruth Perry Head of State;
Ruth Ceasar; Ma Gbeh Wreh; and a host of other Liberian women
on whose shoulders we stand, if we do not continue their work.
In the words of Rabbi Tarfon – “one is not obligated to
complete the “work”; but neither is one free to abandon it”.
In short, the “work”, in the case of Liberia is that of the nation-
building, Justice, and the Rule of Law. We may talk about peace and non-
violence but we have to actualize it, while the rule of Law and
Justice is fundamental to Sustaining Peace. That Peace that
the international community and Liberians ourselves have paid
dearly for”.
“As we near May 14 National Unification Day, we cannot but
recall the words of the late Peace Ambassador Rev. William R.
Tolbert, III, on 14 May 2019, when he reminded the Liberian
Citizenry that “Peace is not an event but a process”. Rather, he
said we must be prepared to do what is necessary to sustain the
peace we deserve following years of conflict. Thus we must be
proactive and initiate appropriate interventions with sustaining
our national peace as our purpose; unity as the focus and sincerity
of will and commitment as our driving force”.
She said It is two years since the Peace Ambassador’s assassination and
like several others we await closures. Today we have the case of the
daughter of the former Chief Justice – Gloria Musu Scott where there
is a lack of communication to the family from the Police and
investigating authorities regarding the process and other findings of
such a heinous crime.
: As a result, the family has been kept in the dark
about the different phases of the investigation, and most times only
have sensationalized and disturbing talk shows, unverified newspaper
reports, and rumor-mongering. This has left the family not only grieving
for their child but in a state of anxiety and in the dark despite all of
their efforts to fully cooperate with the Police. More importantly, the
family has not had their child’s body returned by the Police so that she
be given a decent burial. No police report after how long? What has
happened to us? We have been received by the Minister of Justice on
this and appreciated his briefings. But the family remains traumatized”.
: To the International Community, let us recall the Global failure to react
and address the “hand-writings on the wall – the early warnings – of the
then impending Rwanda genocide. The independent assessment
undertaken on the Genocide condemned that International failure.
In short, the world must move from conflict management to conflict
prevention, which is much needed here in Liberia presently, with the
upcoming elections – the talk of the proliferation of guns throughout; the
killings & murders; overall insecurity & Criminality and hate language
amongst others”.
Moreover, she called for peace noting that, “we need Peace; Security; Justice and respect for the Rule of Law in Liberia. As we gear up to the national elections,
which of our candidates and their constituency will provide us that?
This is the issue. Which of them will protect the future of our nation by
aggressive action to tackle the drug pandemic and the growing security
threats that we face daily? It is evident that the current Government is
seriously challenged and needs international support”.
“Such is my Cry – my “Patriots” Cry at 77 yrs. Let the record show
this. Even if GOL and others ask – to what avail? Let not the work of
UNMIL; ECOWAS and all the other Partners, and the resilient
Liberian Citizenry (ourselves) have been for naught.
As I come to closure, I would be remiss, if as former Foreign
Minister I did not point out that the various Government officials
response to the U.S. Ambassador’s observations following his tour to
the South East were procedurally not in order. The appropriate modus
operandi was for the Minister of Foreign Affairs to invite the
Ambassador, through a “note verbal, to come to his office on the matter
and explain himself”.
Under Patriotism, she noted that, “As part of my closing, I wish to recall the radio interview in 2014 of Sister Mary Laurene Browne, when she was President of Stella
Maris Polytechnic University on the subject of patriotism and as Vice
Chair of the Board of Liberian Institute for “Growing” Patriotism.
Sister’s emphasis was on “Growing” Patriotism in the heart of
each Liberian for the sake of all Liberians. She defined “Growing”
Patriotism in word and in deed (concrete action)’.
“Everywhere in the world, people fall in love. As the love grows,
they stay in love; Growing in love is essential to staying in love.
Some people say that leaders are born, but think about leadership,
especially good or excellent leadership, is learned.
She thinks a patriot will never say, “O man, I tire with this country here;
nothing good here.” The patriot will say, “How can I help to make
things better in my country?”
This is what “Growing” Patriotism is all about learning to love and
love dearly, in word and in deed, the country God has given you,
given me, given to all Liberians.”
“Then, there is the example par excellence of what Liberians are made of, – nowhere better expressed than in the following quote from Dr.
Roseda Marshall in the upcoming publication entitled Stepping up to
the Plate: Liberia’s Untold Ebola Story. That publication documents
Liberians, both on the home front and in the Diaspora, responded to the
Ebola pandemic”.
