Editorial
Gov't Officials or Presidential Hopefuls: The President Must Act
- Details
- Published on Monday, 29 October 2012 10:37
- Written by The News
The race to the 2017 general and presidential elections is still a distant away; notwithstanding, there are indications that some members of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf's cabinet are conspicuously engaged in political discussions while inaudibly amassing financial resources in anticipation for the contest.
The second and final six-year term of Harvard trained economist and Nobel peace prize winner, President Johnson Sirleaf ends in 2017. By law, the President cannot contest a third term, because Article 50 of the Liberian constitution precludes her from doing so. Also, it is not politically expedient for anyone tampering with the Liberian Constitution that would suggest a third term; for doing so will ultimately lead to national disharmony.
Constitutionally, the quest for the presidency of the Republic of Liberia is a right of everyone, but this right should be exercised responsibly and consistent with law. However, of late, there are growing concerns over the posturing of certain officials of Madam Sirleaf's cabinet who aspire to contest the Liberian presidency in 2017. There are genuine cause for concern amongst the people that the coffers of the war-torn nation is about to bleed once again.
In public discussions, Liberians are saying that government officials with grips on public finances are poised to “drain state coffers” in a bid to protect their presidential ambition when their employer quits the presidency in five years.
What is also conspicuous is the reality that most of these officials seem to have lost apathy in doing the people's job and are busy driving their own political agenda. In slum and vulnerable communities, some members of Ellen's cabinet have begun organizing retreats, press conferences and honoring programs to capture relevance and familiarize themselves with voters; all intended to build strong political consensus ahead of 2017.
This approach is slowing the work of government and the Liberian leader needs to open her eyes to the unfolding reality that would enable her make a determination whether she brings on board individuals who are prepared to move this country forward or maintain the same chap who continues to amass wealth - ahead of 2017 - under the canopy of being members of President Sirleaf's cabinet.
Madam President, this is a critical time of your administration, and if progress must be made, you must deal with problem head-on in order to leave a legacy.
In a country inundated with accusation of “rampant corruption”, it will be foolhardy to distinguish between “public fund from an individual wealth” in vying for state positions.
Therefore, we urge the President to substitute members of her team who are pretending to be contributing to success of the squad when, in fact, they are preparing to take over from her in 2017.
