Monrovia – July 25, 2022: Unity Party Political Leader, Hon. Joseph Nyumah Boakai, Says the pomp and pageantry that is categorized with the celebration of July 26, will not be seen this year due to the gross misrule and mismanagement of the inept and kleptocratic CDC regime; as he extends greetings to Liberians

Here is Hon. Boakai Full statement below:

Fellow Liberians:

I extend greetings on the occasion marking the 175th Independence of our beloved country, on behalf of the Unity Party, Mrs. Boakai, and the other members of our family.

Fellow Liberians, 175 years ago, we announced to the world our freedom: freedom from slavery, freedom from oppression, and freedom to manage the territorial integrity of this Republic.

We also told the world that the freedom we proclaimed will embrace all people of color irrespective of their religious, political, and economic standing. We have lived up to some of these commitments made nearly two hundred years ago, but we are still wanting as a nation, on some of the crucial but basic elements of the tenets of democracy.

We are yet to achieve economic independence and bring equality in terms of the distribution of national wealth.
We are also celebrating this anniversary amid rising poverty amongst the people of Liberia thus putting our nation among the ten poorest countries in the world.
When this Bell of freedom rang on the shores of Liberia on July 26, 1847, to proclaim our independence to the world, it was done in good faith with the vision that was to gear toward building a nation in which all Liberians would provide equal opportunities for all Liberians irrespective of our political divide, which was supposed to allow us to live in peace and harmony.

This year’s observance of our independence is another time of deep reflection especially as we move towards the 2023 Presidential and General elections in our country which will be another defining moment for the motherland.

We are also observing this anniversary against the backdrop of political, social, and economic problems, the extent to which we have never seen before in this country.

The pomp and pageantry usually associated with these celebrations will not be seen this year because of the gross misrule and mismanagement of the nation by the inept and kleptocratic CDC regime.
Fellow Liberians: After 175 years, can we truly say that this vision has been realized?

Even a few months ago, the U.S. Ambassador asked Liberians a similar question: Would JJ Roberts be pleased with the state Liberia is in today? Evidently, even our Partners are agreeing that we are not where we ought to be as Africa’s oldest independent nation.

Some would argue that there is enough blame to go around on this matter of where we are as a nation after 175 years of our existence as an independent nation. However, no one will argue that where we find ourselves today is primarily and fundamentally because of flawed leadership.

That is why I would like to call on this Government and future governments to come, to take seriously the critical conditions of the people and the nation, and begin to embark upon national development programs that will not just meet the needs of our people but also place Liberia in its proper ranking amongst nations in Africa and the world at large.
And so, my countrymen and women, as we force a smile on our faces and scratch our heads to find even small reasons to merry make and celebrate this our July 26, let’s also keep in focus the need to redefine our path to nation-building by holding this government and all other future governments accountable for good governance because it is only by this we will achieve our true goal of transforming our nation.

I have heard so many ask, Uncle Joe, how can we celebrate another independence? You have sought an answer to the question, how do we celebrate after 175 years of independence with a failed health system; a poor educational system; widespread abuse of Security and the Rule of Law; how do we celebrate with children going to bed hungry; and with a struggling economy.

Moreover, you want to know how do we celebrate in a state when Corruption is so prevalent and in most cases has become an acceptable way of life in the country.
As your Former Vice President, father, and grandfather, I know what celebrating July 26 means to ordinary citizens, especially to families. I am also very much aware that the difficult times most of you are enduring financially and otherwise. I know it will be tough for this July 26 to be an exciting merrymaking one for you and your family!
Just as our founding fathers were optimistic about a good future for this nation, I too would like to encourage you to remain CONFIDENT for a better future for Liberia, as BETTER days as a nation are coming!

A few years ago, I asked in one of my Christmas card messages. Today I ask again:
Liberia is 175 years old!
Let’s ask ourselves:
Are we where we should be?
Are we satisfied with where we are?
The future of this country lies in your hands and will be evidenced by the political and leadership decisions we make. A new dawn is coming, and soon, too!
From now on:

Think Liberia, Love Liberia, and Build Liberia

I wish all Liberians at home and abroad –
A Happy 26!

JNB