The opposition Liberty Party of Cllr. Charles Walker Brumskine, has already begun taking a critical view of the Unity Party led Government of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf’s Annual Message to the Joint Session of the 53^rd Legislature.

On National Reconciliation, Liberty Party challenged the Unity Party led Government to now “focus on the Truth & Reconciliation process by strengthening the Independent Human Rights Commission (IHRC).”

Liberty Party says if this is done, “the Human Rights Commission will and can effectively launch the National Palaver Hut Program (NPHP), under the Truth & Reconciliation Commission (TRC), regime.”

The Party’s Chairman, Cllr. Fonah Koffa says “Reconciliation from the just ended political process must be and can be quickly addressed.” He then demanded that “the government of inclusion promised by President Johnson-Sirleaf must be made real.”

The Liberty Party Chairman expressed concern over what he says is the marginalization of the entire opposition adding, “there is no glory being an opposition political party and been marginalized in society.”

He pointed out that “in the opposition are equally competent and capable professionals who will not bring party labels to their work” adding, “those who were not members of the President’s coalition, or who join late or not should be invited to the table and offered the chance of public service.”

The Liberty Party Chairman pleaded with the Johnson-Sirleaf Government to “allow Liberian professionals to affiliate with political candidates of their choice without feeling the risk of sacrificing jobs and/or careers.”

“There is no greater calling in a democracy,” Chairman Koffa went on, “then those who dare to associate with parties out of power risking the stigma and not been able to earn a living.” He emphasized.

“After all,” he argued, “politics is based on the passion to accomplish the same things, but with alternative policy prescription. We all want the same things for Liberia, a country prosperous and free.” He noted.

In a related development, the Liberty Party has expressed grave concern over reports of dismissals, demotions, or adverse disciplinary actions against persons believed to be members of the opposition parties who are currently in government.

The Party is urging the Unity Party led Government of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, to appoint a presidential staff to investigate such claims and to the extent they are valid, to reinstate the individuals involved.”

“In Liberia,” Chairman Koffa pointed out, “rumors run deep, fast and loose. Nevertheless, we must work to avoid some perceptions so that they do not cause a crack in our political and social fabric.”

On the issue of youth empowerment, Liberty Party noted that it welcomes  President Johnson-Sirleaf’s decision of identifying youth empowerment as paramount in this year’s and future budgetary allotments.”

However, the party warned, “we must be careful not to paint a broad brush of the character and makeup of our youth population.” He added, “that is why we have endeavored to go one step further and separate into two categories, OUR AT RISK YOUTHS population for the purpose of public policy and programs.”

Chairman Koffa explained that “there are those youth who by accident of birth, dictates of circumstances or failure of public policy have been unable to rise up the social ladder into productive citizens, remaining functionally literate and unemployed.”

The Chairman further narrated that “there are those youth, who by terrible machinations of men, were robbed of their precious childhood to take up arms against their country maiming, raping and murdering their own brothers and sisters to satisfy the dogs of war, only to be left hanging when the guns fell silent.”

The Liberty Party then pledged “to work with the government to create the right policies and programs to address the needs of Liberia’s large and divergent youth population.”

Liberty Party concluded by also encouraging its Legislative Caucus to work with their colleagues to ensure that budgetary appropriation for the reconciliation process outlined by the President receives the requisite high priority in the budget process.

Meanwhile, the second edition of the “YEAR 2011 IN REVIEW,” covering the first five months of the birth of the Independent Eye News in 2011, is expected to be published on Saturday, January 28. Watch out for it!

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