Microscopic Deciphering of the “Ellen’s Presidency”
....Short falls and Achievements
August 08, 2007By: Varfley A. Dolleh

Introduction:

Amidst your probable dislike for Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, despite your reasonable tangibility in opposing

her doesn’t matter any longer, especially, in the wake of the fact that indeed, she won the first election in post war Liberia, that she is the first female to excelled democratically in Africa; that she was ushered by the International Community despite the normal protests by the major opposition political parties, like the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), of Ambassador George Manneh Weah and the Liberty Party, of Counselor Charles Walter Brumskine. More besides, it is both national and international reality that President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is an Internationally acclaimed financial expert with long years of experience, an astute political guru, couple with an over-whelming benevolent supports from the International Community. But, the question is, where are we developmentally? What are the short falls and achievements thus far, as we unravel the puzzles? What are the prospects for the future? These are the concerns as we embark upon this intellectual expose.

Being mindful not to be blended as a traitor or conspirator as prevalent, I have been indecisive whether or not I should indulged in this scholarly work as a result of this pessimism. It is commonplace in Liberia to be crucified the moment one attempts to uphold a parallel views on issues. But it must be understood, that in politics criticism and divergent views are cardinal elements of the profession. Apart, it is a known fact that “He who must live in a glass house shouldn’t throw stone”. It presupposes that if you are not willing to be told about your deeds, it is only fair that you leave the field of governance to those who are in readiness to endue the political scrutiny. Being mindful of our moral commitment to the Liberian Society we feel behooved to weathered the storm as we automate below:

Microscopic Deciphering of the “Ellen Presidency Short falls and Achievements”
Short falls:

Corruption:

We begin with corruption considered as public enemy number one, as publicized in her inaugural speech in clear view of the International body. The Government has been instituting deterrent mechanism in motion, carrying on the needed awareness regarding corruption, but is yet to be curtailed. We have been hearing allegations of corruption in the government, but yet to see the prosecution of any official from her government. However, we are mindful of the trial of few officials of the “Bryant Government,” while others are being arranged for commencement of formal trial.

Many political analysts are concerned about the lack of will power on the part of the President to bring to book the accesses of the Managing Director of the “Liberia Petroleum Refinery Company”, despite major out cries from “GEMAP” our International partners and concern citizens. It is being discussed in many quarters that the President is hesitant in dealing with him because of her long time connection. Despite the overwhelming allegations of wrong doings, ranging from the bribery scandal of the human right activists, the controversy regarding seven million dollars, the contractual agreements and the famous oil deal.

There is an apprehension toward the President for not acting on those officials reprimanded from the “Robert International Airport, the Land Mines and Energy Ministry, Public Work Ministry, the Freeport of Monrovia, the Finance Ministry, the Internal Affairs Ministry, the Agriculture Ministry among others.

While it is true that the revenue sector generated enough as compare to the past, but such is yet to be translated positively in term of development. Some critics have maintained that probably the government doesn’t have a “Blue Print” when it comes to development. Some actors in the International sector have complained that despite the availability of cash in the bank government didn’t embark upon any major meaningful project to commensurate with the level of cash flow.

Morlu’s Bombshells:

Most recently, we take interest in the recent allegations by the Auditor General of Liberia, Mr. John Morlu regarding this government being three times more corrupt than it predecessor. Whether or not this is true is left with policy makers and analysts to authenticate, but one thing is certain he made some troubling revelations about the budgets and cash surpluses from the past fiscal budget. While it is true that Government has been frantically fighting to minimize the damage, more needs to be done if she must continue to meet the bench- mark of the Government Economic Management Assistance Program (GEMAP) and other International partners.

Political Inclusiveness:

Inclusiveness as a recipe of peace is also absent in the present Government. It was expected that this President would have incorporated every one void of social, political and tribal affiliation. In line with the President’s pre-inaugural address it was envisaged that some key elements from opposition Parties would have been incorporated in the present government. Moreover, people are not happy with the polarization of the political arrangement. Unlike previous perception it was the expectation of many analysts that the issue of nourishing the “Americo Liberian Syndrome” would have been some thing of the past. You will note that the same tendency of instituting a class system of glorifying few segment of the society is once again gaining momentum. These guys are noted for suppression, oppression and the marginalization of the indigenous population with impunity that led to the dismal situation we find our selves in today. They are at the helm of power at major institutions and subsidiaries the Government. The equation must be balance if we must built a stable and prosperous nation for us all and posterity yet unborn. Wherein, if this government fails in changing the trend of event, the future could be bleak and disastrous. It was the failure of the past Governments to ensure equity that led to violent change of government. I may not be alive, but I am worry about the future!

Reconciliation:

Another issue of concerns is reconciliation among the feuding parties during the civil war, especially, the “Mandingoes versus the Gios and Manos. It had been hoped that upon the ascendancy, the cardinal issue of land seizure, a recipe for future wars would have been resolved. Up to present, the Mandingoes in Nimba County are yet to return with many of their properties occupied. This is a touching point that needs resolution. One driving through the city of Ganta, you annoyingly see one of the seeds of conflict which is the dilapidated ruin of the “Central Mosque” of the city which is still abandoned. As a means of reconciling, Government would have scored a major point if she had embarked upon the renovation of same as a means of appeasing the grieving party, amidst the reconciliation process regarding the land issue.

Settlement:

Another flashing point that could degenerate in to problem is the issue of the disbanded security forces. This is a hanging danger that needs to be resolved in a timely fashion. Knowing the repercussion of the daily rebelliousness on the part of these men and women, it would be in the collective interest of the nation if the issue of settlement were once and for all resolved. This issue has security implication and a recipe for chaos and possible destabilization. In politics we are told that security must be a primary consideration, and must supersede every other factor.

Achievements:

Foreign Policy:

Counting on the positive sides, we are pleased to note that Government did extremely well in the foreign policy formulation of the nation. She was able to have elevated the Country image at both sub- regional and International levels. As a result, Liberia was able to have regained her status as a sovereign nation with an effective foreign policy. Our old attribute of a failed nation status has been reversed. The Country relation with her neighbors has considerably improved as a result of the effective diplomacy of the President. Although, some criticize the President for usurping the functions of the Foreign Minister, which doesn’t hold ground in that, the end result developmentally matters.

Business Prospects:

It is pleasing to note that as a result of the positive businesses climate, entrepreneurship has started flourishing through new investments and the prospects for genuine peace and economic vibrancy. We gauge with interest the efforts being exerted in encouraging the Liberianazition policy, which could eventually put Liberians in control of their economy.

Social Amenities:

The Government made a positive mark for her self-regarding the skeleton electrification of the Capitol, Monrovia. Although, some have argued that in line with her campaign promise it should have been across the board, but indeed, she scored a major point. Today, we have streetlights on in many parts of Monrovia, and the installation of new wires to improve the systems to other parts. At the same time we are seen the signals and prospects that with the trend it could be a success story.

Despite of complains that not every part of Monrovia has running water, but we are pleased to note also that this was another development miles stone. At least, many parts of the only Capitol can boast or running water with the process of revamping other major areas under way. We are also happy to note the feasibility study under way for the provision of running water to major cities and seat of local governments, starting with Margibi County. These are all new developments that people have been denied for the past decade. Even if you didn’t like this President, but we should be able to call a spade a spade and commend her where she scores a point.

Gender Equality:

We recognize the tremendous efforts being played by the government in ensuring gender equality. This to a greater extent has reduced the gap and disparity between women and men in the job sector. At the same time, it has helped to rebuild the self-esteems of women that have remained in abject poverty, oppressed and subjugated for centuries in Liberia and Africa as a whole. We are proud to point out the judicial mechanism being instituted in the prosecution of sexual predators and sex offenders. This has helping to minimize the sexual exploitation of women with impunity.

Human Rights:

Also of special interest is the issue of human right, which is highly respected. Although, the President her self- being a victim of human right violations. So we are highly impressed that as of yet we haven’t seen or heard of any human rights violation. This is a major development.

Media and Freedom of Speech:

With the development of the cyber world and the multiplicity of the medium of communication, it is with immense gratification the proliferation of radio and television stations in the country with out any hindrance. With the exception of one incident regarding the publication of the nude photo of senior government officials there wasn’t any significant censorship or the undermining of press freedom. We have seen the exchange of ideas and the critical expression of dissent in the government. We applaud the eloquence and ability of the Information Minister in the dissemination of information’s to the Liberians and non-Liberians alike.

Recommendation to the Government:

We call on the National Government to do every thing with in it’s power to ensure that those areas of concerns as mentioned supra are improved upon, especially, corruption and the political will to reprimand would be corrupt officials, the reconciliatory issue, especially, the inclusiveness in government, the return of the “Mandingoes Land,” the resolution and final settlement of the former disbanded soldiers amongst.

Thanks for your moral supports through your calls. We want to hear your critical thoughts on the various subjects that could serve as a stimulant in doing the right thing.

Varfley1@yahoo.com or (215)-666-2506