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As the Unity Party, under the leadership of Dr Charles Clark and its current standard bearer, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf unravel before our very eyes, one can only wonder the extent of internal damage inflicted on the party by unwholesome activities of its high ranking members. The public façade of a united political party is gradually fading into a weakened institution been directed by individuals who self interests and political aggrandizement have superseded the collective common good of the party and our country.

How else could we explain Mr Clark’s December coronation announcement if it wasn’t a preemptive strike aimed at silencing “restive progressives “within the UP who obviously having calculated the President’s weak leadership has rendered her both unpopular and weakened and presents them a GOLDEN opportunity to challenge her for the party’s nomination.

International Partners Listening ?

We ALL can ONLY wonder what our international partners are thinking as they peruse the news emanating from Liberia DAILY. Sad stories of one financial scandal after another have all but weakened their support for this administration. Recently, agents and investigators at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) publicly expressed their frustrations regarding the difficulties they face why attempting to unearth corrupt activities in major government institutions and the negative impact it has on their fight against governmental graft and abuse !

Admission of Guilt equals Innocence ?

Former Paris Mayor Jacques Chirac who rose to become president of France was recently indicted for alleged unscrupulous financial decisions he made as mayor of Paris. We were ALL astounded at the public display of penitence by Former Monrovia City Mayor Mrs. Ophelia Hoff-Seytumah who allegedly acknowledged publicly that unsavory financial dealings occurred during her tenure as Mayor of Monrovia. So far, there has NOT been a HINT of accountability directed at Mrs Hoff-Seytumah. Indeed, Liberia has become a country where even a public admission of guilt attracts NO prosecution.

Resisting the GAC !

High officials with in the government have mustered new found courage to resist the GAC and erect whatever hurdles they deem necessary to either derail or totally abort its activities. Recently, disgraced former information Minister Bropleh challenged a published audit report and even attempted to impugn the very motive of the GAC. There are also rumblings from the Gender Ministry in regards to its call for “more time” that culminated in the now infamous “anti-Morlu Women Protest”

To make matter worse, they are backed by a discredited media institution, the Daily Observer, that will stop at NOTHING in its propagation of falsehoods. We are ALL now aware of the veracity of the recent Daily Observer banner proclamation of “Women Petition EU for Morlu’s Dismissal”.

Instead of due diligence, the Daily Observer editorial staff ran away with the story hoping it was TRUE ! We are ALL aware of the “hope” aspect and its potential for ruin when journalism is concern. Now that the story has been proven to be a “concoction” and the women involved publicly claiming they were tricked the Observer is yet to make a public RETRACTION and or render an APOLOGY.

For now, the Unity Party and its leadership have failed to deliver on almost ALL of its campaign promises and to add insult to injury, the socio-economic and political situation of our country under the UP leadership has IMPROVED from bad to WORSE.

Are we destined to see a new and improved Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf come 2011 ? Your guess is as good as mine regarding Ellen 2.0 !.

Benjamin Kofa Fyneah
Gainesville, Florida
]]> http://liberiaspeaks.com/starke/index.php?entry=entry100128-081410 No Author Thu, 28 Jan 2010 13:14:10 GMT http://liberiaspeaks.com/starke/comments.php?y=10&m=01&entry=entry100128-081410 http://liberiaspeaks.com/starke/index.php?entry=entry100116-165027
Zemowai01’s piece title “ A Look Forward” published on the Concerned Liberians Chatroom demands a critical analysis because the piece was not only laced with falsehoods but contained silent vitriol and ill will towards an individual/phenomenon and institution for which he harbors disdain and most certainly does NOT understand.

It is interesting that the piece started off by mentioning Ghana’s Jerry Rawlings. I will be astounded to know if “Zemowai01” is abreast with Mr Rawlings educational background - a high school leaver. Nothing more ! Indeed, contemporary history will FOREVER credit him as the founder of modern Ghana !

It seems sme of us, Liberians, are overly fascinated with so-called educated people who have shown no character, sense of direction and or the desire and will to effect change for the better in Liberia. Most of us have NOT only bought their LIES but have come to accept them as our ONLY saviors.

The current government in Liberia is led by a much touted Harvard trained economist. I do NOT know if we could ask for more in terms of a better resume. The much heralded resumes have done NOTHING in terms of critical thinking and analysis to alleviate the problems of our country. Simply put, degrees do NOT equal competence and performance. They also do NOT guarantee results.

We can not afford a leader that is not prepared…”.

The leader whom Zemowai01 and his ilk imagined was prepare, including her team has been a dismal failure. If Zemowai01 has any ounce of fairness in his being he/she will publicly admit that this administration’s performance has been the worst Liberians have ever seen in her recent history.

“We can not afford another administration worst than the current……”

This is not only a spurious charge but one that has NO basis in reasoning. “We have failed but the other guys could be worse”. If you have failed, just get the HELL out of the way ! Why would you compare your failures to someone’s potential ? This is plain twisted logic and disingenuous to say the least.

“Do we really think that Mr. Weah is prepared to lead?….”

The same was asked time and again over the last few months regarding the tyro political from Chicago who is now “effectively” leading the so-called “free world”. We should NOT appoint ourselves as judges over anyone’s dreams, potentials and or capabilities.

“Weah like any man can do anything if he is prepared...“

The least said about this heading will suffice. Leaders are BORNED not made. The basic tenets of a great leader is his/her ability to mobilize, inspire and lead his/her people. Mr Weah has exhibited those sterling qualities both in his public and private life.

“The Weah Factor”

The so-called Liberian educated political class over fascination with Mr Weah’s persona has all but reached its crescendo. What is missing is their lack of understanding of his appeal. This minute group of self-appointed saviors has done almost NOTHING to improve the lives of the Liberian people.

We as a country have been in existence for well over a hundred years and have had successive governments lead by supposedly “educated” individuals and yet there are NO visible/tangible results of their leadership.

Maybe Mr Weah is a conduit through which the dreams and aspirations of the Liberian masses have found an outlet. A protest that they deserved better in terms or leadership, national development and their overall well-being. Until the educated class understands this, they will be forever confounded by his appeal and acceptance by the Liberian masses.


Benjamin Kofa Fyneah
Gainesville, Florida

]]> http://liberiaspeaks.com/starke/index.php?entry=entry100116-165027 No Author Sat, 16 Jan 2010 21:50:27 GMT http://liberiaspeaks.com/starke/comments.php?y=10&m=01&entry=entry100116-165027 http://liberiaspeaks.com/starke/index.php?entry=entry091207-232010
I am forever prepared for reasonable debates. Trivial commentaries that have NO basis in reasoning will be treated with the utmost contempt they deserve. Our expressed support has been met with an “unreasonable” persecution - clearly NOT based on differences of ideology but trivialities - many bordering on the insane.

One can only wonder the hugs and false show of love if our support had gone to one of the CDC’s opponents. Liberians should be aware that we are NOT in this fight for material gains. We believe an empowered people are capable of making sound decisions that could positively impact their lives.

While “tainted” Bropleh is still engaged in changing minds and changing hearts we opt for a revival of the very soul of our nation. Despite the many personal attacks, we REMAIN resolute in our show of support and desire to effect positive change in Liberia.

Remember Liberians, we are all entitled to our political beliefs. As we engage in the upcoming classic battle of 2011 Let’s do so with the greater good of our nation in mind. I, will do my part to ensure that Liberian politics is no more viewed as a “game of death” but an arena wherein great debates are held and victories are achieved on the contents of ideas and their potential to transform our motherland.
Benjamin Kofa Fyneah
Gainesville, Florida
]]> http://liberiaspeaks.com/starke/index.php?entry=entry091207-232010 No Author Tue, 08 Dec 2009 04:20:10 GMT http://liberiaspeaks.com/starke/comments.php?y=09&m=12&entry=entry091207-232010 http://liberiaspeaks.com/starke/index.php?entry=entry091202-040811
There are the “original” partisans who believe having toiled for so long and hard and within reach of the ultimate price they should be “adequately” rewarded/revered for their time and effort. On the other hand there are those who believe they can enhance the CDC stature and political fortunes by their expertise and know-how. The CDC it seems is primed for a classic civil war .

The CDC leadership machinery should be very careful about how it handles this situation for it has the potential of engulfing the party in a drawn out internal feud that could significantly weaken its ability to pose any serious political threat to the ruling UP come 2011.

Make no mistake, these divisions will be overplayed by the CDC's antagonists. Slavish members of the media who are consumed by their anti-CDC sentiments will be ready to exaggerate and over-report any hint(s) of divisions within the CDC for obvious reasons.

I will plead with “new” members (some lured by potential success and or new found political relevance) to display a level of respect and reasonableness for the party they seek to join. Understandably MOST will be viewed with skepticisms - joining the gravy train this late in the game ! There will be questions of loyalty and suspicions of “fifth columnists” activities. New members should engage skeptical “original” partisans with understanding and demonstrate the sincerity of their willingness and ability to serve. Existing methodologies and modes of operation should be enhanced, NOT thrashed for so-called “better ideas”. Any hint of a “hostile takeover” will be the worst thing that could befall the CDC at this critical juncture.

Original members on the other hand should welcome their brothers and sisters - who apparently have sat on the fence for far too long - with open arms and a sense of “unity of purpose“. Being the originators of an idea or organization does NOT guarantee OWNERSHIP ! The dynamics of politics and the human condition of "change" are bound to impact any large social organization.

The manner in which the CDC handles its internal “change” and its appreciation for diversity and inclusion will go a long way in ensuring its future success(es). Remember, in union strong success is sure, we CANNOT fail !

Meanwhile, the UP and her allies on the other hand just have to stand aside, watch and hope the CD worst fears are realized.

Benjamin Kofa Fyneah
Gainesville, Florida
]]> http://liberiaspeaks.com/starke/index.php?entry=entry091202-040811 No Author Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:08:11 GMT http://liberiaspeaks.com/starke/comments.php?y=09&m=12&entry=entry091202-040811 http://liberiaspeaks.com/starke/index.php?entry=entry091130-052555
It is widely expected, the world over, that the main opposition party serves as a “shadow” government. At this juncture one would expect the CDC to take the government to task in regards to its policies and programs that the CDC would deem failures and out and out maladministration.

I believe this cannot transpire because the CDC is ill prepared for national leadership at the highest level. I will plead that readers grant me the benefit of the doubt but I have NOT seen or heard of any policy statement and or concrete actions of the CDC in relation to poverty alleviation, job creation, infrastructural development and her policies regarding the national economy and the health sectors. Every major government policy statement and or action here in the United States, and other democracies of the world, are followed by an opposition response providing alternatives!

Shouts of unbridled corruption within the UP government should be accompanied by innovative policies and procedures that would serve as deterrent to would-be perpetrators. Alternatives should be proffered to current job creation programs. What programs has the CDC designed to administer our natural resources equitably for the benefit of all when they assume power ?

Remember CDC, your partisans will need jobs and other social amenities when you take up the reins of government !

It is very easy to criticize a ruling government but the criticisms MUST be accompanied by viable alternatives if the critics claim altruism and seek credibility.

Benjamin Kofa Fyneah
Gainesville, Florida
]]> http://liberiaspeaks.com/starke/index.php?entry=entry091130-052555 No Author Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:25:55 GMT http://liberiaspeaks.com/starke/comments.php?y=09&m=11&entry=entry091130-052555 http://liberiaspeaks.com/starke/index.php?entry=entry091126-170626
For many observers, the outcome of the by-election was an indication that policies of the current government do not go far enough to relieve Montserrado county voters of their socio-economic plight. The ruling party , it seems, has to reorganize its priorities to be more people focused.

The fallout of this by-election also knew no bounds. The Planning Minister threw his credibility on the line with his now infamous “go back to school” battle cry. The media was also a casualty of this by-election. Both the Daily observer, once a reputable news outlet, and the Daily Graphic newspapers ran apparent hit pieces on Mr George Weah and Madam Geraldine Doe-Sheriff. Their respective fibs robbed them of their neutral status and portrayed them as heavily partisan entities whose stories were meant to hurt the chances of the CDC. It was also a shock that these publications elicited NO apparent reaction from the Press Union of Liberia (PUL)! Strange bedfellows and alliances were formed, some of which are doomed due to idealogical differences!

It will be a folly of unimaginable political consequences for any interested politician to dismiss the significance of the outcome of this election. Montserrado county is not only overpopulated but possesses at least 400,000 plus registered voters. That is out of a population of 3 million plus. Indeed the outcome cast a long shadow on the up coming elections of 2011.

As the dust settles on the election the winner, CDC, should be cognizant that Montserrado County voters chose them because of apparent lack of meaningful impact the UP policies have had on their lives despite the record aid and international goodwill the government has received. It is high time the CDC provide leadership and proffer relevant policies that will positively impact the lives of her Montserrado County constituents.

This by-election loss also presents the UP with a golden opportunity. The General (presidential) elections is two full years away. Weah and the CDC apparatus MUST be taken on as it relates to differences in policies and mode of implementation. Indeed politics is a game of numbers ! Mr Weah, like Coca Cola needs NO advertisements in Liberia ! UP operatives should be encouraged to desist from personal attacks and stick to the ISSUES !

The party needs to radically reinvent itself and do everything possible to shed the perception of corruption that has dogged it since it took the reins of power. Whiffs of cronyism, nepotism, the business as usual mentality and grand ole “patronism” should be publicly jettisoned if the party is to make any significant impact in the general election of 2011.

Lastly, we want to congratulate the winner , the CDC, and commend the Liberian nation for a job well done.


Benjamin Kofa Fyneah
Gainesville, Florida
]]> http://liberiaspeaks.com/starke/index.php?entry=entry091126-170626 No Author Thu, 26 Nov 2009 22:06:26 GMT http://liberiaspeaks.com/starke/comments.php?y=09&m=11&entry=entry091126-170626 http://liberiaspeaks.com/starke/index.php?entry=entry091123-035334
We would first like to congratulate the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) and the Unity Party (UP) candidates for reaching the second round of this all important Montserrado county senatorial by-election. We also wish congratulate the other parties and candidates and their respective supporters that participated in the first round of voting. Your collective participation was a significant milestone in our collective quest to entrench the democratic process in our body politic.

Parties Rhetoric
As me move forward into the second round we will appeal to the CDC and the UP to tone down their political rhetoric. Our deeds, words and actions should be symbols of our dedication to the democratic process. We are all aware of the potential of our words been misconstrued by rogue elements within our ranks who might misread them as calls to violence.

The Election Commission
The NEC has an obligation to ensure that fairness is the hall mark of this process. Its actions will guarantee that whoever the winner is will be clothed with legitimacy. We will encourage the commission to conduct it duties without fear or favor and exhibit a high sense of impartiality and nonalignment to any political party or cause.

Security Forces.
The fine men and women charged with maintaining law and order are encouraged to display neutrality and evenhandedness if there are any outburst of street protest from partisans from either parties involved in this runoff election.

Resort to Court for adjudication
In every elections there MUST be a winner and a loser. Parties that might feel a sense of loss due to anomalies are encouraged to seek redress in a duly constituted court of law. The courts will be our best bet to seek redress and justice for whatever malpractices that we might assume hinder our desired outcome. To ensure peaceful coexistence as Liberians from different political persuasions we all MUST conduct our politicking within the bounds of peace, stability and the respect for the rule of law.

Peace and stability for country growth
The outcome of this by-election, and our collective reaction, will send a loud and clear message to the world of our dedication to the democratic process and respect for the core values it represents.

Once again we want to congratulate the parties involve, the Montserrado county electorate and the people of Liberia and wish Liberia a peaceful and successful second round.


Benjamin Kofa Fyneah
Interim Chairman (PLANS)]]> http://liberiaspeaks.com/starke/index.php?entry=entry091123-035334 No Author Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:53:34 GMT http://liberiaspeaks.com/starke/comments.php?y=09&m=11&entry=entry091123-035334 http://liberiaspeaks.com/starke/index.php?entry=entry091114-115333
The one-term promise. This boils down to credibility if anything at all. This was a public statement, a campaign promise. If such public declaration can be ignored, at the urgings of praise singers, what else will the President be willing to forgo and or ignore ?

Serial hangers-on, inept functionaries and praise singers have been so woeful in their Machiavellian activities that they have successfully cast the government as a corruption-prone entity. Parochial self interest and self-preservation seem to be the order of the day. The interests of the very people we pledged to serve are all but removed from our to-do list.

It seems like there are no independent voices within the government at all. Indeed, no one is brave enough to tell the proverbial empress that she has on no clothes ! I find it hard to reconcile record unemployment, widespread poverty, inadequate housing and a barely functional healthcare delivery system with the extravagant display of wealth by some of the government’s functionaries - riding the high priced cars amidst potholes !

Liberia and the UP government will be better served if Madam Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf begin looking beyond her comfort zone and incorporate well-meaning Liberians both local and in the Diaspora to assist in the rebuilding of our country.

I will humbly urge the President to listen to voices of independent minded individuals. Those who speak out of altruism and have the interest of the country at heart. As we collectively move out of this by-election and reflect on the lessons it presented, I hope the ruling class will wake up to reality. Indeed, all is NOT well within our motherland.

Long Live Liberia!

Benjamin Kofa Fyneah
Gainesville, Florida
]]> http://liberiaspeaks.com/starke/index.php?entry=entry091114-115333 No Author Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:53:33 GMT http://liberiaspeaks.com/starke/comments.php?y=09&m=11&entry=entry091114-115333 http://liberiaspeaks.com/starke/index.php?entry=entry091113-173002
Mr Weah did not make a call to violence neither did he try to incite his followers. It is a shame that groups such as CLAM sycophantic attack is given such prominence by the Daily Observer.

It is also interesting that this man, George Weah, who political opponents label as "uneducated" inspires so much political fear just by "showing up".

That profound fear is understandable. Because it seems his mere presence was able to sway the elections the CDC's way. I believe if anything Mr Weah scored a major political victory here.

No wonder the loud cries of "go back to school" !

One can only hope that the Concerned Liberians against Muscular Democracy is not a metamorphosis of the Movement for the Defense of the Down-trodden !

Benjamin Kofa Fyneah
Gainesville, Florida
]]> http://liberiaspeaks.com/starke/index.php?entry=entry091113-173002 No Author Fri, 13 Nov 2009 22:30:02 GMT http://liberiaspeaks.com/starke/comments.php?y=09&m=11&entry=entry091113-173002 http://liberiaspeaks.com/starke/index.php?entry=entry091107-214604
I am also shocked by recent statements attributed to Planning Minister Konneh and Finance Minister Ngafuan. I was of the opinion that some of these Ministers were appointed based on competence, their sense of independence and/or bringing a sense of balance to the government. I did NOT in my wildest dreams ever believe they were at most “die-hard partisans” of the governing party

I think the government’s huge investments in Candidate Urey is a precarious gamble. If Candidate Urey lose it will signal a mammoth dent in the government’s credibility and a sad showcase of its weaning popularity with the Liberian masses.

Benjamin Kofa Fyneah
Gainesville, Florida
]]> http://liberiaspeaks.com/starke/index.php?entry=entry091107-214604 No Author Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:46:04 GMT http://liberiaspeaks.com/starke/comments.php?y=09&m=11&entry=entry091107-214604