Monrovia, Liberia – A Liberian Nobel Peace laureate says some Liberian political leaders during this year’s electoral season have been behaving like what she calls “Clever Devils.” A tremendously intelligent but unprincipled person who practises politics without morality or consideration for the benefit of the public is known as a clever devil, she claimed.
In recognition of their contributions to putting an end to the Liberian civil war, Leemah Gbowee and former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf shared the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize.
Madam Gbowee’s observation comes in the wake of losing candidates in the first round of the October 10, 2023, presidential election, who have been endorsing either President George Weah of the Coalition for Democratic Change or former Vice President, Joseph Boakai of the Unity Party. The two candidates running in Liberia’s presidential runoff election on November 14, 2023, are President George Weah and Former Vice President Joseph Boakai.
In an interview with VOA Day Break Africa, Leemah Gbowee expressed her concern for the Liberian youth who look up to certain politicians, saying they lack morality, honesty, and integrity in their interactions with the people. According to her, since the release of the results of the October 10, 2023, presidential and legislative elections , politicians have been flapping around as former enemies are becoming political allies.
While the rest of the public watches and takes note of what these political leaders are doing, some of them are acting in accordance with what people who uphold principles will do. To get what they want politically, some of these political figures are willing to trade andthing, while others are willing to eat, drink, and dance with the devil in order to gain state power.
”Look around the country now and see what we have as people, one minute this politician is saying what is good and the next minute, the same individual is saying another thing. True leaders will never do some of the things that we are seeing and hearing because there is no integrity and truth.”
“I do not think that politics should be dirty, without character, integrity and not truth worthy.”
Madam Leemah stated that she believes it is the right time to begin teaching the public and youth that voting is just one day and that the results of their decisions will affect us for many years to come. In order to liberate people’s thoughts, Madam Gbowee emphasised the need for increased civic education, and this is what the international community has to invest in.
She went on to say that she will always stand out for what is right, honest, and many other things since she has been consistent in her support. Madam Gbowee has never publicly endorsed anything since 2005, and she plans to keep doing so, but it doesn’t mean she won’t cast a ballot.
“When it comes to Liberians and who to vote , we experienced six years of President George Weah and every Liberian knows what this six years have been. And everyone knows the aspiration for their lives in terms of what they want for their children and their future.”
According to Gbowee, they ought to be aware of what they have gone through and that is how she views the Liberian people.
Reported by: Augustine Octavius
Contact: +231777463963
Email: augustineoctavius@gmail.com
