The Liberian leader George Manneh Weah has for the first time addressed the nation following the much-talk-about June 7 Protest and assured Liberians once again that his government saying he would protect the constitutional rights of Liberians irrespective of political views, tribal backgrounds and social status.
In a pre-recorded message to the state on Tuesday Weah said: “Let me assure you that, under my leadership, this government will continue to protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of all Liberians – irrespective of their political affiliation, tribe and religion,” the President said Tuesday during a live radio address to the nation.
He acknowledged that on Friday, June 7 “some of our citizens exercised their constitutional right to publicly assemble with the objective to petition their government.”
The Liberian leader commended the protesters for the peaceful and orderly manner in which they exercised that right.
He also extended similar commendation to non-protesting Liberians who chose to go about their normal business on that day in a peaceful and orderly manner. The President said he was pleased that both sides—protesting and non-protesting Liberians–show tolerance and respect for the rights of the other in keeping with the rule of law.
He added ” our international partners for their continued support in assisting the Government and people of Liberia to consolidate the democratic gains that we have made over the years.”
He extolled the local and international media for their coverage in keeping with their professional responsibilities.
Speaking of the economy which most Liberians are concerned about, the President said he had told the nation while assuming the presidency that “we had inherited a broken economy and pledged to you that I would exert every effort to fix the economy and improve the lives and livelihood of our people.”
But while efforts to fix the economy are sustained and ongoing, he said, “We are still facing challenging times.”
The Liberian leader called for collective effort of all Liberians to achieve the desired objective of reviving the economy and placing our country on a path of sustainable development and transformation.
“We will have to come together to devise and support new measures which are necessary to address the structural defects and imbalances in our economy,” the President said, acknowledging that every citizen has a vested interest in the peace and economic development of our country.
“My Government recognizes that the alternative views of all citizens are equally vital in finding a way forward,” he said, adding: “It is because of this fact that I now take the opportunity to again invite the leaders of political parties, civil society groups, elders, religious leaders, our traditional leaders, student leaders and the business community to a round-table discussion to afford them the opportunity to present their alternative views or their suggestions on the economy.”
He called on Liberians to sit and dialogue on the way forward for economic revival in Liberia.
“Bring your ideas to the table, and I assure you that they will be given my most careful consideration,” the Liberian President asserted.
June 7 protesters have outlined several counts against president Weah including good governance and transparency.
COP Counts against Weah Government
