TRICK OR TREAT, A NATION IN ADMINISTRATIVE TURMOIL

By: Sam Mohammed Kromah
Former Managing Director,
Liberia Indusutrial Free Zone Authority

As I read that Theme, many things come to my mind, particularly the state in which we find ourselves as a nation.

The Responsibilities and Actions of our government Vs. Expectations of the Citizenry and the role of the Media in that arrangement.

The role of the media as it disseminates information to the general public:

What do we expect of the Media? Objectivity is what we expect of the Media- expressing or dealing with facts or conditions as perceived without distortion by personal feelings, prejudices, or misinterpretations. This signifies standing so far from the community that you see all events and all viewpoints as equally important or unimportant for that matter. It is employed by giving equal weight to all viewpoints, or giving all an interesting twist within taste and then standing back to let the reader or listener decide on which view is true.

The benefits of a free press in a democracy include: the free and open exchange of ideas including ideas critical of government, widespread distribution of differing views on controversial issues, open debates during elections, and access to information by a literate public. I acknowledge, a free press is not free of detriments. The dilemma that faces the media is centered on two critical issues. These two issues have consistently interfered with the media objectivity: (1) NATIONAL SECURITY and (2) NATIONAL INTEREST. The question is, who determines what is and what isn’t national security or interest? Since the media does not have that much discretionary power in the matter, she almost always lookups to administration for signals.

With that, please enjoy the ride:

The Liberian civil war that started on December 24, 1989, as ugly as it may have been and endless as it may have seemed was reported by the news media. The indiscriminate killings, looting and destruction of properties went on for years. There were both regional and international efforts to stop the madness, particularly by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), spearheaded by the Great State of Nigeria. We are grateful to our Creator and the News Media, the Accra Comprehensive Peace Agreement led to the victory of the UNITY PARTY. The media told our story to the World and the World came to our aid. The investment we all made is the result of the fragile peace we are now enjoying.

Our responsibility is to fight hard and protect it, particularly the news media. It is unfortunate that some of our officials are more interested in enriching themselves than the reconstruction of our war torn system. Some of the individuals that could not afford a meal during the peace talks in Ghana are today owners of multiple buildings, all because of greed. Their accomplishments are not due to any hard work of theirs nor are they based on any special skills they possess.

It is so, purely because; these socio-economic-political bandits and gangsters that have managed and produced nothing of substance in their personal lives continue to take advantage of a vulnerable era (administration). It is worth noting that when the security of a sovereign nation is placed in the hands of foreign nations, is neither implicit nor inferential, that nation, for all intended purposes, is considered not saved for investment.

It is sad to say that the embedded media is understandably there to protect the government’s interests and integrity. However, we need to reflect that less than six (6) years ago we nearly lost our country due to lawlessness. Rockets came from all directions and falling on the crowded city of Monrovia, indiscriminately. People died, crippled, wounded, and properties were destroyed. God, with His redeeming mercy has given us a new opportunity, which we should consider a second chance.

Marginalizing others because they are different or because we disagree with them, the unfair distributions of national wealth or opportunities were a few of the fundamental reasons for our conflict. So, as we observe the unfolding circumstances, our weary eyes twinkle with nervousness, that these kinds of behavior could possibly lead to the re-occurrence of the past saga. There are socio-economic-political bandits and gangsters in every arrangement.

They will do all they can to drive away good people from leadership through lies and shenanigans. These demonic men and woman come under the banner and disguise of partisans and do not have a single drop of blood of patriotism nor do they have any national will.

But, in the final analysis, the President, Madam Sirleaf is responsible for Liberia until another election is held and a new leader emerges. If she does not adroitly formulate a redemption route and, if she continues to allow these gangsters and social bandits to mortgage our country’s resources, history will not be kind to her nor to her administration. It is a big disappointing irony to see Liberia going in this direction, under the watchful eyes of Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’, once “ A Major ICON” in reference to social justice and good governance.

We went to war in defense of this democracy, Madam Sirleaf, Dr. Amos Sawyer, Albert Port, Ambassador Henry Fahnbulleh, just to name a few, all went to prison in pursuit of this democracy, students from the University of Liberia stood before lived bullets and were lethally wounded, some lost limps some died in pursuit of this democracy. Now that we have it, we must defend it and protect it with all we have. We should not and must not follow the OLD ORDER to destroy our investment. It is too disappointing to see some of the characters that are appointed in critical areas.

Our laboratories, incubators and firewalls (counties, cities, ministries and agencies) are congested and contaminated with unprepared, unpatriotic, irresponsible social-economic-political bandits and gangsters. We could realistically remain aloof if the lives of our people and the future of our country were not sliding towards an abyss of violence due to constitutional violations, joblessness, hopelessness, corruption and unfair distribution of opportunity and wealth. The saddest reality that continues to dawn on some of us is that we do not find enough people on our side to fulfill God’s will for the final reconciliation for all Liberians for the sake of our posterity and patrimony.

Liberia‘s once prominent status as the beacon of hope for all of Africa; with its brilliant minds and with such tremendous natural wealth; could allow itself to be called the most corrupt country on the continent; the most primitive; the poorest; the most socially, economically and politically chaotic; and everything negative on the face of the earth. I end with a fervent prayer to Almighty Allah to awaken Liberia from its deep slumber so that it can be restored to its deserved status of dignity and glory on earth. Perhaps, that's what we really need: God's direct intervention to restore our dignity among comity of nations.

As a progressive and an educated citizen who is very much aware of his environment who also worked for a government that is accountable, responsive and result focused and quite understand how government should function, I continue to really worry about the future of our country, especially for those who that are in the twilight of life. As I see events unfold, I cannot help but conclude that my country is one of the dangerous countries on the face of the earth today.

The danger in Liberia is not only about the arm robbers, high unemployment, corruption, poor educational and health facilities, the limited safe drinking water; poor air quality nor is it only about the devastated sanitary conditions. I must confess that I am baffled by the way things are handled by our leaders. My distress is genuine and deep over the silence and in-action of the progressives of the 70s and the 80s. I guess my worthiest hope to see our democratic process on equal footings seems more and more like a distant elusive mirage, the closer you approach it the more you realize that it’s not really there.

I am aware of the enormous tasks the President is faced with. I am also certain that she needs innovative, pragmatic and visionary partners, who are not afraid to take a chance, to help with the process. My greatest fear is about the silence and in-action of the progressives from the 70s, the 80s, and the 90s, i.e. Amos Sawyer, Tokpana Tipoteh, Cummany Wesseh, Boima Fahnbulleh, Dew Mason, T. Gonglo, James Framayan, just to name a few. To see these individuals being material whipped and transformed into torchbearers of the ills they advocated against is a rude awakening for some of us. I would hate to realistically conclude that this is the answer to our years of struggle for social justice and equal opportunity (find a job with the status quo and to hell with the rest).

Which means, I our comrades died for nothing, what a shame!!! We’ve seen government run by a few and for decades, we’ve seen it served and protected the interest of a few, contrary to the constitution. But, it is a disgrace to see men and women that incited innocent boys and girls to stand before live bullets during the 70s and the 80s, in support of democracy, social justice, and individual liberty, nursing a system identical or even worse, at times, than the ones that they condemned. It is repugnant and repulsive; to see our country heading towards the direction of the conditions that led to the 1980 coup and the 1990 war.

It is further worth noting that the framers of our Constitution realized after many experiences during the course of our national history created a framework of government, with three (3) branches of government. These three (3) branches were created to promote and protect unity, individual liberty, genuine peace, stability, equality, socio-economic-political justice, and human rights under the rule of law.

These three (3) branches of government, each is assigned a function and a responsibility. In pursuit of the service delivery process, there are times when there is a miss-hop or abuse of power, either deliberate or unintentional by designated agents. When these kinds of irregularities occur, there is a constitutional provision for the citizenry to challenge the actions of government, not because they hate anyone, but it is a right given to the people by the constitution (JUDICIAL REVIEW). It is unfortunate that whenever there is a constitutional challenge by any individual, he/she is perceived or considered a rebel or someone against establishment.

It is, therefore, critical to note that when leaders continue to ignore, disregard, or compromise the fundamental rule of law, it creates a barrier between civility and decorum. If not addressed in the context of democratic principles, it could eventually transforms itself into a distasteful social discontent and 9 out of 10 times reasoning takes a backseat, emotion gets in high gear and violence becomes inevitable.

Our major outlet, the media, the source of informing the citizenry and the world has its own problem. It is also unfortunate; some members of our private media are more interested in being the first to tell the story and how much gratuity (carteau) they can get than the accuracy of the story. If one fails to offer a handsome “carteau” (gratuity) the story is distorted by injecting personal feelings and prejudices. The tendencies and obsessions to manipulate the opinion of their readers and listeners on particular issues violate all established journalistic ethics and standards.

Our biggest concern, however, are: what can we put in place to stop these kinds of unprofessional behavior, what steps can we take to safeguard the Institution that was designed to protect us, what can we do to prevent the manipulation and distortion of the facts and manufacturing and staging events by our government and some members of the media? These mesmerizing tactics have to stop.

Yet, there’s no clear-cut answer to these questions as there is something called human nature, that which we are not immuned to. The self crafted constraints based strictly on greed and reprimands from the higher ups have been the cause of the downfall of the FIRST, SECOND, and THIRD Republics.

However, there are two major recommendations: (1) Invest in public education, particularly, voters’ education, before the next election, with a strong emphasis placed on the RIGHTS of the people and not RICE for the people and (2) that the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) raises its professional bars to a higher standard in order to protect its investment and integrity and to protect our country from some of our so called administrative agents (gangsters or daylight robbers).

The painful reality is, when the media uses its influence to protect corrupt government officials, or to express the personal opinions of a few, or the claims of only one side of a conflict, the results on public opinion can be destructive. It is a reasonable expectation that the media will gather the facts and report the news fairly, accurately and responsibly. As repulsive and repugnant of the behaviors of some of our reporters are to our national interest, one cannot categorically condemn the whole institution for the actions of a few.

PUL is aware that both administrative, public policies, and global and geopolitical decisions are influenced by public opinion and the source of public opinion is the media. And of course, government holds that trigger. The media is responsible for reporting the news, not the manufacturer of news. This double-barreled concept of sensationalism known as Yellow Journalism has caused and continues to cause problems around the World. The successful manipulation of public opinion through the use of yellow journalism has truly caused wars.

In fear of repercussion, most stories are not accurately reported and government in many places has almost always intimidated the media. However, it is important to note that the right of the people to select their leader in a fair transparent and none threatening and intimidating atmosphere is the root of liberty.

Apart from that, it also represents the highest expression of our common beliefs in a core of shared values that form the cornerstones or building blocks of a democratic society. We must not compromise our principle for freedom of expression and movement in its purest sense, our democratic values and rule of law, human rights and civil liberties, religious tolerance and ethnic harmony, national unification and integration, and political pluralism and social economic justice.

Our shared values denote that without freedom of the press and political freedom, genuine economic development is impossible. Without fundamental freedom, a free citizenry, and free market of ideas and enterprises, a government of inclusion, Liberia will never ever reach the real and imagined potential of nationhood and humanity.

Our shared values also require that we conduct our national business in an effective manner. That means that the affairs of our country, particularly financial undertakings, are open, transparent and accountable at all times. These shared values also require that our leaders are responsible by their words and deeds, and responsive to the needs of Liberians and Liberia, first and foremost. Finally, our shared values demand that we find common grounds, in spite of our differences and diversity, to take care of the Liberian people’s business first.

There is too much at stake to proceed on the path of personal aggrandizement. We must do more, better, and faster for the benefit of our population. The World is moving at the speed of ninety miles per hour ahead and our mismanaged country seems to be in reverse, as we know that Liberia is not a poor country. Government should stop begging other countries for handouts. We should be in partnerships with other nations and invest in profiling our country, its resources and conduct investment conferences instead of donor conferences.

Let us develop a common core by putting Liberia first through unity. For without a common core, the term Liberia is only an illusion. We need to emphasize what it means to be a Liberian. We need to share what it means to put Liberia first and not qualify it with any ethnic adjectives. That Liberians should identify with the whole, not align themselves with any special group at the expense of the whole.

To be a Liberian does not necessarily mean to share the same beliefs and ideas, but does mean to tolerate and respect the views and opinions of others. Respect is the key to understanding. If one is respected it guarantees their respect for you. The Liberian equation should not rest on the habit of holding our fellow citizens in thoughtful regards because they are exceptional, but simply because they are fellow citizens.

If we do not adjust our attitudes towards one another, the basic fiber of our country will be gone. I admit, I am deeply rooted in both the Islamic religion and the Mandingo culture but they do not define me. My wife, Dr. Margaret Ngangana-Kromah is a faithful Christian and she strongly believes that God/Allah/Nyasua/Glepo/Kamba/, ETC is too big to fit in one religion. This philosophy has protected our relationship for about 30 years. I mention that in order to establish that I am not afraid of taking a chance. Life is the most single important gift from our creator.

Due to its importance, all efforts should be made to protect and preserve it. However, in fear of death, one should never forget the fact that we also have a reason to live. The protection of human dignity, (our inalienable rights), life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness is the fulcrum of our democracy, humanity, and civilization. If you compromise, ignore, disregard or alienate the defense and protection of these rights, you die as a nobody.

With no common core, or identity to hold Liberia together, many ethnic organizations have been formed. We are now fragmented into many ethnic and sub-ethnic groups.

And as you know, the loyalty of such groups, by definition, is to its members, at the expense of those who that are not members. We could resolve this dilemma by providing the leadership that must invest in patriotic activities: respect, tolerance, develop a renewed attitude, civility in our views even if we differ, reach out for the opposition (Charles Brumskine, Varney Sherman, Alhaji kromah, Marcus Jones, Winston Tubman, just to name a few) and how to rekindle interest in re-awakening our national spirit to be Liberians again.

The responsibility now rests largely with you, Madam PRESIDENT and the Media to create the atmosphere. We are now nine years into the new millennium, nations are fighting to be a part of the communication super highways, others are finding cures for diseases that are threatening humanity, and while others are developing their locations for investors’ destination.

Here we are, can’t even feed ourselves nor get along, and worst of it all, our leaders have the nation in reverse. If we continue on this route, we might not have a country within a few years. Based on the expectations of the Liberian people and the world of you, you will personally be held responsible because everybody knows that you do know better than you are offering us.

Right now our country is consumed by a complex web of inter-related social issues that require a qualitative, adroit, innovative, bold vision and proven leadership, a commander with intellectual curiosity. The moral fabric of our country has been threatened, if not destroyed. Concern for community and compassion for fellow human beings have been replaced by the madness from greed, hatred, gross injustice, corruption, distrust, desperation and general loss of civility and decorum in inter-personal and social behaviors.

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I speak of social-justice and good governance, therefore, as the necessary rational end of rational and unified people. In order to achieve such, we must re-examine our own attitudes as leaders, as individuals, as ethnic groups, as religious groups and as a nation, for our attitudes are essential to our ultimate goal. The fundamental problem we have as Liberians is, we do not respect others. We speak of other tribes, as they were nothing. Yet, we expect respect from them. The bottom line is, we do not respect ourselves as a nation. It is always better if it is foreign. Government has taken no recognizable steps to vigorously address the ethnic and religious issues of our country.

However, we must not dwell on the ills of the past and destroy our future.
We can rebuild Liberia. The president needs to develop a national agenda. She should clearly tell us the Liberia she is going to leave with us by the end of 2011. What are the steps and vehicles she has designed to take us there? Who are her agents? What are their credentials and track records? What methods or channels has she chosen to disseminate the message to the general public? What are the stages? Who are our partners? And most important, how is it going to be funded.

LADIES AND GENTELMEN, THIS IS CALLED,
A STRATEGIC PLANNING WITH SMART OBJECTIVES

Too many of us think that equal opportunity and socio-economic-political justice for all are impossible and unreal, but that is a dangerous, defeatist belief. It leads to the conclusion that war is inevitable and that Liberia is doomed and gripped by forces we cannot control.

We need not accept that view. Our problems are man-made, therefore can be solved by man. No problem of human destiny is beyond human beings. Let us focus on the practical peace not based on a sudden revolution in human nature, but on a gradual evolution in institutions and on a series of concrete actions and effective agreement which are in the best interest of all concerned.

By defining our goal more clearly, (from clarity comes understanding and from understanding comes knowledge and from knowledge, comes a peaceful co-existence) by making it seem more manageable and less remote, we can help everyone to see it, to draw hope from it, and to move irresistible towards it. We should all realize that Freedom is peace and peace restores hope and hope is the standard bearer of life. In the absence of hope, life degenerates.

If we fail as a people to live together in unity, we will definitely die together as fools. We may possibly find the Marxian interpretation of reality (dialectical materialism) to be consoling or comforting if we take a critical look at our situation in Liberia, viewing matter as the sole subject of change and all change as the product of a constant conflict between opposites arising from the internal contradictions inherent in all things. That, out of our experiences of extraordinary human and material disasters, for the past years, must be born a brighter Liberia of which all humanity will be proud. Our attitudes must produce an actual national reality that will reinforce humanity’s belief and sustain all our hopes for a glorious life for all. I have no hesitation in saying that each one of us is as intimately and inherently attached to this land as the other.

Each time one of us touches the soil of this land we feel a sense of personal renewal. We are moved by a sense of joy and sadness when our National Anthem is played. That spiritual and physical oneness we all share with this common homeland explains the depth of our pain we all carry in our hearts as we see our beloved Liberia being mortgaged by a hand full of goons and unpatriotic people.

LIBERIA IS 161 YEARS OLD, SO,

MADAM PRESIDENT, IT IS ESTABLISHED THAT YOU ARE THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA, AND THAT INCLUDES THOSE THAT VOTED FOR YOU AND THOSE OF US THAT DID NOT VOTE FOR YOU. OPEN THE COUNTRY, GIVE THOSE IN THE DIASPORA A REASON TO RETURN, AND INCLUDE THE OPPOSITION SO THAT WE ALL CAN HELP BUILD OUR BELOVED LIBERIA. GOVERNMENT CANNOT BE THE SOLE EMPLOYER FOR EVERYONE!!! EVERYONE SHOULD NOT BE WAITNG FOR THE CHIEF TO COME,

THE CHIEF NA COME!!!

TODAY, I CHALLENGE EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US TO MAKE A COMMITMENT TO BUILD A PEACEFUL DEMOCRATIC LIBERIA AND NEVER AGAIN WE WILL RESOLVE TO VIOLENCE.

Fellow Liberians, let us enter into a covenant that we will build a Liberia in which all of us will be able to walk tall without any fear in our hearts, assure of our inalienable rights of human dignity, LIFE: LIBERTY: and THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS.

My brothers and sisters, you are, decedents of pyramid builders and builders of empires. Do whatever it takes to protect Liberia. Do not wallow into a state of complacency and allow these socio-economic-political bandits and gangsters to mortgage our national wealth, posterity and patrimony. Do anything, conspire, inspire, aspire, expire, perspire, but please, please and please brothers and sisters, do not retire.