Rabbi Joe Gbaba Endorses Tiawan Gongloe's Agenda for Liberia

Dear Fellow Liberians and Friends of Liberia:

I am sure this is no hidden secret that the genocide that occurred in Liberia was caused by Liberian politicians who lack cultural knowledge about the people they lead. Against this backdrop they put brothers and sisters at loggerheads to achieve and/or to regain political and economic power, and to further dehumanize and suppress the masses. Thus, it is the responsibility of sober-minded and patriotic Liberian citizens to put back the pieces foolish politicians have taken apart. My statement today is one effective way we can mend fences and move forward in the common interest of the majority in Liberia.

Rationale

Firstly, I am making this proclamation as a sign of respect and recognition of the dignity of the human person. One of the most hurtful things that happened to me as a prominent Liberian citizen and playwright was to watch my people I love so much and who love me back very dearly, kill one another at the command of cruel politicians the likes of Charles Taylor and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf who engineered an ethnic war that devastated the entire infrastructure of Liberia. Part of their vicious agenda was to brand citizens of Grand Gedeh County and Nimba County as archenemies, and they succeeded because vast majority of Liberians lack knowledge about Liberian history and culture.

Thanks to ECOWAS for coming to our rescue in a timely manner when the rest of the world, including our most revered 'traditional friend', the United States of America, coldly watched as thousands of Liberians died at "Graystone Displace Persons Center", and at the doorsteps of the United States Embassy in Mamba Point, Monrovia.

Secondly, as a traditional Liberian from a royal background, I have many traditional ties with many ethnic groups of Liberia. I am blood related to the Kwa and Mande-speaking peoples of Liberia, and the Settler group. Therefore, I see myself as a reconciler than a factionalist. I am first a Liberian before being Krahn or a scholar.

Thirdly, I was born and grew up in the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) military barracks at the Barclay Training Center (BTC) and its environs. Hence, I grew up in military discipline and lived in a patriotic environment where my AFL mentors taught me to put country first and to love my fellow compatriots. This is the time to put country first and to demonstrate we love our compatriots, to do unto others as we have them do unto us. Such love for country and fellow countrymen and countrywomen is called PATRIOTISM!

I interacted with every ethnic group when I was growing up in Monrovia. I was also adopted by Americo-Liberian and Kru families, spent my childhood days and studied and lived among Bassa people and various ethnic groups in Monrovia, Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, and I lived among the Mahn, Dahn, and Mandingo peoples, and received my calling as a national playwright in Nimba County. I wrote, directed, acted in and produced my first theatre production at the Open Door Theatre in Yekepa, taught at Cuttington University, lived in Suacoco, and got married in Gbarnga, Bong County, etc. So, my calling is to unite all Liberians and to teach them their cultural values and love for their country and compatriots.

Tiawan Is My Small Brother

Brotherhood and friendships originate from God and some friends are sometimes more affable than some biological siblings may be. About a century ago, a Dahn chief who was friends with my grandfather Keh-Gbaba attended the naming ceremony of my late father. Back in the day, our Krahn, Mahn, Dahn ancestors were very close. Though they were from two different linguistic groupings, yet they intermarried and were in-laws. The Dahn chief named my father Tomah, which in the Dahn language means, "heir" or "One who takes the place of another." Hence, both my father and I inherited a Dahn name, even though we are members of the Krahn ethnic group. Would people who were enemies allow their child to be named by an enemy? You can figure that out for yourselves.

I first met my small brother Tiawan when we were students at the University of Liberia. I was a couple of years his senior, but we clicked as brothers and as staunch members of the Student Unification Party (SUP) in which I served as Secretary General. In July 2022 we reconnected after decades of lapse in communication between us. Tiawan called me and said, "Big Brother, I want to run for the Presidency of Liberia."

I told my small brother, "Please send me your platform and let me review it so I can make an informed decision."

Tiawan emailed me his agenda seven months ago. Over the months, I read and re-read his agenda and closely monitored his pre-campaign activities. Convinced, I finally first made mention of my approval of his agenda on Saturday, February 18th during my podcast address to the Liberian people and nation on Facebook.

Approval with a Caveat

Today, I read Tiawan's agenda and finally made up my mind to reply to him and to follow up on my recent podcast on Facebook addressing the Liberian nation and people on "Love" and Peace. In that podcast, I stated that I approve Tiawan's agenda but with a caveat. That is, since we are still in a stalemate with respect to the Liberian peace process and the ECOWAS Peace Plan, I recommend Taiwan, President George Weah, and former Vice President Joseph Boika harmonize their differences and form a coalition to reduce the number of contestants in the forthcoming elections and to also reduce the polarization of the Liberian people/voters. If my advice is heeded there will be less electoral violence in October this year and subsequent months after the presidential and general elections.

Ambassador Nathaniel Barnes also contacted me last year and requested my support for his bid for the presidency. I followed up with him a month and a half ago to inquire how far he has gone in preparing for his presidential bid. He told me he was still putting things together. When he finally does, I will also share his agenda with you and provide my input. At this crucial moment in Liberia's history, we must be open-minded and exercise patience and tolerance to reunite our people.

Below is the email trail between Counselor Tiawan Gongloe and me.

Tiawan Gongloe

Sat, Jul 9, 2022 10:58 am

Tiawan Gongloe?([email protected])

To:you?Details

The Better Liberia Agenda-ABC-...docx (44 KB)

"My dear big brother,

Thanks for your call this morning and the great conversation that we had. Please find attached a summary of my plan of action for the future.

Tiawan Saye Gongloe"

Rabbi Joe Gbaba

Official Endorsement of Your Agenda!???

Mon, Feb 20, 2023 9:39 am

Joseph Gbaba?([email protected])

To:[email protected]?+ 1 more?Details

Dear Junior Brother,

This is to inform you I have read your platform in its entirety and that it meets my approval. My only advice to you is that please do not deviate from this platform and if you must make adjustments in the future, please make sure you consult your partisans and those with whom you have shared this platform.?

Recently, I spoke to the Liberian nation and people and announced that I endorse your candidacy for the presidency of Liberia but with a caveat, that you, President Weah and former Vice President Joseph Boikah form a coalition to challenge wolves who are coming in sheep clothing.

If there is any way I can be of help to your campaign, please feel free to let me know. Moving forward, you have my endorsement, and I will be making it public and official, in conformity with the information contained in this communication.

I wish you all the best in your endeavors and you can rest assured of my unflinching support as your Big Brother. Congratulations for the great step you have taken!

Dr. Joseph "Saye-Tomah" Gbaba

Big Brother

Below is Counselor Tiawan Gongloe's Agenda

A Press statement on the Better Liberia Agenda

Tiawan Saye Gongloe (Cllr.)

Presidential Aspirant, Liberian People’s Party

Fellow Liberians:

Liberia is nearly 175 years old but remains backward and underdeveloped in absolute terms and in comparison, to other African countries.?The cause of Liberia’s underdevelopment is complex, but due, in large part to the collective failure of Liberians to work for, demand and make the necessary hard choices and sacrifices for good governance and inclusive growth and development.

A chronic deficit of leadership characterized by greed, a thirst for illicit wealth and self-interest, as opposed to the welfare of the nation is a significant factor for the current state of Liberia. Indeed, successive Liberian governments and their officials have demonstrated no capacity or vision beyond protection of their narrow interests. This situation has left the country with an eroded work ethics, national consciousness, and productivity.

The decadent culture of impunity and complacency is killing the Liberian nation across all aspects of governance. This has not only stalled but also reversed the little developmental gains the country has made. Our country has witnessed several failed interventions to foster democratic pluralism and good governance. These attempts at establishing a better Liberia were skillfully undermined and destroyed by the ruling elites. The current Liberian reality of diminishing space for social, economic and cultural opportunities and advancement continues to remind us that mere political pluralism is not enough, as it has not provided the expected benefits to our people. This is a discouraging factor in our collective effort to build a democratic country.

Against this background the current government was voted into office on the promise of “change for hope”. Upon coming to power the government adopted a “Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development (PAPD)”. However, the disparity between a cabinet minister’s salary and the lowest paid civil servant is very high. Also, the prices of basic goods, especially food, have skyrocketed while the income levels of the poor remain the same. Considering the fact there is a direct relationship between the price of food, especially rice and poverty in Liberia, whenever the price of rice goes up, the people of Liberia get poorer. The current economic woes of the country proves that the government’s pro-poor agenda is geared towards making the Liberian people poor, instead of freeing them from poverty. Despite the hardship in the country top officials of CDC government have continued built big houses as if they are money magicians, while at the same time appealing to the people to wait for better days to come. Despite government assertion that things are improving economically, the realities on the ground confirm the fact that officials of government do not care about the daily struggles of the ordinary people of Liberia.

The current state of governance has placed upon us a sacred responsibility and reinforced our resolve to work towards the achievement of “A Better Liberia.” Since the late 1970s, patriots like Cllr. Gongloe have suffered for putting Liberia first by speaking truth to power and providing legal services for the poor and persons perceived as enemies of the political establishment. As noble as those efforts were, have not changed the state of governance in Liberia or improved the living conditions of most of the people. The poor continue to get poorer and even those who previously had are getting poor. Now is the time to show that Liberia can be a better place for all Liberians without discrimination or preferential treatment. Now is the time to make every Liberian know that all Liberians have equal share in the “corporation,” called Liberia. A Gongloe administration can change the situation for a better Liberia. This is not a speculation or an empty dream. Cllr. Gongloe’s track record of honesty and dedication to the cause of a better Liberia, even under risky situations, over the years, is well-known to all Liberians.

With a well-tested individual like Cllr. Gongloe at the helm, we will deliver a PEOPLE-ORIENTED LIBERIAN NATION based on the consciousness that A BETTER LIBERIA IS POSSIBLE, united with one destiny. Unity in Liberia is possible because of the commonality that exists amongst us. For example, the word keh means “but” in every Liberian language. We are one people that have been torn apart by nearly two centuries of bad governance, motivated by greed, selfishness, dishonesty, and a total lack of love for country. This has led to a lack of trust in the government of Liberia and accentuated hopelessness, that has led to most Liberians being angry with every government. The year 2023 is the time to elect a government that will deliver a BETTER LIBERIA.

Our message is that “A Better Liberia is Possible” on the foundation of integrity and a strong commitment the rule of law and respect for human rights. These will be the guiding principles for strengthening our educational system, improving the state of security, protecting the environment, promoting gender equity, providing quality health services for all, making Liberia food self-sufficient, improving basic infrastructure (road, air and water-transport and housing, schools etc.); reducing raw material export and promoting value-addition to raw materials beginning with wood, and other natural resources.

We commit to pursue the following 10 objectives in our quest to build a better Liberia:

There will be zero tolerance for corruption under a Gongloe Government. Within the first 100 days a thorough review of all audit reports done by the GAC will be carried out. That review will determine prosecutions and make recommendations on those that may be statute barred. The administration will commission routine audits including lifestyle audits of all public servants. Because corruption is the major obstacle to the creation of a better Liberia, we have developed a detail 12 count prescription for combatting corruption with the caption GONGLOE’S 12 COUNT PRESCRIPTION FOR COMBATTING CORRUPTION as an integral part of the Better Liberia Agenda.

Corruption has been at the foundation for Liberia’s underdevelopment. Liberia that is the oldest independent Republic in Africa is currently much more underdeveloped than most African countries. Countries like Mauritius, Lesotho, Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, The Gambia, Botswana and even Sierra Leone, Guinea and Ivory Coast, next door to Liberia are more developed than Liberia. Although, most African countries are affected by corruption, Liberia seems to be in the top bracket of corrupt countries on the continent. Botswana, for example, at independence in 1966, 119 years after Liberia’s independence had a budget of US$3,000,000. However, because its first President Sir Seretse Khama was an honest leader and left a legacy of honesty that all succeeding presidents of Botswana have followed, by 2005, Botswana’s budget had grown to US$4,000,000,000. The main sources of Botswana’s wealth are diamonds and meat. Liberia could do better because it has diamond, gold, iron ore, uranium, amongst other minerals, a rich soil, a vast and beautiful coastal land and 43% of the remaining tropical forest in West Africa. Even if Liberia discovers petroleum in addition to the current natural resources that it has, the country is likely to remain underdeveloped if theft of public resources is not stopped. Under a Gongloe’s administration the stealing will be curtailed in the following manner:

Asset declaration will be strictly implemented, with the President declaring and publishing his asset before being sworn into office.

In addition to the requirements laid out in Section 10.1 of the Code of Conduct of 2014, Ministers and all commissioned appointees shall declare their assets before their names are submitted to the Liberian Senate for confirmation and at the beginning of each year as well as upon leaving office.

All asset declarations shall be published by government for the citizens to be informed about their government functionaries, consistent with Article 15(c) of the Constitution of Liberia.

That the salaries and benefits of the President and all officials of government in the three branches of government shall be published online, and in the leading newspapers of Liberia.

That there shall be quarterly lifestyle audit of the President, all commissioned officials of government, and others as defined by Section 10.1 of the Code of Conduct of 2014.

Any official of government that interferes with the functions of the police or any law enforcement officer shall, upon summary fact-finding, be immediately dismissed;

Any official of government that undermines the independence of the Judiciary by influencing or obstructing its orders, decisions or judgments, upon summary fact-finding, shall be dismissed immediately.

Any judicial official or legislator who engages in any act for which an executive branch employee may be dismissed shall be complained to the legislature for impeachment or expulsion.

That upon the discovery of any unexplained or unjustified expenditure; the president shall, upon summary fact-finding, forthwith dismiss the official involved and turn such official over to the LACC for further investigation and possible prosecution.

That conflict of interest, as defined by the Code of Conduct of 2014, other statutes, and best practices shall not be tolerated at all.

That any government official dismissed for corruption shall not be reappointed to any position in the Gongloe government.

That there shall be no pardon for officials of government convicted for corrupt acts.

We shall ensure absolute non-interference with the functions of the judiciary and the police. Without an independent judiciary, peace will not be sustained, local and foreign investors will be reluctant to invest because their investment will not be protected by the courts. The police must enforce the laws of the country without fear or favor. There will be no selective application of the laws both by the police and the court. In the first 100 days of a Gongloe administration a bill will be submitted to the legislature to make interference with the judiciary and police by government officials a felony.

Reconciliation, national healing, and unity will be the cornerstone for the promotion and maintenance of national cohesion in Liberia. We shall pursue the principle that all Liberians have equal shares in the company called Liberia. Not even the president’s share is greater than any other Liberian. No tribal, social, or religious identity shall be a cause for discrimination or unfair advantage in gaining access to government services and opportunities.

We shall foster the building of an equitable, fair, sustainable, transparent, accountable, and merit-based society on the foundation of rule of law and respect for human rights. Employment and the provision of social services and opportunities for economic empowerment will affirmatively include women, the physically challenged, drug-affected youth and other marginalized groups. Deliberate effort shall be made to appoint women to at least fifty percent of all ministerial positions and as heads of fifty percent of all the autonomous government agencies, commissions, and public corporations as well as other presidential appointments. A Gongloe-led government shall ensure that Section 10.2 of the Executive Law is fully implemented with every part of this country being represented in the president’s cabinet. Income and wage inequality in government will be addressed by increasing the salaries of employees at the lower echelons of the civil service, members of the security forces, teachers, and health workers to reduce the huge income disparity between the lowest paid civil servants and ministers and heads of public corporations. The salaries and other emoluments paid to the President and other senior officials of government shall be published annually.

Our government will take deliberate actions to empower Liberian businesses by ensuring that businesses that have been set aside by law for exclusive Liberian ownership are done by only Liberians. The government will also guarantee soft loans for Liberian businesses. In the first 100 days, the government will commission a study to determine eligibility criteria for the soft loan. To prepare Liberians to fully participate in these and other economic activities, emphasis will be placed on education and vocational training, with the opening of vocational training centers in every county. The provision of the Decent Work Act that provides for not issuing work permits to non-Liberians for jobs for which Liberians are qualified will be rigorously enforced to increase the employment of Liberians. In fulfillment of its legal obligation, the Ministry of Labor will be required to retain an up-to-date database of all Liberian professionals. Employment in the public service will be based on merit and not politicized. The policy of import substitution and export promotion will be pursued to change the balance of trade in a positive direction, expand the economy, broaden the revenue base, and increase employment. Towards this end tax incentive will be given to manufacturing companies for placing their plants every fifty miles away from Monrovia. This will increase rural formal employment and reduce the current level of rural urban migration.

A Gongloe led government shall take deliberate actions aimed at increasing food production and food sufficiency in Liberia to reduce the current high level of dependency on food imports. According to the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), “Rice for human consumption accounts for over 80 percent of imports” in Liberia. (FAO GIEWS Country Brief on Liberia, 2020). This means Liberia is seriously food insecure. This situation must be reversed. Food insecurity in Liberia means that whenever the price of rice goes up, Liberians get poorer. Most countries that have made economic progress have laid great emphasis on the production of their staple food. Even Egypt, a desert country, is listed among the rice producers of the world. This is shameful for Liberia, to say the least. The government shall make capital investments in the agriculture sector to ensure self-sufficiency in food production. The administration will prioritize the construction of all-weather roads as a major part of its food security agenda.

The school system under a Gongloe administration shall be geared towards producing highly skilled professional Liberians equipped to lead Liberia and capable of functioning in any work environment anywhere in the world. Also, our schools should build a vibrant student community that will, again, serve as research-based critics and the conscience of our society and a place for academic freedom, and excellence, as well as an avenue for promoting accountability, unity, reconciliation, social justice, sustainable peace, economic growth, development, and prosperity. The aim is to provide quality free and compulsory primary and secondary education for all Liberians, as well as develop a sustainable program for promoting high quality tertiary education. We will ensure the mainstreaming of science and technology in Liberian schools to get Liberia’s educational system to be on par with its neighbors. The educational system will be the main engine for promoting sustained peace, progress, and prosperity in Liberia.

We must sensitize the people of Liberia on the merits of effective and meaningful participation in national decision-making as a means of nurturing a compelling atmosphere for the devolution of power. This would entail support for decentralization; free, fair, and regular elections; and freedom of information, expression, and assembly. Promoting integrity in government from the office of the president to the lowest local government official through decentralized governance will be highly pursued for the building of public confidence in government. Public trust and confidence are the sustainable means to secure the tenure of any government. Freedom of expression must never be curtailed or compromised in any manner, shape or form, because government must be by the will and consent of the people. Fundamental freedoms shall not be compromised under a Gongloe administration.

Promoting a healthy population by focusing on preventive health services and strengthening curative medical programs at the community level, throughout Liberia with a strong monitoring mechanism is a must to ensure that medical services reach the population. The government will take deliberate action to increase the number of medical doctors in Liberia and introduce a National Health Service that will ensure that every Liberian has access to a family doctor and where necessary specialist care at little or no cost to the individual. Being poor shall no longer mean death from preventable and curable ailments.

The government will invest in sports and athletics programs for the youth to promote entertainment, competition, physical fitness, good health, and crime prevention. This policy will focus on providing financial support for a scaled-up version of sports and athletics programs in schools and communities throughout the country. Promotion of music and the performing arts, including cultural entertainment programs, comedy, and other creative arts will also receive government funding. There is a need for building theaters and cultural centers for performance and creative arts for entertainment, preservation of positive Liberian culture and the promotion of tourism.

In a better Liberia, the citizens will experience sustained peace, progress, and prosperity through respect for the rule of law and human rights.

A BETTER LIBERIA IS POSSIBLE

Published February 20, 2023