If we are not careful, Liberia will sink deeper into TYRANNY! How can any democractically elected President request sweeping powers to seize peoples rights and stop them from holding their Government accountable? Why should an elected President want to force people into slavery; restrict their free movement to leave and enter Liberia? Why should an elected President seek to suspend freedom of expression; access to information and the state owned media? Why should an elected President seek to deny citizens right to peaceful assembly to petition their representatives, govenrment or other functionaries? The request by President Sirleaf for the Legislature to suspend cardinal provisions of the Constitution including Articles 1, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 24, is a dangerous move. The Legislature needs to outrightly reject same. Our history of giving sweeping presidential powers is so marred with mountainous of abuses by security forces and agents of the state. Just few weeks ago, secuirty forces shot and killed a little boy in the slum of West Point in cold blood. Two others suffered bullet wounds. Those who inflicted the death and wounds were chosen by the President to investigate themselves. At present, the investigation is ongoing and the perpetrators are enjoying and walking freely with no action by our President and her Government. While we understand the seeming intent of the Government in containing the deadly Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), it is equally essential for President Sirleaf and her Government to uphold democratic governance and tenets by respecting peoples rights and fundamental freedoms. The Legislature must not make any mistake this time around by granting such sweeping powers. What is needed now from the Legislature is a demand for explanations from the President on the emergency powers already given her and how effective it has been in containing Ebola.
Posted on: Wed, 08 Oct 2014 11:56:23 +0000
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