Some decades ago grossly misunderstood to have been an enemy of the ruling, once found to be an opposition politician, it is becoming increasingly clear that Liberia’s restored democracy has begun bearing fruits and raising the consciousness of ordinary citizens who may not have interest in politics.
Although appearing a very serious marathon during Presidential and Legislative race months ago, with some propaganda that often characterize the exercise creating stirs amongst Liberians and making the environment to appear unfriendly, the trump used during the latter stage of the process bringing together most opposition politicians along the ruling immediately began relaxing the political tension.
With many attributing the development to the conviction held by both the opposition and ruling that no matter their individual and institutional differences, the Republic of Liberia stands the greatest, moreso with a single individual required to fill the biggest chair in the land at a time, more positive development have begun surfacing, with the latest been an invitation extended to the Acting National Chairman of the Liberty Party (LP), Mr. Franklin Seakor to address a gathering abroad on developments unfolding in Liberia.
Without been judgmental other than expressing candid observations, I was quite impressed by his report provided the public, moreso having revealed his political party’s interest in the sustenance of peace, stability and democracy in the country.
Besides, his expressed thrust at been prepared to work along with the Unity Party leadership in making the national goals realizable brings to the national table a new political approach and tends to discourage past practices of winners take all.
Interestingly too, it is even more glaring at the Legislature where members of the ruling and opposition interact weekly, with no semblance of segregative politics, watching all healthily interacting and putting forward constructive suggestions intended to help improve the lives of the citizenry.
In spite the development and not absolutely my business, although a professional mandate to remain keeper of my colleagues, it is quite unhealthy that those charged with the responsibility of gathering and disseminating information to the public --- journalists --- are coming under threats daily, whilst executing their duties.
All things been equal and with absolutely no fish to fry other than providing expert opinion to perhaps be considered by the President of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), Mr. Peter Quaqua, there is need for a field day with public officials and the public, including those of the local security sector, in ironing out what some may feel to be hit-and-run or guerrilla affair.
Very germane as the democratic concept is proving, relaxed as some institutions may be becoming in their advocacy stance, much needs to be done amidst the improving environment in which all are seeking to rebuild lives.
No longer a “Johnny Just Come” affair in the media, with various universities and colleges now offering courses for practitioners, there are the dos and don’ts guiding professionals who must equally protect the institutions they work at.
Thus, with progress observably taking place between and amongst politicians, leaving the public to rely upon the media for effective dissemination, why now at this time should practitioners be undermined or even misbehave, guided by their ethos?
Well, at least friends of the media would certainly concur that the clock can no longer be rewound in inviting tendencies that are quite incompatible to the democratic way of life; hence, the need for greater cooperation amongst all and sundry in the rebuilding process of a beautiful Liberia. These are the little things that matter.
