2017 Presidential Race Is Between Boakai And Jones - Member Of The Senate Predicts
November 1, 2015
As Liberians pondering over as to who to feature in the upcoming 2017 general and presidential elections as their President, a member of the Liberian Senate has publicly predicted that the tough race is between the current Vice President of Liberia, and Vice Standard Bearer of the ruling Unity Party, Joseph N. Boakai and the Executive Governor of the Central Bank of Liberia, Dr. Joseph Mills Jones of the Movement for Economic Empowerment (MOVEE).
Speaking to dozens of prominent citizens at his Capitol Building office, Sinoe County Senator, J. Milton Teahjay, further out the possibility for the Congress for Democratic Change of Senator George Weah ascend to the nation’s presidency.
He told the gathering that Liberians will vote people to the presidency on the bases of performance and not on popularity; indicating that these two individuals, Joseph Boakai and Joseph Mills Jones have performed remarkably well justifying them that they are the ‘Right Guys’ to rule Liberia.
Sen. Teahjay noted that Liberians can now understand the seriousness and hard work that's associated with the presidency, and as such, they will not elect individuals who are not prepared for the job.
He said unlike these two names, who have proven to the Liberian people what they are capable of doing their job when elected, many of the other aspirants completely lacked the experience to lead a country like Liberia.
He cautioned that unless opposition political parties consolidate their efforts to forming a strong and formidable opposition block, they are headed for a defeat come 2017.
Already, Vice President Boakai has accepted a petition from the people of his native land, Lofa County to contest the 2017 presidential race, claiming that he has the “backing” of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
However, President Sirleaf has made no public declaration in support of the VP’s presidential bid, but rather, promised to sit with VP Boakai to discuss the matter further.
“I accept without any reservation to be a candidate for President of Liberia in 2017. Let me go forth from this day forward at every length and to every clan in the remaining 14 counties, to merge our voices, and ask for their support.
The Lofa petitioners described their kinsman as a capable manager, who they noted has the capability of governing and managing the affairs of the state and its people; and that he possesses the potential to develop the country’s economy from its current state to a more productive level under his stewardship.
They further portrayed VP Boakai as an entrepreneur, who has empowered his people by expanding opportunities in the agricultural, the extractive industry, and by organizing businesses with considerable initiatives and best practices.
“As an astute politician, you have been tested more than twice, and have passed with proven track records; and, as a career agriculturist, Liberians have compelling reasons to believe and unequivocally state that under your leadership, Liberia will be self-sufficient in food production and enjoy food security.”
The petitioners pouring praises on the kinsman also said, “Liberians are quite aware of the Vice president’s peaceful co-existence with everyone, and that includes citizens from all walks of life as well as expatriates; indicating that he has a very humble lifestyle that lacks strife or bitter disagreement over issues.”
However, with all that is being said about Ambassador Boakai, the issues of his age continue to raise concerns in the public over his ability to effectively govern the state.
For his part, Dr. J. Mills Jones, Executive Governor of the CBL, who has gained serious admiration amongst Liberians for empowering Liberians through financial inclusion throughout the country has been favored by many, especially among the business community and the ordinary people.
His economic reforms throughout the country has placed him in the hearts of many Liberians especially those in the rural parts of the country.
Dr. Jones has not declared his intention to contest the presidency, but has always maintained that his loan program is meant to lift Liberians out of poverty and strengthen the economy.
Source: By Cholo Brooks - GNN Liberia
