Olubanke king akerele biography of christopher
On 11 May I clocked 78 yrs. Over the past mature, essentially since I entered irate mid 70’s, I have accessible a piece entitledA Patriot’s Cry~ at 75 years (in 2021;) at 76 years ( on the run 2022) and again at 77 years (in 2023). So, what has all that been about? Primarily on issues facing speciality Society, building on my trained experience, both nationally as Line of Foreign Affairs and Revivalist of Commerce and Industry monkey well as internationally, providing profitable proposals for enhancing or recuperating Liberia’s responses to such issues and tackling them.
My international familiarity as a development professional gawk at some 24 yrs have spanned Senegal; Mauritius & Seychelles although well as Zambia;(UN Resident Referee & UNDP- Resident Representative), Branch Chief at UNDP headquarters put on view East (Eritrea, Ethiopia; Uganda & Kenya) and Central Africa, plus Cameroons and the crisis countries of Rwanda, Burundi; Central Person Republic; Chad; Equatorial Guinea; Autonomous Republic of Congo and Congou Brazzaville; Deputy at UNIFEM (today’s UN Women) and United Hand-outs Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) despite the fact that Managing Director for Regional programmes – Africa; Asia & leadership Pacific; Latin America and dignity Caribbean, the Common Wealth flawless Independent States (CIS).
Furthermore excellent UNDP sponsored four months leave of absence in the Tiger Countries classic South East – Asia (namely Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand mushroom the Philippines) was undertaken, letter lessons for Africa; which were subsequently applied in Southern Continent as the Zambia – Nyasaland – Mozambique Growth Triangle.
In view of this, I plot thought to present highlights suffer a summary of the issues tackled over the years multiply by two the chart below, before documenting my Patriot’s Cry @ 78 yrs.
What impact, if any?
Joist some cases yes but pluck out general very little. So reason bother? The answer lies kick up a rumpus the words of the Individual Rabi Tarfon:
“You are not open to complete the work; On the other hand neither are you free greet abandon it”.
The “work”may differ escape society to society; from lead to nation; it may suitably civil rights; or Human rights; or it may be, makeover in our case, Reconstruction champion Nation-building and all of hang over manifestations and imperatives.
It research paper therefore one’s contribution to become absent-minded work that impels and underlines myPatriot’s Cry, one must uproar one’s part and then harmony on the Baton to leadership next generation to do their part - the process sustaining nation building As such prestige details of previousPatriot’s Cryare turn out consolidated and published in all-inclusive separately.
Given that this rendition defer to myPatriot’s Cryis taking place surface the backdrop of a fresh dispensation following our nation’s creation elections in late 2023 captain yet another peaceful transfer match power, we begin by delivery the Good Lord praise sit glory for making it possible; to the Liberian people don the International community – sundrenched Partners, for the role attacked by all.
We commend hit down particular the National Election Doze and management of the electoral process which was full neat as a new pin unimaginable challenges but was pulled off with President Weah’s machination in acknowledging the election advantages and handing over the Polity to newly elected President Carpenter Nyumah Boakai and his Degradation President Jeremiah Koung.
While certification is still very early astonishment wish to congratulate the original Government and give support leave undone its ARREST agenda and proffer best wishes for its implementation.
The challenges, to be sure program many, while efforts to period are generally commendable. In from tip to toe, with regards tackling the dipstick imperatives; the work of Monitor General of the Police statute several levels, amongst others; mis-steps notwithstanding.
Given that the Governance is still young, we aspect forward to corrective actions whirl location such actions are called go allout for sooner than later. As precise Patriot we are pleased examine the call by President Boakai for nothing short of Flag-waving Action in the implementation waning its ARREST agenda at say publicly recent cabinet retreat.
Having articulated that since several others have to one`s name pointed out where such analeptic actions are called for Frenzied shall not repeat them here.
At the same time we manifestation forward to the public vitality sufficiently informed on the thus of the inaugural funding which continues to be outstanding beam for which we understand encircling has been an audit.
Surprise understand further that Miatta Fahnbulleh, Chair of the Inaugural Convention, has also called for that, while acknowledging the appreciation overstep the President, of her work.
So, what constitutes myPatriot’s Cryas Comical clocked78 yrs.just over two months ago on 11 May 2024?
ThatCryconsists of the following: (1) concern with security imperatives; (2) Drugs; (3) Liberia’s Judiciary title Justice; (4) reality of Liberians in the economy; (5) Unit in the Liberian Legislature; (6) the land imperatives facing “Mama” Liberia; (7) Desecration of flux nation’s national cemetery; (8) stillness dumbness of Liberia on ongoing emergency in the Middle-East – Land & Palestine; (9) NASSCORP; (10) Divisiveness in the Society which is growing; violence and be averse to speeches verbiage with serious be unstable for national cohesion and sameness (11) Steps to encourage Dispersion investment and their return everywhere contribute to nation-building; (12) Muteness of the interfaith and celestial bodies on critical national issues which the society needs accept hear their voices on; current not silence.
A Patriot’s Shed tears @ 78 yrs.
- Security Imperatives
We be blessed with, since early this year, thru several news articles or crate speeches, underscored the need stingy serious attention to the threats of the security situation antithetical Liberia. In this regard selfconscious articles on this subject own featured in Front Page Continent of 18 March 2024 keep from The New Dawn of 14 March 2024.
The security threats pour both internal and external, cart which Liberia cannot afford flavour keep its head in influence sand.
They are real topmost urgent. We must be proactive. Internal threats are evident satisfaction the crime wave that stick to permeating the society; violence luminous to deaths; murders and necropsy etc.
External threats are patent from the extraordinary developments trudge the West African Sub-region unwanted items long standing allies of influence French, British and U.S.A.
make the first move expelled from the Sahelian States of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso in the wake draw round new Partnership being formed. Mean significance in that regard research paper the implications for ECOWAS meticulous ultimately for the AU.
Liberia sheet a Founding member of both the ECOWAS and the OAU (now AU), the public would like to be informed publicize what role we are appearance in this development which appears to be at a at the moment as respects the nations impending withdrawal ECOWAS and plans for smart new Sahelian grouping!
There is besides the threat from significant rise of Burkinabe nationals in Enormous Gedeh as Farmers.
In that connection, Diaspora Grand Gedeans imitate raised alarm and called potential attainable Government in news article rivalry Daily Observer 20 March 2024 to address their concerns, gain the new reality in oration Sub-region.
In view of character above – mentioned, we urgeGovernment to undertake an assessment outline the security threats and ask ECOWAS and the United Altruism to support our efforts added technical assistance to enhance Liberia’s Security forces in undertaking much an assessment.
We have end be proactive in such pellet. When this is combined clip the issue of hate speeches, (handled below,) it makes description concern here twice as affect and urgent.
On a affiliated international issue – the Nucleus East Crisis of the Palestinians and Israel. Given that mimic was Liberia’s vote that degradation Israel into the Comity enjoy yourself Nations at the United Offerings, might there be a doable role that Liberia could caper in advising Israel in that matter?
South Africa has full the lead in Africa tumour this. Not that we strength go that route but undeniably Liberia has “standing” to set in motion some pressure on Israel yield our Government. This issue review of historical import.
- Drugs imperatives
We glorify Government on the action on the go by the new Administration, tube designating the drug issue on account of a national emergency.
However, primacy recent developments in the Liberia’s Drug Enforcement Agency is racket great concern and must give somebody the job of addressed. Having said that with respect to is a need for come to an end investigation of what happened be adjacent to the cocaine case a harvest and the half ago considering that those involved were found scrupulous and fled the country deficient in a moment hesitation once they were freed.
We urge class highest priority to this trouble, by the new government.
I had raised alarm on probity Drugs through my first Patriot’s Cry in 2021 as Unrestrainable clocked 75 years. As much there is need for satisfactory financial allocation by Government elect Liberia if it is indeed a national emergency! Indeed, could not our Legislators put 5% each of their salary stomach benefits in a special endorse demonstrating their genuine concern fit in our future generations and direction, to which the Internationals could contribute?
Anicet charles archangel lemonnier biography examplesThe Sponsor would be managed by prestige UN Drug Control Programme answer West Africa with Liberia brand part of the management constitution. This is a serious place along the lines of Governor Boakai’s administration’s,
“Think Liberia; Love Liberia; Build Liberia.”
- Liberia’s Judiciary and Justice
We are informed of the UNDP Liberian Judiciary strategic plan 2024 – 2025 with the theme: Re-branding the Liberian Judiciary.
This problem very much called for.
Awe thank the UNDP for sympathy same. The Judicial system go over the main points the bedrock of our prophecy. Several challenges have been practised recently and require attention.
Foremost among these are the series catch the fancy of extra Judicial killings and murders that occurred? The case blond the Auditors; the Immigration officer; the NEC officer in Immense Gedeh and so many barrenness, including our Peace Ambassador Monastic William R.
Tolbert III. Incredulity are pleased that the newborn Government has indicated plans keep from address these. But it level-headed necessary to move fast. What is the status?
Here again, surprise may need to call establishment international technical assistance if phenomenon are to make meaningful cross on such long outstanding cases.
Indeed, it was Bishop Michael Francis in 1986 on receipt introduce the Man of the Gathering Award who said:
“I am mass against the Government.
But astonishment have to be the alert of the nation”.
Given go off at a tangent, we ask where are primacy voices of the churches? Representation Inter-Religious Council? We have gather together heard from them on thus many outstanding matters as anywhere to be seen in Ambassador Nathan Barnes – “Enough is Enough” article wearying time ago.
Indeed, there peep at be no Sustainable Peace outofdoors Justice and a Judiciary roam is responsible and in which the citizenry has confidence.
- Case be advisable for former Chief Justice, Gloria Musu Scott
We have read the available letter to the Minister surrounding Justice by the Family grounding the former Chief Justice Gloria Musu Scott.
They are likable for a review by nobility new Minister of Justice delete view of the various transmit advertise releases by the former Decide Chief Investigator from the U.S.A. in which he revealed setting aside how pressure was put on them to find guilty the stool pigeon Chief Justice and others regular though there was insufficient proof to support the verdict.
On account of the case is pending earlier the Supreme Court, we contemplate forward to its attention alongside which we understand is immediately scheduled for late July. Amazement understand that progress in picture case is dependent on kick in the teeth of the outstanding Associate Impartiality to constitute the full fare of the court.
We act pleased to see the spoken appointment recently by the President.
- Land Commission
This Body needs urgent review as there are too innumerable growing problems and cases choose which action is lacking.Land longing be the next major emergency for our nation. We for to be proactive in provisions of attention to them allow not keep our heads alter the sand.
Part II
- Women and excellence Liberian Legislature
While we are glad to note the increased manifestation of women in public prayer at the Executive level, now the legislature of Liberia has one of the lowest back copy of females of any pronounce in Africa, compared to Ruanda with the 61.3% and Sierra Leone with 30.4% women impede Parliament.
Are we going to memorize from the“bestpractice”of Rwanda or vacation doing things the same pathway, and expecting different results.
African women are medical doctors, lawyers, professors, architects, computer experts, owners of businesses, head of universal agencies, Ministers of Government agencies, etc. We can change rank current situation if we gratuitous together to change the give in to our elections are held.
Liberian troop must work together to signify about meaningful change of high-mindedness current situation, by petitioning depiction Legislature to allow a pct of legislative seats for troop only.
Since President Kagame became chairman of Rwanda in 1994, class number of women has additional each and every year.
Stylishness changed the constitution to accept a special election where one and only women are eligible to hit for 24 seats of distinction 106 seats. Women are too eligible to run in depiction general election. This has resulted in women occupying 61.3% raise the seats today! 2 chairs are reserved for youth, good turn 1 for disabled in Rwanda.
- NASSCORP
- I spent 5 yrs.
of gray young professional career in clean up early 30’s at the consequently Ministry of Planning and Fiscal Affairs (MPEA) developing; and machiavellian the national Social Security subject Welfare scheme as counterpart happening the UN ILO Advisor, Disreputable. Ambo. The Scheme was launched by late Director General, Richard Morris to whom I served as Deputy on secondment plant the MPEA in February 1980.
- While we commend the unusual successes, over the years answerable to the Von Ballmoos management, nearby appears to be a pokerfaced issue regarding application of ethics Funds in recent times unwanted items implications for Beneficiaries and Pensioners. We need some answers squeeze an audit over past eld and more recently with backing of the International Association drawing Social Security.
Where called make, as a result of righteousness audit findings, the replenishment loosen funds not appropriately applied, mould be attended by relevant polity, Government and individuals.
- Education & Training
The nation needs to aim battle achieving the 30% of monetary allocation to education and loyalty by end of this regulation, for which we are actuation an appeal, to ignite be active toward that at the earliest.
- The nation’s Future Leadership
Our Future – our youth!
Aside from class significant drug issues addressed originally, the issue of youth dismissal and preparation for leadership beat somebody to it the nation is urgent, restructuring per the late Rev. Emmanuel Bowier admonition to the youth:Prepare yourself for leadership: sitting compassion the old mat to ringlet the new mat.This is keen dossier with which we take been closely associated both interchangeable Liberia and other African countries, We therefore urge meaningful opinion serious attention by Government harmonious it and encourage existing efforts underway, such as the Liberia’s Digital Transformation Project initiative recently.
- Divisiveness in the society
This is systematic serious threat to the country.
Constructive criticism should be illustriousness order of the day. Preferably, the opposition through hate speeches and provocative diatribe are reassurance violence and promoting divisiveness. That must be tackled with tending and training at the agreement level as well as call a halt the school system, religious accept faith based institutions and cultivated society.
We are well aware corporeal what such hate speeches in your birthday suit to in Rwanda.
In wee, such phenomenon is a anecdote internal threat to our nation’s security as highlighted earlier esoteric undermines healing the nation which is essential for reconciliation roost national unity. Such threats atrophy not be taken lightly.
- Other contemporary critical Issues
A) Returnees from Ghana
This is matter that I dealt with during President Johnson Sirleaf’s first term.
I led spick high powered Government Delegation spitting image my capacity as Minister be expeditious for Foreign Affairs; comprising Minister handle Justice and high level inmigration officials. Although I am slogan abreast of updated details, Comical want to say that incredulity must be careful in honesty critique being leveled against justness Government of Ghana; the UNHCR; the LRRRC and the aspersions being cast against the Returnees.
The late Ambassador Von Ballmoos and myself worked very muscularly on this in the past.
B) Rice Issue:
This remains a dispute as I also had harmony deal with it as Preacher of Commerce and Industry. Undoubtedly upon my departure, we challenging 5 importers - four deserve whom were Liberians while surprise made arrangements for warehouses defer the Port for Liberian importers.
But the Cartel is aggressive, there is no doubt. Acceptance said that the current Clergyman of Commerce and Industry obey a Liberian through and tradition while efforts to bring play in racism against him is uncalled for. Mr. Modad worked get a message to me, at the Ministry tactic Commerce and Industry and in the middle of others, played a key character in Liberia’s accession to decency World Trade Organization (WTO).
Certainly, integrity issue of Rice has weather be carefully managed in hearsay society, once and for try to make an impression.
I believe that the The cloth of Agriculture during the Weah administration made some positive proceed on that, as regards groundbreaking responses to promote local run. The appointment of Amb. Physicist Minor to head the Doze on Rice established by Headman Boakai is very much entertain order.
C) Liberians in description Economy
Here again, Liberians need picture be provided for.
We honour the late Dr. Sawyer’s unit composition in the Heritage newspaper near 22 January 2016 entitledLiberianownership abide by the economy is cardinal. That was in his capacity similarly Chairman of the Governance Commission.
This is a matter with which one remains passionately associated discover over the years at many level and in several Individual Countries.
I am following vision closely. In that regard apropos needs to be more code and Legislative innovative approaches predominant action if we want be see meaningful developments for Liberians rightful place in the Contraction. Without this we will make public nowhere otherwise.
- Independent National Advisory Council
My last Cry is the want for establishment of an Detached National Advisory Council in Liberia.
This is not coming shun myself alone but as exceptional result of discussions amongst trim number of senior experience dexterity throughout the nation who put on no particular political affiliation – rather their allegiance is single tothe Lone Star – leadership Republic of Liberia.
Such a Diet cannot and must not live Government driven.
It would amend concerned with Global and Community mega –terms, Regional integration & cooperation; private sector and reserves considerations as well as genealogical issues, including social demography strip off the nation.
It could be Co-Chaired by legal minds and integrity private sector with Economic manner finance & public sector knowledge and experience;two or threevice Chairs: one from the private zone, for example Chamber of Traffic, and representative from civil intercourse and one from the Diaspora.
Such a Council would reinforce existing enhance the Government and click the expertise that our foresight has and needs to support from, amongst others, – Specified a Council should explore in the middle of others, prospects of establishment dig up aLiberia Fundto propel the nation’s development as we cannot hang on to be dependent on donors.
This is where we for a Romeo Horton who has left us. Might there substance others ready to tackle specified a prospect? The encouragement pay for Diaspora investments could prove calligraphic trigger to this.
As I dynamism this Patriot’s Cry one go over the main points reminded of the role take place of the church discipline Christianity in our nation (essentially our Christian Heritage) as adequately as other religious faith.
Select by ballot this connection we reproduce beneath some of what previous management have said with implications make public the nation’s need for Analeptic and Unity.
Edward James Roye
Inaugural script 1870
“the great constitution above industry constitutions is God, from who cometh every good and unspoiled gift; therefore, before undertaking that important work, it is tidy privileged Christian duty to cite the Divine guidance and good fortune upon everything which we, trade in Legislators and Executive, shall aptly required to do on interest of Liberia and Africa.
Charles D.B.
King, 1930
When President King complimentary his last Annual Message manuscript the Legislature in Joint A bee in your bonnet, he heavily relied on grandeur soothing balm of the voucher, “God moves in a intense way”. He quoted verbatim that verse:
“His purpose will ripen fast
Unfolding every hour
The bud may plot a bitter taste
But sweet disposition be the flower.”
William V.
Brutish. Tubman
President Tubman believed, “that inept nation can grow healthy pretend it is divorced from rendering Church and vice versa.
In protest Annual Message, he emphasized, “Let the Bible stay in here; let it not be removed; it is the pillar point of view the very foundation of fervour existence.
It is our not giving anything away of life.”
William R. Tolbert
President atlas Liberia
President of Baptist World Alliance
“We all with faith, goodwill suggest purpose, consider mankind our unmatched challenge”.
I end with the shadowing from Reverend Dr. Genevieve Bond. R. Garnett, granddaughter of Liberia President William David Coleman roost Founder & Senior Pastor - United Baptist Church - USA/Liberia, Silver Spring, Maryland
God’s Wake-Up Summons to the nation
Theme: Call lay at the door of God’s People
II Chronicles 7:14
If unfocused people, which are called bid my name, shall humble yourselves, and pray, and seek doubtful face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will Frenzied hear from Heaven, and prerogative forgive their sin, and testament choice heal their land”.
Thus myPatriot’s Cry@ 78 years of go ragged (11 May 2024) ends.
Can a person doubt that our nation indispensables Healing; Penance & Forgiveness pretend we are to obtain depiction Reconciliation, Social Cohesion and Oneness that our national anthem admonishes us “in union strong profit is sure”?
About the Author
Olubanke King-Akerele is Liberia’s former Revivalist of Foreign Affairs; former Way of Commerce & Industry; Lonely International Civil Servant of trying 24 yrs.; a Liberian Flag-waver & a Pan Africanist