LIBERIA – Madam Leymah Gbowee is under a barrage of criticism including unpleasant comments from some members of the former ruling Unity Party since her write-up “UNITY PARTY, DO THE RIGHT THING,” posted on social media specifically Facebook.
The post went viral…
In Madam Gbowee’s post, she called on the former Vice President and standard bearer of the Unity Party, Mr. Joseph N. Boakai to retire from active politics and concentrate on his health.
Her post has irritated the Unity Party, JNB Tact Team, including followers of Mr. Boakai for which Press Statements were issued terming Madam Gbowee’s post as a disingenuous, outburst against the former Vice President and Standard Bearer of the Unity Party, Ambassador Joseph N. Boakai.
In JNB Tact Team’s statement issued on Monday, 16 January 2023, under the signature of its National Chairperson, Telia Urey, lamented that it was appalled by Gbowee’s recent assertions, asking ex-Vice President Boakai to step aside from politics due to his health and age.
Madam Urey noted that the Tact Team finds as disingenuous, such a statement emanating from a woman who is supposed to be a symbol of peace, dignity, and unity.
“We advise Madame Gbowee to find a more dignified way to express herself without flagrant and unnecessary disrespect to the former Vice President,” the Tact Team warned.
But Dr. Clarence R. Pearson has seen the 2011 Nobel Peace Laureate Leymah Gbowee’s post as legitimate. Dr. Pearson commenting on Smart News Liberia story’s link “DISINGENUOUS” – JNB TACT TEAM TERMS GBOWEE’S OUTBURST AGAINST UP’S BOAKAI” shared on LinkedIn, noted that the danger in politics is how interests are managed.
“Madam Gbowees’s concern is legitimate. It is glaring that former V.P. Boakai is faced with the reality that age and health are opposed to his current political ambition, not just for 2023, but for even the years to follow. Notwithstanding, there are political parasites that are willing to push him over the cliff if it means that will get to land political office at his expense”, he said.
“Madam Gbowee is not looking for relevance. In fact, Madam Gbowee is more than a global figure than former V.P. Boakai, just so we are clear.”
Some political pundits in an interview with Smart News Liberia yesterday advised the Unity Party and Boakai’s followers to take Madam Gbowee’s call in good fate, and not to aggressively attack her in posts and comments on Facebook that are unwarranted because she expressed her opinion that was not abusive to the former VP and the Unity Party.
Below is Madam Leymah Gbowee’s write-up
UNITY PARTY, DO THE RIGHT THING!
2011 Nobel peace prize winner
Dear unity party officials – including my aunty Dabah Varpilah
In the interest of peace, development, and the future of Liberia, I would like to ask you all to kindly allow uncle Joe Boakai to retire from politics and focus on his health. He deserves to spend his golden years interacting with his grandkids, and enjoying family time.
I would also like to take this time to ask you all to reconsider your partnership with other political parties and form a merger that will provide a viable political option for the Liberian people.
The writings are on the wall; my uncle Joe is in no position to contest! Uncle Joe, please be well—I pray god’s blessings upon you.
Dear unity party, Liberia’s political future, and interest lie and rest squarely in your hands! It is high time we put egos aside and put Liberia and her interest first!
Do the right thing!!!!
Best,
Leymah R. Gbowee
2011
Nobel peace prize winner
