Liberia: A Conscience Note to Joseph N. Boakai

Former Vice President Joseph Boakai. 

Rufus S. Berry II, MBA

Former Vice President Joseph N. Boakai, when will you be called by your conscience to say, ‘Enough is Enough’ and  speak truth to the false prosecution of Alexander Cummings? 

We are all created in God’s image and thus have a conscience. Not only do we have a general sense of right and wrong, but we also understand how our actions affect others. Conscience is that voice inside our heads that tells us to do what is right and maintain our integrity regardless of the circumstances.

For the record, I’m NOT a fan of former president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf; however, when she was being abused by Wilmot Paye and others on her birthday, Joseph N. Boakai, who was her Vice President and aspiring for the presidency, was silent. Yes, he was silent in the midst of gross disrespect to an African woman, who happened to be his boss. Now, it is clearly evident that Cummings is being prosecuted falsely — again, Joseph N. Boakai is silent. Perhaps his self-interest known as the sin of avarice supersedes his desire for the truth and justice. Oh yes, his self interest supersedes his Conscience.

Conscience bears witness to the fact that we as humans are impelled by our nature and bound by a moral obligation to seek the truth and speak the truth. The objective truth, a truth which is universal and which all must seek. Hon. Boakai, where is your conscience in this diabolical plot to destroy an innocent man. Will you act like Pontius Pilate and not speak the truth in defense of innocent Jesus when the chief priests and the elders made their plans against our Lord and Savior to put him to death?

We shouldn’t be selfish to the point that we disregard the truth and thus compromise our integrity. It’s clearly established that selfish and desperate people don’t care what they have to do to get power. They have no ethics, morals, or standards.  Their main focus is only what’s in it for them.  Let it be crystal clear that selfish individuals may at times appear to profit, but it’s only in the short term and most certainly not sustainable.

Mr. Boakai, our past behavior does not have to dictate our future actions.  We can’t rewind the clock in regards to what happened with your former boss. However, you can certainly make the necessary corrections and speak against the false prosecution of an innocent man.

We look to our leaders to be models of character and moral behavior and we understand that the actions of our leaders provide, to some extent, a blueprint for what is and is not acceptable behavior. Former Vice President Joseph N. Boakai, you have a moral obligation to speak out. Speak out loud and clear for the truth in the midst of evil and injustice against Alexander Cummings. I know you will do so because you are a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

May God bless us, strengthen, encourage and uplift us as a body and as a nation this day and in the days ahead.

About the author:

Rufus S. Berry II, is a former President of the Liberian Community Association of Northern California (LCANC) and an anti corruption activist. He’s also the author of the book: Liberia's Promise: Musings & Essays by Rufus S. Berry II. He can be reached at: +231-770-301071, rufus_berry@yahoo.com