Liberia: ‘Liberia Lacks Liberty, Justice,’ Says New Presidential Aspirant

As the 2023 presidential and legislative elections approach, it is expected that the poll of contestants will become crowded and with that comes diverse manifestos and programs that seek to improve the wellbeing of the Liberian people.

While many consider the incumbent and the political leaders of the Unity Party and the Alternative National Congress as the frontrunners, there are other presidential aspirants who think they have the abilities to convince the Liberian people of their potential to transform the country.

One of those desiring to seek the Liberian presidency in order to pour Liberians out of the dungeons of poverty and deprivation is Reverend Alexander Ndorbor Kollie.

Kollie described Liberia as an ailing nation inflicted by vestiges that are keeping the nation backward and underdeveloped, as such, he has decided to seek the nation’s highest seat in order to resolve some of those challenges.

As a trained healthcare professional, the new presidential aspirant believes he has the remedy to the Country’s piled up and unresolved problems.

Kollie, a native of Kolahun, Lofa County, recently returned to his homeland to build his own political space and a constituency in order to pull, probably, a surprise in the political race expected to be hotly contested by several candidates, including the incumbent, President Weah. It is against this backdrop that he formed the Reformers National Congress (RNC).

The phrase “Liberty and justice for all” in the national anthem of Liberia means so much but from all indications, there is no liberty and there is no justice for all, Kollie said at the Roberts International Airport (RIA) upon arriving from the United States.

“Injustice is denying me what belongs to me. I am a Liberian. We are all Liberians. They tell us there is no good healthcare and it is ok for us but when they are sick, they go outside for better and proper care,” he said.

Kollie, who is also a preacher, further stated “God has blessed Liberia and there is no justification why anyone should suffer in the midst of abundant wealth.”

He explained that what triggers his mind to run for the Presidency at this time is a quote from Nelson Mandela in which the former South African President said, “The alleviation of poverty is not charity but an act of justice.”

A son of a former rubber tapper in Firestone, RCN political leader continued that it falls on him and all others in his generation to be great and step up to eliminate poverty in the country. “We too grew up here and we know what it means to suffer. This is why we have come to present our platform to the Liberian people. This is why we are stepping in.”

He emphasized that as President, he would ensure that every citizen, mainly the poor majority, are given good healthcare without any worry on how their medical bills would be paid.

“We boast around on how we are the oldest independent African country, but we are behind in almost everything developmental. Being a healthcare practitioner, that has a special place in my heart, and we need to turn a few things around here,” Kollie said.

About coming into the race late, Kollie said it is not about being a first or a last comer, but God’s own plan might make the last become first and the first, last.

Concerning people’s thought about what he has done for the country as he seeks votes to become president, the healthcare professional noted that people elected Emmanuel Macron in France for the first time not based on what he (Macron) had done for that country because at the time he was a young man with not much experience; but believing that he could have protected and defended the constitution of France and developed the country where necessary.

The stage is set for the October 10 Legislative and Presidential Elections as the Biometric Voter Registration goes on, but, interesting among other things, is the increase in the number of political actors who think that President George Weah does not deserve a second chance to continue leading Liberia.

Responding to journalists at the Roberts International Airport (RIA) upon his arrival, Kollie said his manifesto is about affordable healthcare.

“A healthy nation is a wealthy nation. While education and all other things are very important, when you are not healthy, you do not go to school and learn neither do you get employment anywhere. Healthcare delivery in Liberia is not working for many people, mainly the poor. This is why I have come as a professional in the field to make it paramount for all,” Kollie disclosed.

According to the political leader of RNC, one of the latest political parties registered by the National Elections Commission (NEC), affordable and better education and a working economy would also be critical thematic areas of concern as his political agenda builds up a “globally accepted and recognized healthcare system.”

He said his RNC has come to do the job that others have not done-stopping the suffering of the vast majority of the Liberian population.

RNC is a new political party that was accredited by the NEC this year.