Politicians are gamblers. They all bet and stake their fate on the
future. And this is done not in so quiet ways. To add to the spectacle,
it is often executed with everyone watching, and if they do win the
glee is always never mistaken: cameras capturing the smiles, newspaper
banners hailing their conquests, television and radios blaring their
speeches and images, the fist pumping and the almost near subtle
arrogance that comes with the power they inherit is palpable.
But when they lose, they alone must nurture their wounds from the public humiliation and defeat, they alone must go on and find something else to do, pay their debt from the campaign or defy the odds and come back swinging again. Winston Tubman has been down that road once, not as an elected public official but as a defeated presidential aspirant who give up his lucrative United Nations job like the current occupant to become president of tiny little Liberia. But why--- ‘oh okay’, you can certainly almost hear his supporters saying but ‘why not?’ That’s the 22 million dollar question.
And I think we all do know why. Look back from 1980 to 1989, the only person we remember, or the one who most stand out is Samuel Doe, from 1971 to 1980 it is William Tolbert, and the same can be said of Shad Tubman and his times. Every president defines his times and so it will be for Ellen and whoever follows her: You literally etched your name in stone and the history books, robbing shoulders with world leaders, endless adoration and fame and well, to add too wealth, especially in Africa, if you are good at stealing. But let’s move on at least we all know why the presidency is soooooooo important
It is almost always predictable to forecast Liberian politicians. Tubman’s intent to join the feeble Liberian National Union (LINU), this month was no news at all. It is a prototype ordinary amongst Liberian politicians. Journalists were curious in the late 1990s when Ellen Johnson jump ship from the Liberian Action Party (LAP) to her current Unity Party (UP) during the 1997 elections. A life long LAP member, the party was over taken by Cletus Wortorson while Ellen was away in the Diaspora busy building her resume as an internationalist; these credentials she would need later to construct her way to power. Upon her return to cast her net for the presidency, she announced she would rather lead the waning UP. When she was further pressed by journalists why she was leaving the party she had worked so hard to build, the iron lady countered that “politics is not a Sunday school business!” Gatchu! The same can be said of Charles Brumskin who dished his National Patriotic Party (NPP) for the Liberian Unification Party (LUP) few years ago. When hostile reception greeted him there at the LUP, he ran away from the clatter and formed his own Liberty Party (LP). Even LINU founded by a former Liberian vice president, Harry Moniba, who served on the ticket of the National Democratic Party of Liberia (NDPL), saw ample reason to jump ship once it became clearer that the NDPL was never a popular grass root party contrary to what many in the party felt when times were good! It is suddenly evident today, that President Samuel Kanyon Doe and his circle blamed all their troubles on the Liberian progressives and opposition politicians for nothing, ignoring the brutality that characterized the NDPL temperament as it held state power all through the 1980s. Once out of power in Liberia, the political whores who always brandished all the fancy slogans like leeches drop dead when the blood runs dry. Tubman learned that lesson when he came home to contest presidency in 2005. “At least give him credit for being principled enough to say ‘when it was good I was with the NDPL, and now that it is not so good I will still lead the party’,” an observer says. He continues, “Tubman could have left the NDPL for other parties but he felt that was where he was when the gravy was running good under Samuel Doe, but he and others soon realized that it was a sham austere charm.” He continues “The allure its members thought the NDPL had was imaginary. In other words, the NDPL is a baggage and Tubman is trashing it to build his consensus ahead of 2011.” Where else then to land but LINU, a little know obscure party already registered under Liberian electoral laws with no known head and controversy surrounding it. Today, it is being resurrected by the nephew of Liberia longest serving President William V.S. Tubman, who led for 27 unbroken years.
The question on the minds of many is whether Tubman can win. The answer is yes. He has a chance like the many others throwing their hats in the race. Plus, he has the essential prerequisite, a devouring ambition and the political courage necessary to build accord where leadership and the attainable experience and education coalesce that defines national characters that should be running for office; “it is just that he has jumped so many times like a frog,” a prominent Liberian political scientist says: from the defunct TWP to the NDPL, all former ruling parties and now the little known LINU. “Like a chameleon,” a former NDPL official says, “his changing color in search of political office is a testament to blind ambition in search of self and dreams.” But Tubman is gambling, that once and for all he will pull with him the NDPL partisans who mainly hailed from Grand Gedeh removing the stigma that hangs over the NDPL as a tribal party, probably leading to its demise and the disgruntled members scattered here and there who hail not from the county, but loathe the inheritance the NDPL cast on their characters and careers. His intent therefore is to shed this failing façade. Having convinced George Weah to join him under one umbrella, analysts say attest to his superior skills as a diplomat when it was all certain that Charles Brumskin of LP would woo him. Weah for Tubman remains a hypnotic fascination. For one, if Weah populist message still resonates with the youth of Liberia, as it did the last time around, LINU will ride a huge wave. But no one is sure for real if the former world footballer still has that hortatory moonshine that saw him coming second during the last election. Observers also say if the TWP still thinks of itself as having any gist, it might have no better ally in this current political indulgence where realignment of parties are concern ahead of 2011 other than Tubman. If he’s is successful on all these fronts he becomes a formidable contender with Liberian youth and an old establishment behind him to galvanize his trail to the Executive Mansion.
As he builds his coalition to 2011, the former United Nations official must beware that Liberians in general are nostalgic about another Tubman occupying their Executive Mansion, given that his uncle led Liberia with iron fist, refuse to cede power until death subdued him on his hospital bed in London in 1971. His name recognition thus is a fusion of blessing and curse, some say. Illiterate Liberians (and they are in abundance, 85% of the population is) not so aware about President Tubman many of them of older generation and still spread out in the hinterland do not know the true nature of his draconic hold on to power, but rather, they still remember the so-called peace and prosperity and the dashing gallantry with which he led. On the other hand, those who are so well-read about his presidency see his weaknesses as a flamboyant autocrat schooled in the politics of divide and rule, handing out shameless justice during his 27 years in power and the voracious play at state craft that has come to characterize twenty first century Liberian politics. A legacy indeed, he must walk that fine line and induce the lots still hanging with suspicious gaze that he is the right kind of Tubman the country wants.
What nobody cannot doubt and deny is that Winston Tubman is well connected, well travelled, is accomplished both as a domestic and international bureaucrat who held important posts within the Liberian government and on the global scene. But time is not on his side, which means he is certainly gunning to top the ticket, and will do all to coax Weah to take the number two slot, which means the vice presidency if you will. Because come to think of it, by the time the elections roll around he will be almost 75 years old. He is promising to lead a one term of office. That also means he would be almost 80 by the time his one term expires. If he is number two on the ticket and the LINU and Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) wins, Weah might want another term since it is known incumbents have advantages and given the fact that he is really young, in which case, Tubman will never smell the presidency. But worse still, let’s say for argument sake Weah accept one term and pass the baton on, Winston Tubman would be almost 80 when it’s his time to run. Now tell me, who wants an 80 year old running for office when young energetic technocrats would suddenly be ripe and ripe enough to compete for the office in 2017, if the current term limit remains unchanged that is. This therefore, is his last gamble having failed once. Improbable conjectures? You decide.
____________________ Ralph Geeplay is an exiled Liberian journalist.
Comments (31)
1. 27-06-2009 12:56
Ralph - A Great Writer
Ralph,
You are a great writer, and I can't imagine when last I ever accidentally came across any of your writings without immediately abandoning my original mission and jumping into running through yours.
This is a great piece, one must concede. However, while I agree with all of your underlying points, I still don't see how President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf can be defeated in the coming election, unless under a condition of calamity, or seriously unexpected outcomes such as death or serious illness or a decline to run - none of which seems apparent at the moment.
Thanks anyway.
BA
2. 27-06-2009 18:44
Ralph - A Great Writer
Ralph - great piece. Just wanted to make a brief comment. If Liberians are willing to accept or even consider Weah and his psersonal ambition of being president, I'm struggling to see why it would be a problem for Winston Tubman to be president.I will prefer a well qualify and experience grandfather vs. the oppsite individual...just my take. Ceedon
Dear,Uncle Ralph I'm very imprest in your writingt you are such of an good writer. Maybe if you keep writering you will get discovery and you will get to write a book about your arcitle. I was wondering how long did it take take you to write this arcitle.LOVE so mush Faith Kanneh
Hello BA: This is Johnson Sirleaf's election to lose. But this is politics and anything is possible. Matter of fact 'it is the art of the possible' --- so - called they say. Can you think of any famous or non famous incumbent who who record while in office distinguished their service, but yet they lost to their challenger? there are many. Tubman is well qualified and he is serious...don't count him out! i am just saying...i am not rooting....
6. 28-06-2009 01:58
Please Don't
my neice is just ten and do live in st. paul mn, and i am proud she took the time to read through this long piece. stay safe ma faith!
uncle ralph
7. 28-06-2009 04:21
Please Don't
Look my friend I for one will never forget what late Tolbert did for us Liberian kids NO more a Tubman become president of Liberia.... Let stop the ritualistic killing just to still in power for another century(we should never forget)NO more you too late black cars around....anymore. Thanks president Tolbert.
8. 28-06-2009 10:30
Hope Tubman Loses Big Time!
I was born in Maryland county. I know a whole lot about the Tubmans than the average Liberian. A whole lot!
My hope is that Winston Tubman will lose. He must and should lose because Liberia is fed up with people who want to restore dynasties. That's Tubman's greatest wish: To restore the Tubman dynasty. What comes next? If he's allowed to serve as Liberia's next president, the Tolberts and Americo-Liberians will punish the natives for another century. Believe me!
I hope that the Liberian people will conduct business in a professional manner. Winston Tubman is well-educated. There's no question about that. He obtained a scholarship from his late uncle, Wm. Tubman to go to school in England. After completing his studies there, he was sent to Harvard university to study law. He's educated!
There were many native Liberians who could have gone to Oxbridge or Harvard when Winston was studying there. Ladies and gentleman, the thought of giving a native person an opportunity to study in England as well did not come about. Do you think it was a mistake? PLEASE, it was deliberate! It didn't happen because of a reason. William Tubman believed in the domination of the natives by all means.
The sad truth is that Winston may laugh in people's faces. Well that's because he wants your vote! But, believe me, he posssess the same genes as his late uncle. Don't take me for granted if you're craving for a good president!
Education is not the main ingredient to being a president of Liberia. But, his uncle, Wm. Tubman, the late president, was a wicked man. He did not value education for the natives as much as he did for the americos. He should have been called the "americo-Liberian" president. He constructed Harper city because the americos lived there. But, that's all folks.
In Harper city, the Catholic church built a college to teach the Liberian people. The name of the college was called "Our Lady of Fatima college". This institution awarded degrees to a lot of native Liberians who could not go to England to study. It was an accredited institution. Guess what? In 1972 when the late Tubman celebrated his birthday in Maryland county, the Catholic college was urged to shut down because of the "Tubman Technical College" of Maryland. This incident happened under his watch! Now, most of the degrees that Our lady of Fatima offered were in the area of liberal arts studies. Some natives got their degrees in Math, History, English and so on. But when the TTC opened in the Harper area, it didn't award degrees in English, Education, History and so on. The TTC is a technical college.
Of course Liberia needs a tecnical college. But, the shutting down of the Catholic college was an act of insensitivity especially as matters relate to the natives. A lot of natives went to the Technical college, don't misconstrue me. But, everybody is not like Albert Einstein. Those who wanted to study English or History so they could teach, were shut out. Wouldn't it have made sense for two colleges to have co-existed? Where was "choice" in Tubman's leadership? Smashed!!!!!!!
Winston Tubman's own dad, Bob Willie has a huge rubber farm in the Pleebo area. The manner in which he obtained the land is pitiful. The land was obtained from the natives at a price. Winston's dad has a house in Harper city that is about the size of the US White House! I am not exxagerating folks! This is a fact! Now, why did such a house have to be constructed in Harper? Yeah, because he wanted to live in it. What a reason!Where did Bob Willie get the money from to construct such a house?
Winston Tubman's native mom was born in Pleebo. But, did his native mom have a fitting house in Pleebo? You tell me!
Ladies and gentlemen, Tubman's politics is what scares me and you should be concerned as well. I want the best for Liberia. But, the motive behind Tubman's bid for the presidency is my main concern. Tubman's acendency to the presidency means the "restoration" of the americo-Liberian dynasty! It should be a concern to all Liberians!
I do not have hate in my heart at all. No, I don't bacause there's no reason to. I am sharing a historical perspective. I see no harm done. I don't want to hear about "regrets" tomorrow after the election! I know that we're struggling to see Liberia in a positive limelight. But, we have to pause in order to see the bigger picture of reality.
Geep, you've done a pretty good job.
9. 28-06-2009 16:52
Hope Tubman Loses Big Time!
everything Tolbert did should not be undo. talking about Merico-Liberianism it was Tubman, I did not really see Tolbert taken that role but employment was on merit system, to my best recollection I remember a man called "Bobor Reddy" a local singer used to sing song like, all that "BS" Tolbert cut it off who you talking to I am talking to you. straight up Tolbert said I am not a photo copy of Tubman.
Mr. No Blame, I am with you. I frankly believe that Tolbert was not a clone of Tubman. Tolbert, with all accusations leveled against him was not an idiot. In my view, he was a great guy. Somehow though, Tubman's son, Shad, married one of Tolbert's daughters. When I think through the marriage scheme, it smells. It seemed to have been put together to create a Tubman/Tolbert legacy. It worked. It didn't last because the prolongation of the americo-Liberian dominance was something Tolbert seemed to have little interest in.
Although he was an americo-Liberian, Tolbert was the only president from that establishment on record to speak Kpelle. I doubt that his brothers Frank and Steve (the notorious duo) spoke Kpelle.
May his soul RIP!
11. 28-06-2009 18:00
NO FREE election in Liberia
I do'nt know much about the Tubman's as much as BRO. BRAKA. I experienced the segragation of the Natives Librians.
I was a boy during the Late Tubman aministration. At the time it was all about your name if you had a native name, you were simply placed on something called "GO COME TOMORROW". That will be the end of whatever you were seeking.
Resently, during the 2005 elections Winston Tubman revailed himself as a warlord to the Liberian people. He revailed that he actually invested in the Liberian civil war. why will some one who financed a war on Liberians, killed thousands, want to become President?
Winston Tubman: If you dont vote for us (the congo people)we will go outside the country and form arms groups to come back and take what belongs to us.."
That pretty much sounded like Liberia, belongs to certain group of people. and the rest of us much do what they want. Money and power ruled the world, with Ellen Johnson still in the race, and the info that Richard Tolbert is preparing to take over from Ellen, I think no one has the chance to the Executive Mansion. I also believe that everthing is being dont to keep the Natives Liberians away from the Executive Mansion.
When it come to election in Liberia, it has always being who is able to steal the results, or some one who already has the power and the money.. Free and fear Elections in Liberia, I have my doubt. Notwithstanding, any thing is possible. Before I go, I must say well dont Geeply for your time. Long live Liberia...
12. 28-06-2009 22:34
NO FREE election in Liberia
Braka, all of those people from Bensonville speak Kpelle not only W.R.Tolbert, and Steve Tolbert only daughter mother from the kpelle tribe, she is my friend she's called LAURA TOLBERT, maybe Richard mother also I'M not sure but I will check, Richard brother steve mother is a kpelle woman also.
Thomas Doe, George Weah and Richard Tolbert are the best candidates to move Liberia forward quickly,(hands on presidents) they both are fifty-fifty but one thing is missing that is Justice, they both weakness is they're will be soft on crime. (big problem)
13. 28-06-2009 22:44
correction#12
Steve Tobert mother is a kpelle however Steve Tolbert is W.R.Tolbert son not Frank Tolbert who is Richard Father.
14. 28-06-2009 23:16
correction#13
there is big Steve Tolbert brother of the late president and small Steve Tolbert son of the late president W.R. Tolbert
15. 29-06-2009 02:01
correction#13
We need good leaders, and it should not matter whether they are "Natives or Americo-Liberian".
16. 29-06-2009 02:06
correction#13
Thomas Doe, you need to work on your image. Dr. Tubman has a better chance of being president than any Krahn Man, period. You know exactly how many Liberian perceived you, and you did it to yourselves!
17. 29-06-2009 07:33
Think again
Mr. No Blame, in the past you thought Ellen Johnson was the best president for Liberia.
Until her government became the national Corruption Institute of Liberia. Do you know Richard Tolbert Operations at the NIC? Should he become president of Liberia, people will stand in lines to buy bread, trust me..
18. 29-06-2009 08:47
Think again
Mr. Thomas Doe, we will stand on line to buy bread any no matter who become president because of the present currency Samuel Doe give us it is just the matter of time.
19. 29-06-2009 08:55
Think again
Mr. americo-Liberian,
To an extent, you're right. A good leader could be a native or an americo-Libeian. But, the stakes are too high. We have to be extremely careful in choosing our presidents. If the profile of a potential candidate is made available to the Liberian people, it would help. Unfortunately, it doesn't usually work out that way. A president gets elected or "anointed to lead" by outsiders before his or her antics become known.
The Tubman issue is of particular interest because it revives memories. When Bill Clinton served as president of the US, he did a very good job. His VP, Al Gore, should have won, but you know or heard about what happened.
Eight years later, Clinton's wife, Hillary got in the reign. It was believed that she'd continue her husband's legacy if she had won. Unfortunately, she was split up by the Chicago mafia headed by Obama. The Americans were afraid that a "dynasty of sorts" was in the offing! The experience of the Bushes taught them a lesson.
George Bush the senior served a four-year term. He did many things, but he did not do all the things that the right wing ideologues and others wanted him to do. Among those who felt that he did not finish his job was his son, George the jr. George Jr. took America to war in Irag to topple Saddam Hussein. George Jr. wanted pretty much to carry out his dad's legacy. He did and caused trouble for the Americans. Now, do you get my drift?
In the name of legacy, America is torn into pieces. The economy is ruined, unemployment is high, banks continue to merge, American boys and girls are dying in the Middle East and the deficit is out of whack. That's all because the Americans "anointed" George jr. to lead. George jr. carried out his dad's legacy and overthrew Hussein. The mess in Irag caused by George jr is unfinished. Where is legacy? Should we repeat that blunder in Liberia?
Backtrack to Liberia for a moment. Winston Tubman gets elected. If every Liberian becomes dumbfounded about the Tubmans, his nephew will never. What Winston shelters under his sleeves about carriying out his duties of Liberia as a president will be a completion of his uncle's legacy. You don't have to believe me, but when it is all over, Liberia will be like America in the Middle East. That's how legaies work sometimes.
Anytime a son, brother or relative replaces his relative in the political arena, trouble looms. Go to Africa: Joseph & Laurent Kabila! Go to North korea: The older Kim and his younger son are currently strategizing. It hasn't been good for the Congolese neither will it be good for North korea. Why will it be good for Liberia if Tubman is allowed to lead Liberia?
You're right and I rarely agree with you on such matters. We need a good leader. A good americo-Liberian will be acceptable to me. Also, a good native down-to-earth individual will also be acceptable to me and I hope to you as well. But, Winston Tubman is not the americo-Liberian leader that Liberia needs after Ellen steps down.
As I said a while back, Tubman is an Oxbridge scholar. He also obtained a law degree from Harvard. He's good. There're many ways he can serve Liberia. Being our next president is not one of those capacities in which he must serve. Now, he can contest the elecions. He's a Liberian. But in the end, I hope he loses big time! I may sound negative, but we're in politics now. The name of the game in politics is to "outdo" one's opponent civilly without causing physical injuries.
20. 29-06-2009 09:39
Think again
Mr. Thomas Doe I am not the only Liberian on this forum you are referring to as NO BLAME isn't it because I said about Ellen been the best.
Secondly, about Americo Liberian I am not sure who he is referring to as DR. is it Tubman or Tolbert, Tubman is not a DR. but Tolbert is the DR. therefore I am a bit confused.
21. 29-06-2009 09:48
?????????????????
I wonder how Braka will feel about Kofi Woods becoming President?
22. 29-06-2009 12:15
The next president
SOME ONE WILL BE FORCE ON THE lIBERIAN PEOPLE AGAIN AS THEIR PRESIDENT. LIKE THE 2005 ELECTIONS, THE NEXT ELECTIONS WILL NOT BE FEAR. I WAS IN THREE WAY CONVERSATION WITH SOME LIBERIANS, ONE OF THAN SAID OH, RICHARD TOLBERT WANT TO BECOME THE NEXT PRESIDENT.
THE OTHER GUY SAID, I HOPE HE KNOWS WILLIAMS TOLBERT'S GRAVE, LET HIME GO THERE..
23. 29-06-2009 13:07
The next president
Gentlemen every one is giving their humble opinion on issue about who is best to lead us, it is left with voters to do so if any one is in doubt let him say it before the election because after the election is over it is over...
Mr. WE, is coming on board with kids talk he believed in violence than democracy why say nonsense like that about Richard it is a scare strategy. there is no room for KKK show from Mr. WE.. you remind me about OBAMA when he was running, the reaction from the KKK is what you're showing here.
Mr. coker with small "c" promote your man Kofi don't expect Mr. Braka to give his opinion on your man Kofi, you're picking trouble on him.. WHY?
24. 29-06-2009 14:29
Reply to poster Coker, #21
Mr. Coker,
Your snare will not snatch me! By the way, who is Kofi Woods? Another legacy person? Legacies are what I am concerned about. Nothing else for now! If we get to Kofi Woods' legacy, and boats are needed to get to his island, (assuming he lives on an island) we'll get there anyhow. However, if boats are not available to get to his island, we'll swim with the sharks until we arrive to confront him like mighty men of valor would do. Fair enough?
Since you want an answer, the following words would describe my mood: snarled, shocked, flabbergasted, combative and flaccid in terms of discussing Liberian political issues should in case Kofi Woods (whoever he is) runs and wins.
Conversely, if you, Mr. Coker, run and successfully win the presidency, the following words would describe my mood: animated, pleased, relaxed, etc.
Once again, I am concerned about "known, knowns". Usually, "known-knowns" are trouble makers! In my lexicon, "known-knowns" are people I have known in the past who don't have a track record of excellence. Examples, Winston Tubman, Kunckles, Greaves and "some Tolberts" fit the profile of "known-knowns". They use their "family name and fame" to advance their political, social and economic agenda.
A person like you would be referred to as an "unkonwn-known". This means that you weren't originally well-known in Liberia but, through your hard work, you've become a "known" person. Most "unknown-knowns" come from obscurity, or from the bottom of the economic scale, but because of their determination and dedication, they immediately connect themselves with the masses. That's very positive! The net result of that is progress. That's why I'd be relaxed with someone like you. At the end of the day, please do not conclude that I'm in any way trying to belittle you. No way.
But, until you tell me who Kofi Woods is, I cannot make a judgement call. I am sorry, but that's the truth! I have jumped over your snare.
25. 29-06-2009 15:22
President Kofi Wood
President Kofi Woods of Liberia.
Kofi who? Oh I see,it was a test question right.
26. 29-06-2009 17:23
President Kofi Wood
Gargar, that was an error on my part. I was referring to Tubman.
27. 29-06-2009 22:16
President Kofi Wood
I concur with who so ever said Mr. George Weah and Mr. Richard Tolbert will be soft on crime. Mr. Doe said we'll fall in line for bread I agree and I agree with Ravens explanation about the local currency issue.
28. 30-06-2009 14:51
That something?
BARACK OBAMA-president of United astates of America In the begaining, some Black or white people make the same remarks Barack Who?
In Liberia we say,"it will full your mouth". When Kofi from fanti town, become president of Liberia.
Liberia is a history making country. The first African leader to go good jailed from office came from Liberia. The first Rebel female president came from Liberia. The first kofi presedent, may just come from Liberia. Again in Liberia we say "That Something??
29. 01-07-2009 21:50
what goes around comes around
Tuzon: The Glorious Past Festus Poquie The town of Tuzon, in Grand Gedeh, home of late President Samuel K. Doe and once a rising in splendour, is now withering in the bush, forgotten, as its inhabitants appeal for helpSeveral hundred miles into southeastern Liberia, stands the town of Tuzon, the birthplace of late President Samuel K. Doe who seized power in a military coup in 1980 to engrave Tuzon in the pages of Liberian history.
A hot spot in the 1980s, this town had its flourishing moments, with air crafts landing nearing every half hour as one local puts it, an exaggeration, of course.
Its image, falling from the historic 1980s, made this little village by many standards larger than imagined. Its beauty and splendor were only perceptions. Now, it lays in ruins, the progress it found itself wrapped because the nation’s top political leaders [aid their homage here all a thing of the past.
Trekking into this town from Zwedru was out of curiosity of seeing it now and experiencing the unknown. On a motorbike, it took 45 minutes on a rugged road to reach it. But even now, there were warnings from friends of meeting the unexpected. “My man! They will say the people have come again”, the people meaning the violent who rendered this little village sunk in the evergreen bush to its present derelict state.
I moved into what could be the town center with anxiety. It was in during evening hours. I spotted many villagers were just returning from their farms. I thought to myself. “At least this is the right time for an opportunity to speak to some of them, hear their experiences, which I imagined would not be pleasant.
Some elders roamed around, as if in search of something. They seemed in their late 60s and earlier 70, but with the harsh condition in which they live, this could be incorrect. I greeted them in the local Krahn language, N a r o t a o u...” giving me the confidence of gaining their immediate trust. After all, language nit people together, enhancing trust even where there should be none. As expected, they responded with laughter and broad smiles, with clear questions about my pronunciation.
My escort, who is a local journalist based in Zwedru, told them about my mission - talking about life and problems in their town. They all consented.
“Life is becoming normal, but we are still suffering,” said Mr. Alfred Wright, who introduced himself as cousin of late President Samuel Doe, the best-known native of this town.
Mr. Wright, along with his seven children, lives in the late president’s compound here in Tuzon, along with his wife.
The late president’s residence was the town’s landmark, rising above its little huts like an object from the gods. It looks out of place, strange, in another environment.
It has lost the glamour of its past, standing in ruins and completely dilapidated. The towering savanna grass has invaded it.
Mr. Wright had volunteered to provide an insight of what life is here. Like other parts of the country I have traveled, the problems are the same and the needs, infinite, alike.
“There is no better road; you yourself can see the town condition. So we are trying to be here but it is not just easy my brother,” he said, outlining the town’s essential needs.
“Our first priority is the bridge. Without the bridge, there will be no business. We are asking NGO to come and assist. We only have one pump in the town; we want medicine for our clinic.” If you visited Tuzon prior to the civil war and now listen to Mr. Wright’s tearful appeals, you would know how this town’s fortunes have changed. Tuzon is now ground zero.
“Life now in Tuzon can not be the same because when we lost Samuel Doe (President), everything came down,” Mr. Wright lamented.
Nearly everyone here still relish those glorious moments when they lived in a mini paradise with a President. The story here is lengthy but the same.
Old man Willie Bruce is one of the respected elders in this town, born here in 1931. With a grim face, he recounted the town’s history, which he said was established in the 1920s. He recalled the ecstatic joy and elation when their son, Master Sergeant Samuel K. Doe, announced being the country’s president.
“When Doe took over, the whole town was happy. We bought our zinc; we built our houses. When the war came, we ran away; when we came back, rebels spoil all…”
He remembered how zinc houses dominated the town, heralding its new status of affluence, as opposed to the scattered thatched huts. Before the town was ravaged, he said he owned two beautiful modern buildings, but now lives in a makeshift thatched hut, something he cannot easily endure.
“I was having two big houses, but they spoiled all,” he said, pointing out other things that are missing from the town. “We cannot get teachers; the teachers here are not good. We have a clinic, but it is not correct; no town hall, no good condition,” he said, adding that the high price of rice has reduced them to eating wheat.
“When you want [to] eat rice, you [have to] pay your way to go to Zwedru to buy one cup for $25; we are not able to do that, so we eat our wheat…”
This town has an estimated 4,0000 inhabitants, I was told. Whatever the situation might be, the actual reality here is that the town is dying and the people are struggling with life. They need help from every dimension to start life following the civil war, which sent them in exile as refugee and had their homes destroyed.
I toured the town, I saw abject poverty all over, hardly a place of a former President of the republic. Once a lively town, now a hamlet replete with red and brown mud huts. But Tuzon is yet another example of how history so quickly fades once the looming personality is off the scene. One wonders what this place would be like had history remained static, something inconceivable.
30. 02-07-2009 01:16
what goes around comes around
WINSTON TUBMAN SNAKES TO POWER Teams Up With Weah, Dumped Doe For Moniba
Liberia’s presidential election is in the offing with the election reform promised by the Accra Comprehensive Peace Accord or CPA still outstanding. Still outstanding also is the reduction of political parties to decongest and level the political playing field to give candidates equal opportunity and to give voters a clear choice for the job. Instead of concentrating on this possible logjam to a peaceful election, some politicians are scheming and snaking they ways, hopefully, to power – searching for soft landing spots. Cllr. Winston A. Tubman
Cllr. Winston A. Tubman
One of these politicians, observers say, is Cllr. Winston A. Tubman. He recently obtained permission to team up with CDC’s George Weah, having leapt from Samuel Doe’s NDPL to Harry Moniba’s Liberia National Union (LINU) as “ordinary member”. “But how is he likely to fare?” observers say is the begging question. The Analyst Staff Writer, reports.
Accra Communiqué
The Standard Bearer of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) and Cllr Winston Tubman, Tuesday this week in Accra, signed a communiqué committing them to jointly contest the 2011 presidential elections.
A dispatch from Accra, Ghana, quoting the communiqué said both men agreed to collaborate and join resources and efforts to put up a joint challenge during the presidential election that is due in two year’s time. The dispatch fell short of saying what form the collaboration will take in the order of power, in terms of presidential and vice presidential candidates.
But it noted that Messrs. Weah and Tubman further agreed to report to their respective party executive committees on the goal of the Accra communiqué, which observers say is the strongest yet effort by Cllr. Tubman snake into power. The two political leaders called upon other opposition parties to join in their collaboration efforts, the dispatch said.
They acknowledged the difficulties the nation was going through due to economic hardship and called upon Liberians to give them their full support as they strive to achieve national unity, security, development and prosperity.
“Ambassadors Weah and Tubman expressed concerns at the lack of progress towards national reconciliation, the unabated expansion and practice of corruption with impunity, the increase violent crimes, and deteriorating living standard of Liberians,” the dispatch quoted the communiqué as saying.
Snaking to Power
Recent media reports said the former Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General to Somalia attended a CDC political rally to convince Weah to become his running mate comes 2011. He reportedly made it clear at the time that he would be the standard-bearer while Weah held the vice standard-bearer post of the coalition of NDPL and CDC. Weah’s position on the proposal for joint efforts in which he will subordinate his avowed bid for president of Liberia to another politician was not known up to press time yesterday.
But political observers say though the Accra discussion was not Cllr. Tubman’s first attempt to woo the CDC over to his political machinery, it was the first bold step that brought, what critics call his hydra-headed annexation plan, to the fore. Cllr. Tubman, reportedly a staunch member of the discredited True Whig Party (TWP), abandoned the party during the 2005 presidential election, and adopted and adapted as standard-bearer the also near-discredited National Democratic Party of Liberia (NDPL) of slain President Samuel K. Doe.
Reports said the counselor’s move at the time was a calculated political plan designed to play the Congo-country divide card as a compromise candidate and hopefully ride to power with ease.
“With both his parents came from either side of the so-called ethnic divide, Tubman was better positioned for the compromise candidate gamble,” said one observer.
But when it was all over, Tubman came out of the scheme in the fourth place, clutching a mere 9.2% of total eligible votes cast. But that did not deter him: he quickly threw his support behind CDC’s George Weah in the subsequent run-off election called to determine the constitutional majority between Weah and Unity Party’s Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.
Weah lost to Ellen and Tubman briefly went into political oblivion, occasionally throwing jabs at the Sirleaf Administration on such prevailing questions as poverty and corruption and what to do with suspects. It was until the middle of last week that the NDPL standard-bearer resurfaced as a reborn visionary, warning Liberians that the Congo-Country feud, though latent, was still alive and was undermining the political and economic development of the country.
The occasion was the legal practitioner’s leap yet to another political establishment that seems vulnerable and badly in need of support. This time, it was the party of Harry Fumba Moniba – the Liberia National Union (LINU).
“Unless as many Liberians as possible group ourselves together and act quickly to launch a new political dispensation in our country, the violence which has subsided could again return with a vengeance and if it did, it could destroy our country,” one media report quoted Cllr. Tubman as saying at a LINU rally to install new leaders.
Cllr. Tubman gave any reason for abandoning Doe’s NDPL for his vice president’s LINU, heightening public suspicion that he may have bought the party to provide him easy access to the party’s vast Lofa constituency and to the Executive Mansion.
But LINU Vice Chairman for Political Affairs, Nathaniel McGill, told journalists that the counselor has come to the party with a wealth of experience to help strengthen it and not to buy or dominate it.
While that made sense and brought relief to a number of LINU partisans who spoke with The Analyst shortly after LINU’s induction and welcome ceremony last week, some say Cllr. Tubman’s current communiqué with CDC’s George Manneh Weah, casts a long dark shadow over the “help to strengthen and not to buy and dominate” explanation.
“When two politicians meet to discuss pooling resources and jointly contesting a hot political seat, they do so from positions of authority. Weah signed the communiqué as standard bearer of CDC and promised to stamp the affirmation of his party on the deal. Cllr. Tubman said the same; but on behalf of whom? LINU or NDPL in which he would have had that authority but had just recently dumped?” wondered LINU partisan Jacob G. Toby of Logan Town.
Toby expressed fears that the counselor, who he said was a newcomer and a “floor member that hardly know anything about LINU”, was committing the party to something neither the founding fathers nor the present executive leadership had dreamt about.
“He’s already acting unilaterally. This is the sign that he is going to dominate, not consult prior to taking actions. Next, he will ask to be given the standard-bearer position. They say that was how he got the NDPL and have to abandon it because he was facing undaunted resistance in his bid to join forces with CDC,” Toby claimed.
While incumbent LINU executives still hold their grounds that the veteran politician will not adopt, adapt, and dominate the party but will be an instrument of strength, analysts say the question now is not whether Cllr. Tubman will dominate, but how he will fare in LINU, given the apparent grassroots opposition to “big-shotism” in the party.
In their view, seeking a party to ride was bad politics in a country where the lack of sustained voters’ education has left many voters unfit to make informed choices on what caliber of politicians should be their next leaders.
“What is needed of any sincere politician is to join forces with other Liberians to build social and political consensuses on governance. Or at best, hold extensive consultations to discuss the bases for political merger that eschew the ‘godfather-novice’ relationship that the counselor and many others like him are seeking,” said one observer.
He said if politicians and party leaders hold discussions to blend two to three smaller parties into one big and popular one, that would decongest the political playing field and indicate to the Liberian people that politicians, at long last, have resolved to tolerate one another and relegate their individual ambitions to the political fittest. “On the contrary, if you seek collaboration and merger in which each party keeps its identity and power, you are seeking confusion and deeper rumbling,” he said. Mr. George Weah - CDC
Mr. George Weah - CDC
“But will they, or will they continue to prey on vulnerable parties as they snake to power?” is the question that analysts say needs immediate answer.
JOINT COMMUNIQUE
On June 23, 2009, Ambassador George M. Weah of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) and Ambassador Winston A. Tubman of Liberia National Union (LINU) met in the City of Accra, Ghana where they discussed matters relating to Liberia’s National Election Scheduled for 2011.
Ambassadors Weah and Tubman expressed concerns at the lack of progress towards national reconciliation, the unabated expansion and practice of corruption with impunity, the increase violent crimes and deteriorating living standard of Liberians.
They agreed to collaborate, join resources and efforts to put up a joint challenge during Liberia’s 2011 general elections. They further agreed to report to their respective Executive Committees on these developments in keeping with the parties’ constitutions. The two political leaders called upon other opposition parties to join in their collaboration efforts.
They also called upon the Liberian people to give them their full support as they strive to achieve national unity, security, development and prosperity.
DONE IN THE CITY OF ACCRA, REPUBLIC OF GHANA June 23, 2009
Signed Amb. George M. Weah Congress for Democratic Change (CDC)
Amb. Winston A. Tubman Liberia National Union (LINU)
31. 02-07-2009 08:37
Thanks for the update
Becky, You seem to be doing well with your news update. You informed us about the British secretary who resigned last week through an update. You're on the ball! Keep it up. We (I'm sorry, I) need more updates.
My situation room: If Weah has brains in his skull, he'll break away from Tubman in order to fight on his own. Here's why.
Immediately after he's helped to win by the followers of Weah, Tubman will use his savvy to find a reason that will "politically dislodge" the inexperienced Weah. By then, we would have returned to americo-Liberian rule!
Any good americo-Liberian could become president, but not Tubman, people. I beg yaw!
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Politicians are gamblers. They all bet and stake their fate on the
future. And this is done not in so quiet ways. To add to the spectacle,
it is often executed with everyone watching, and if they do win the
glee is always never mistaken: cameras capturing the smiles, newspaper
banners hailing their conquests, television and radios blaring their
speeches and images, the fist pumping and the almost near subtle
arrogance that comes with the power they inherit is palpable.
But when they lose, they alone must nurture their wounds from the public humiliation and defeat, they alone must go on and find something else to do, pay their debt from the campaign or defy the odds and come back swinging again. Winston Tubman has been down that road once, not as an elected public official but as a defeated presidential aspirant who give up his lucrative United Nations job like the current occupant to become president of tiny little Liberia. But why--- ‘oh okay’, you can certainly almost hear his supporters saying but ‘why not?’ That’s the 22 million dollar question.
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