CDC Brings Monrovia To Standstill
By E. J. Nathaniel Daygbor In Monrovia
By 6am local time, it was evident that Monrovia was about to lockdown. Movement of people from various communities, slums, and suburbs of Monrovia echoed the clarion call by the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) for two million of its partisans to converge at the Party’s headquarters for the official launch of the much-anticipated political campaign 2017.
Men, woman, and young people trooped to the headquarters of the CDC in Congo Town, along the Tubman Boulevard. The streets and corners of the Liberian Capital, Monrovia were overwhelmed, traffic jammed, pedestrians trekked on foot, as marketers stalled their wares.
All had one objective – official launch of the CDC campaign, but above all else, the CDCians made show of their numerical strength to assure their political leader and standard-bearer, Sen. George Manneh Weah that they will make him winner at first balloting of the October 2017 polls.
The partisans, supporters, sympathizers and friends, dressed in their blue t-shirts printed with the CDC’s emblem, some with the portrait of the Sen. Weah and Sen. Jewel Howard Taylor. Other clayed in their blue or black jean pants to match, while some others parked their commercial and private vehicles, as they tramped on foot and matched onward to their headquarters in Congo Town.
On their way to the Party headquarters, some partisans chanted, “Win The Debate, We Will Win The Mansion.” Others sang as they jogged: “You can have the debate but give Weah and he knows book or not we’ll vote for him.” It is reminiscent of Taylor-feverish slogan, “He kill my ma, he killed my pa, I will vote for him…” and a 1980 pro-PRC slogan, “Country woman born soldier…”
The streets of Monrovia were also blocked with thousands of people from all over the city and its environs joyously flocking to the headquarter of the Party in anticipation to take a glance of and listen to their presidential candidate, George Manneh Weah and his running mate Senator Jewel Howard Taylor.
Among the supporters and partisans was Liberian Nollywood renowned actor, Gregory Frank Artus, who also believes in Senator Weah’s message of change.
He was ecstatic by the positive vibes emanating from the gigantic crowd that assembled in an effort to showcase to the world that indeed Senator George Manneh Weah is the man to bring about the much needed change that Liberians yearn for.
Also as the city and its environs stood still as a result of the CDC partisans’ quest to jlaunch their political campaign in support of the presidential bid of their political leader, officers of the Liberia National Police were in readiness to combat any situation that could create insecurity to residents of Monrovia and other nationals.
The convoy of the CDC Presidential candidate and his running mate drove around the capital, through the Somalia Drive, taking at least 12 hours and finally reaching the headquarter of the party in Congo Town. Thousands of fans-cum-partisans lined the route to catch a glimpse of Senators Weah and Taylor.
After hours of waiting at the CDC’s headquarters, Weah and team, along with former Senate President Pro Tempore Gbenzohngar Milton Findley arrived at about 10:20 pm.
Speaking to his supporters, Weah promised to establish a Special Court to deal with corruption cases. He said that corruption is the main factor that left the oldest African republic in the dungeon of poverty and underdevelopment.
He told his partisans and Liberians that the option to eradicate or reduce corruption is to lay down strong policies and a strong legal prosecution where the accused can be tried expeditiously.
He also promised to disengage recycling of ‘old politicians. He noted that Liberia deserves young brains and contemporary ideas.