CMC Welcomes Wadei Powell as Vice Chair for Political, Legal, and Government Reform

By: George C. Flomo

MONROVIA – The Citizens Movement for Change (CMC) over the weekend officially welcomed prominent Liberian business executive and political figure, Madam Wadei Powell, into its ranks, appointing her as Vice Chair for Political, Legal, and Government Reform. The induction ceremony took place at the party’s headquarters in Congo Town, drawing together party stalwarts, including Political Leader Musa Hassan Bility, Bong County District #3 Representative Josiah Melvin Cole, and senior executives of the CMC.

Speaking earlier, CMC National Chairman James M. V Yougie described the occasion as “a time of victory” for the Citizens Movement for Change, noting that the appointment of Madam Wadei Powell marks a new phase in the party’s journey.

“This is the time of victory; it’s a sign that our vision is getting clearer day by day,” Chairman Yougie declared. “In our midst today is Madam Wadei Powell, and we urge all of you to open your ears and listen to what she has to say as she joins the CMC family. We gladly receive her with a hand of applause.”

Madam Powell, who previously served as a key member of the Liberty Party, was received and honored by the party leadership following her decision to formally align with the CMC after months of consideration.

Bility Welcomes Powell, Highlights Women’s Role in the Party

In his remarks, CMC Standard Bearer Musa Hassan Bility described Powell’s entry into the movement as “deeply symbolic,” emphasizing her longstanding relationship with him and her contributions to the formation of the CMC.

“Wadei is not a sentimental person—she believes in standards,” Bility said. “Her decision to join us means a lot. She helped build the foundation of this movement, even before she officially came on board.”

Bility praised Powell for her leadership qualities and her influence in strengthening the party’s structure, both locally and in the diaspora. He also underscored CMC’s commitment to empowering women in politics, saying the party would ensure gender balance in its legislative and political activities.

“We hope to use the power of our female members to change the myth that politics is not for women,” he stated. “We are building a party that recognizes competence and balance in governance.”

Bility also used the occasion to criticize what he described as the “silence of the legislature” and called for a new generation of leaders committed to sacrifice and accountability.

He later presented Madam Powell with her letter of appointment, outlining her role to lead the development and advocacy of the party’s political, legal, and governmental reform policies and programs; coordinate legislative relations, and ensure alignment between the party’s platform and national governance issues.

‘I Am Here to Work and Help Prepare CMC to Govern’

In an emotional but assertive address, Madam Wadei Powell thanked the CMC leadership for the confidence reposed in her, describing her decision to join the movement as one made after “careful observation and reflection.”

She explained that her initial reluctance to join a political party stemmed from her experience in the Liberty Party, where she said internal conflicts and lack of shared vision derailed collective progress.

“When I resigned from the Liberty Party, I told myself I was done with politics,” Powell recounted. “I wanted to see if the CMC was serious, because if I’m coming to commit my time and energy, it has to be for something meaningful. I don’t do things halfway.”

Powell said she spent months observing the CMC’s structure, leadership, and engagement before deciding to join, adding that she was impressed by the level of organization and commitment shown by the members.

“CMC has built a strong core,” she said. “I am coming in not as an old friend, but as a new member ready to work. I want us to focus not only on winning elections but on being prepared to govern when that time comes.”

Upon receiving her official appointment letter, Powell declared herself “ready to execute her marching orders” and announced plans to engage citizens across the country to share CMC’s vision and programs.

“To the public, I will be reaching out,” she said. “CMC’s doors are open to every Liberian who shares our vision and mission—regardless of political, tribal, or religious affiliation.”

Rep. Cole: ‘A Political Midwife Ready to Deliver Liberia’

For his part, Bong County District #3 Representative Hon. Josiah Melvin Cole welcomed Madam Powell’s inclusion, describing her as a symbol of new political energy for the movement.

“We want to take this time to say, you are duly recognized,” Cole said. “I hope all of us will sit attentively as we receive a new political baby being assisted by His Excellency Musa Hassan Bility for a birth to take place. Because when a woman is about to give birth, it takes a qualified midwife—and this is a political midwife of our time, ready to deliver Liberia.”

A New Phase for CMC

The inclusion of Madam Wadei Powell, known for her business acumen, advocacy for good governance, and political experience—is being seen as a major boost for the Citizens Movement for Change as it continues to position itself as a credible alternative to Liberia’s traditional political structures.

Her appointment as Vice Chair for Political, Legal, and Government Reform signals a renewed drive within the CMC to expand its influence and prepare for future elections with a focus on policy-driven leadership and reform-centered governance.