The opposition Liberty Party appears to be emboldened by a couple of ingenious administrative and political strategies coming out of the new breed of cadres and stalwarts. Much of the stimulants keeping the party lively and agile are due to fear of public suspicion, as to whether the morale and potency of the party will follow into the grave of the man who gave live and zest to it, legendary jurist and political icon, Cllr. Charles Walker Brumskine who passed off in 2019. One of such catalyzing underpinnings of the new dynamism is the election of dominantly progressive partisans who benefitted from the wisdom of Cllr Brumskine for years and merit the overwhelming confidence of the partisans. Amongst them is businessman Hasan Musa Bility, who was elected over the weekend during the first major post-Brumskine National conference. True to expectation, Mr. Bility has begun a set of reform initiatives, promising that the party under his chairman will rise to the zenith of national leadership in no time. The Analyst reports.
Businessman Musa Bility has finally captured the Chairmanship of the opposition Liberty Party. He was overwhelmingly elected by conferees last Saturday during the party’s annual convention that took place in Gbarnga, Bong County.
The new LP boss has hit the ground running, avowing major reforms that will make the party take a notable place in the Liberian political mosaic.
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Bility expressed the hope that the Liberty is poised under his leadership to take a prominent place in the opposition community represented by the Collaboration Political Party but also on the general national scene.
He expressed his sincere honor in accepting his election as the incoming Chairman of the Liberty Party, asserting: “I am truly humbled. I would like to thank all our partisans for voting for me to represent you and trusting that, with your help, I will carry out this responsibility to the best of my ability. This is not a personal victory for me…rather, it is one that I share with all of you.”
He congratulated all of the other elected officers of the National Executive Committee who are now charged with the tremendous responsibility of steering the affairs of the Party. “We all have the huge task ahead of us of building our beloved Party”, he said..
“I am certain that TOGETHER we can achieve,” Bility intoned.
He said the party will explode to prominence.
“LP is about to explode in ways unimaginable and I am calling on all well-meaning Liberians to join us as we take our Party to the next level,” Bility said in a statement Saturday, January 23, 2021.
“The doors of the Liberty Party are open and we welcome fresh ideas and people who are ready to put in the work to make our Party and country better. And as we continue the work we have set out to do, we do so always remembering our mantra: Together, We Can Do Better!”
Bility said it was imperative that “we continue on this journey in a united manner until we have translated this vision into reality.”
He implored partisans to help in furthering the Liberty Party into an institution of principles and values that is a leader in national contribution to creating the conditions necessary to achieving sustainable economic, social, and infrastructural development, peace and security.
“We must take advantage of the multitude of talents within LP in driving our agenda,” he asserted further, stating that his administration will look outside of the LP family to find like-minded individuals who can join this journey and help us realize our vision.
He promised to engender a supportive environment for more inclusion of women in the party’s national political process and discourse, adding, “We have seen in recent times the wave of women stepping up to the plate to serve their country and it is our duty to ensure that women have unencumbered freedom to participate and take their rightful place in society”.
He continued: “We must fully grasp that the youth of today are the future of Liberia’s tomorrow and therefore lobby to ensure our young people have access to education, healthcare, nutrition and skills development to enable them to participate and become self-sufficient.
“We must protect our relationships with the MRU, ECOWAS and African Union in order to ensure that Liberia is an active contributor to the African development agenda and that we benefit from the various treaties and opportunities available through these organizations.
It is imperative that we continue on this journey in a united manner until we have translated this vision into reality.”
He called on all his partisans to contributing towards developing the Liberty Party into an institution of principles and values that is a leader in national contribution to creating the conditions necessary to achieving sustainable economic, social, and infrastructural development, peace and security.
“We must take advantage of the multitude of talents within LP in driving our agenda. And we must look outside of our LP family to find like-minded individuals who can join this journey and help us realize our vision,” the Liberian businessman-turned-politician noted.
Regarding the development of youth, Bility said the youth of today are the future of Liberia’s tomorrow and that he will therefore lobby to ensure our young people have access to education, healthcare, nutrition and skills development to enable them to participate and become self-sufficient.
He also called for actions to protect Liberia’s relationships with the MRU, ECOWAS and African Union in order to ensure that Liberia is an active contributor to the African development agenda and that we benefit from the various treaties and opportunities available through these organizations.
The paid tribute the LP’s founding father, Cllr. Charles Walker Brumskine, Sr., who, he said, had a dream, “to rebuild a society characterized by reconciliation, mutual respect and tolerance under the rule of law…to use our respect for human rights, justice, and equal protection under the law as a tool to undergird our adherence to the principles of democracy…and our common heritage, enriched by the diversity of Liberian culture…as the thread that binds us one to the other and makes possible our prosperous future.”
“The dream that he had so many years ago gave birth to the Liberty Party that we all know and love today and began the journey towards building a “better Liberia” that many of us here have, at one time or another, joined and continue to fight for.”
According to Mr. Bility, the Liberty Party was founded on the principles of unity, growth and development and Cllr. Brumskine’s vision for Liberia, and the Liberty Party, which we all share, is enshrined in the party’s Constitution.
“Shortly, before his passing, Cllr. Brumskine’s foresight was once again displayed in helping to create this environment through the Collaborating Political Party (the CPP), of which Liberty Party is a founding member,” the LP Boss recalled.
“The last two years has seen tremendous growth within the CPP. LP has been and remains a formidable force in ensuring the success of the CPP. And so as we continue to pursue our vision, we will also continue to build on strengthening and developing the CPP to ensure that we contribute towards achieving our individual and collectively defined priorities.”
He added: “Beginning February 2021, Liberty Party assumes Chairmanship of the CPP for the next eight months. This is a critical period for us, both as Liberty Party and as CPP. The just ended midterm elections clearly showed our strength with Liberty Party winning two seats in the Legislature, contributing to the overall six seats won by the CPP. We must be doing something right.”
“However, this does not mean that we become complacent. Rather, it is just the opposite. We must now roll up our sleeves and continue to build the institution of the CPP, provide the necessary support to our current elected lawmakers, strengthen out legislative caucuses to achieve our agenda, and identify winning candidates, not only in preparation for 2023, but for the work of governance that comes thereafter. This will be a primary focus of this LP administration.”
He reminded partisans to remember the objective of developing an environment of fraternal love, understanding, and mutual respect among the people of Liberia in order to reconcile the body politic for the creation of a democratic society steadfast in the rule of law.
The new LP leader also thanked his predecessors who, he said, paved the way that have brought the party to its current level.
He specifically paid tributes to Cllr. Fonati Koffa, Mr. Israel Akinsanya, Mr. Ben Sanvee, Senator Steve Zargo.
“To the immediate outgoing Chairman, Mr. Steve Zargo, although you have turned over the seat of Chairman, I know that your door will still be open to Liberty Party,” he said.
Turning to his Political Leader Senator Karngar Lawrence, Mr. Bility continued: “I particularly share this victory with you. Your courage and firmness, in the face of adversity, is a true testament to your desire to bring about change both within our Party and our country. During our recent period of re-unification and rebuilding, you have shepherded us in a manner that has allowed us to reach this point. We salute you as our leader and look forward to working with you in the coming years.”
SEE BELOW FULL TEXT OF MR. BILITY’S ACCEPTANCE SPEECH:
ACCEPTANCE SPEECH OF NEWLY ELECTED LIBERTY PARTY CHAIRMAN
MUSA HASSAN BILITY
GBARNGA, BONG COUNTY, LIBERIA
Saturday, January 23, 2021
The Political Leader of the Liberty Party, Senator Nyonblee Karngar Lawrence,
Outgoing Chairman of the Liberty Party, Senator Steve Zargo,
Members of the Liberty Party National Convention, National Executive Committee, and National Advisory Council,
LP Partisans here and abroad,
Political Leaders of the Collaborating Political Parties, Mr. Benoni Urey (All Liberia Party), Mr. Alexander B. Cummings, Alternative National Congress, and Hon. Joseph Nyumah Boakai (Unity Party),
Officers and Members of the Collaborating Political Parties,
Representatives of local and international organizations,
Friends,
Members of the media,
Distinguished Ladies and gentlemen.
It is with sincere honor that I accept my election as the incoming Chairman of the Liberty Party. I am truly humbled. I would like to thank all our partisans for voting for me to represent you and trusting that, with your help, I will carry out this responsibility to the best of my ability. This is not a personal victory for me…rather, it is one that I share with all of you.
I would like to also congratulate all of the other elected officers of the National Executive Committee who are now charged with the tremendous responsibility of steering the affairs of our Party. We all have the huge task ahead of us of building our beloved Party, which I am certain that TOGETHER we can achieve.
I would also like to say a big thank you to the Chairmen that have come before me and paved the way that have brought us this far: Cllr. Fonati Koffa, Mr. Israel Akinsanya, Mr. Ben Sanvee, Senator Steve Zargo. To the immediate outgoing Chairman, Mr. Steve Zargo, although you have turned over the seat of Chairman, I know that your door will still be open to Liberty Party.
To our Political Leader, Senator Karngar Lawrence, I particularly share this victory with you. Your courage and firmness, in the face of adversity, is a true testament to your desire to bring about change both within our Party and our country. During our recent period of re-unification and rebuilding, you have shepherded us in a manner that has allowed us to reach this point. We salute you as our leader and look forward to working with you in the coming years.
Many years ago our founding father, Cllr. Charles Walker Brumskine, Sr., had a dream, “to rebuild a society characterized by reconciliation, mutual respect and tolerance under the rule of law…to use our respect for human rights, justice, and equal protection under the law as a tool to undergird our adherence to the principles of democracy…and our common heritage, enriched by the diversity of Liberian culture…as the thread that binds us one to the other and makes possible our prosperous future.” The dream that he had so many years ago gave birth to the Liberty Party that we all know and love today and began the journey towards building a “better Liberia” that many of us here have, at one time or another, joined and continue to fight for.
The Liberty Party was founded on the principles of unity, growth and development and Cllr. Brumskine’s vision for Liberia, and the Liberty Party, which we all share, is enshrined in our Constitution as follows:
- To develop an environment of fraternal love, understanding, and mutual respect among the people of Liberia in order to reconcile the body politic for the creation of a democratic society steadfast in the rule of law.
- To create a unity of purpose among the people of Liberia so that, even in our diversity, we will seek first our collective peace, security, and welfare above group and/or individual self-interest.
- To build viable institutions of democratic governance based on the rule of law and not the whims of men and women.
- To develop the natural and human resources of Liberia for the benefit of Liberians, realizing that we are all our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers, as we strive to build a society of which our posterity will be proud.
- To re-establish Liberia’s role in regional and international affairs, as a champion of peace, democracy, and human rights.
- To build Liberia’s economy by utilizing our human and natural resources in productive ways and to live peaceful and productive lives in the pursuit of happiness, as enshrined in the Constitution of Liberia.
And so, my fellow LP partisans, as I stand before you today as the newly elected Chairman of the Liberty Party, I do so with pride and a new and reinvigorated commitment to carrying out the LP vision. Today, over 17 years after its birth, LP remains a shining beacon in the struggle to attain this vision of a better Liberia. We have participated in several electoral processes, both at the Executive and Legislative levels, collaborated with and supported ruling administrations on matters that were beneficial to our country and people, and spoken against those that were detrimental. Liberia’s future is dependent and inextricably linked to our individual and collective actions and decisions and we must therefore take this responsibility very seriously. But, I am fully aware that I cannot do this alone. If we are to truly achieve success in creating a better Liberia, we must all commit to doing it together. It is imperative that we continue on this journey in a united manner until we have translated this vision into reality.
- We must further develop the Liberty Party into an institution of principles and values that is a leader in national contribution to creating the conditions necessary to achieving sustainable economic, social, and infrastructural development, peace and security.
- We must take advantage of the multitude of talents within LP in driving our agenda. And we must look outside of our LP family to find like-minded individuals who can join this journey and help us realize our vision.
- We must engender a supportive environment for more inclusion of women in our national political process and discourse. We have seen in recent times the wave of women stepping up to the plate to serve their country and it is our duty to ensure that women have unencumbered freedom to participate and take their rightful place in society.
- We must fully grasp that the youth of today are the future of Liberia’s tomorrow and therefore lobby to ensure our young people have access to education, healthcare, nutrition and skills development to enable them to participate and become self-sufficient.
- We must protect our relationships with the MRU, ECOWAS and African Union in order to ensure that Liberia is an active contributor to the African development agenda and that we benefit from the various treaties and opportunities available through these organizations.
I think we all in this room can agree that Liberia is a land of boundless opportunities, possibilities and potential. We are blessed with some of the most fertile soil in the world, a plethora of natural resources, and friends and partners that have and continue to root for our success. Liberty Party has a responsibility to ensure that our vast resources are developed and used effectively to benefit our peoples and drive our developmental agenda.
Shortly, before his passing, Cllr. Brumskine’s foresight was once again displayed in helping to create this environment through the Collaborating Political Party (the CPP), of which Liberty Party is a founding member. The last two years has seen tremendous growth within the CPP. LP has been and remains a formidable force in ensuring the success of the CPP. And so as we continue to pursue our vision, we will also continue to build on strengthening and developing the CPP to ensure that we contribute towards achieving our individual and collectively defined priorities. Beginning February 2021, Liberty Party assumes Chairmanship of the CPP for the next eight months. This is a critical period for us, both as Liberty Party and as CPP. The just ended midterm elections clearly showed our strength with Liberty Party winning two seats in the Legislature, contributing to the overall six seats won by the CPP. We must be doing something right. HOWEVER, this does not mean that we become complacent. Rather, it is just the opposite. We must now roll up our sleeves and continue to build the institution of the CPP, provide the necessary support to our current elected lawmakers, strengthen out legislative caucuses to achieve our agenda, and identify winning candidates, not only in preparation for 2023, but for the work of governance that comes thereafter. This will be a primary focus of this LP administration.
And so, as I conclude, I would like to leave the LP National Advisory Council, and the newly elected officers of the National Executive Committee, all our partisans, and Liberians at large with these words from two great political leaders of our time:
Kwame Nkrumah said: “The forces that unite us are intrinsic and greater than the superimposed influences that keep us apart.”
John F. Kennedy said: “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country”
No truer words have been said. The time is now for each and every one of us, despite our differences, to recognize that as LIBERIANS, we have a duty to come together and do what we must to contribute to the development of our Party and our nation building. No longer can we stand on the sidelines and criticize without being a part of the solution. We are LIBERIANS first and so we must eat, breathe and sleep Liberia. The past is gone – done and dusted – but we still have the future to tend to. And we all, each and everyone one of us, have a role to play in this process. LP is about to explode in ways unimaginable and I am calling on all well-meaning Liberians to join us as we take our Party to the next level. The doors of the Liberty Party are open and we welcome fresh ideas and people who are ready to put in the work to make our Party and country better. And as we continue the work we have set out to do, we do so always remembering our mantra:
Together, We Can Do Better!
I thank you.
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