By Taisiah K. Merfee
Western Liberia, comprising Grand Cape Mount, Bomi and Gbarpolu Counties are demanding Unity Party Standard Bearer Amb. Joseph Nyumah Boakai and Vision for Liberia Transformation Party (VOLT) Dr. Jeremiah Z. Whapoe presidential ticket in the upcoming 2023 Presidential and legislative elections.
According to a cross section of residents in western Liberia, they of the belief that a Boakai-Whapoe ticket in 2023 will make a good representation for the people of Liberia, adding that its time that Liberians be governed by people of like minds and visions.
Making the disclosure Sunday evening on November 26, 2022 in Kon Town, Grand Cape Mount County during an acquaintance visit of the political leader of Vision for Liberia Transformation Party (VOLT) Dr. Whapoe, they noted a Boakai-Whapoe ticket will be a formidable force against the governing Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) government of President George Weah.
“We are ready and prepared to vote in 2023 to end the sufferings that we are experiencing. But, we will vote if you can be a running mate to former Vice President Joseph Boakai. We believe that the collaboration of the both of you will redeem our country and make a formidable force against the CDC. We are not asking you but us the three counties are demanding if you need our votes,” they noted.
Speaking on behalf of the three counties, the general Town Chief of Kon Town, Mr. Garrsan Sheriff, indicated that they are willing to work with Dr. Whapoe because they believe he will make a good leader but only if he can be a running mate to Amb. Boakai.
Dr. Jeremiah Whapoe – VOLT political leader & Amb. Joseph Boakai – UP standard bearer
According to him, over the times they have been seeing Dr. Whapoe in their county and interacting with him, they know that he is a man with good heart that has love for the country, however, it’s important that he serves as vice so that they (Boakai & Whapoe) can deliver the nation.
“You have done lots for us in this country. You have shown to us that you are indeed a man of good heart and kind spirit. But we are also asking you to please work around things and see how best you can collaborate with Mr. Boakai to make one ticket. We see that ticket as winning team because it is what we want,” he concluded.
Over the weekend, Dr. Whapoe was invited by citizens in Grand Cape Mount County for what they described as acquaintance visit and advice sharing engagement meeting.
The gathering brought together citizens of Bomi, Gbarpolu and Grand Cape Mount Counties respectively. During the engagement, the three counties through their various leaders appealed for a Boakai and Whapoe Presidential ticket in 2023.
The program which was held in the Kon Town Hall, was also graced by the several traditional and social groupings, including the Da Awatu Islamiatu Ballajah, Matambo Women Group, United Youth for Peace and Development, Successful Youth for Development and Kon Town Youth for Progress all from the counties.
Meanwhile, responding to the concerns and observation of the cross section of citizens in western Liberia, Dr. Whapoe said that he heard their concerns but it’s not his responsibility to tell Amb. Boakai who to choose him.
According to him, the former Vice President is at liberty and free-will to choose his presidential running mate in the 2023 elections, but if the concern continues to be raised by you the citizens maybe something meaningful can happen.
“I have heard your concerns but it’s not my responsibility to tell Mr. Boakai to choose me because he is at liberty to choose. However, if he looks my direction fine because I respect him and lot and we have and share similar vision. We hope that the right thing be done to redeem our country because the sufferings are many,” He added.
Dr. Whapoe further indicated that it is now time that all hands get on desk to ensure that the country is redeemed and protected from the hands of those he describe as ‘boys’, noting that “there is still hope for Liberians if they can choose wisely.”
