Montserrado County District #3 Representative candidate, Mr. Torbor Tee Wonokay, has charged Liberians especially those of voting ages in his district, to seize the opportunity and vote right on October 10.
On Tuesday, October 10, Liberians are going to head to the polls to elect a new set of lawmakers, including representatives and senators, and a new President and Vice President.
“Our nation is over 175 years old. Throughout these years, we have missed out on very specific opportunities to help the ordinary people among us. Throughout these years, we have gone out and blame the Liberian Government for all of Liberia’s problems. But I say to you today, ladies and gentlemen, that for state institutions responsible for the functioning of democracy to exist, it depends on the ordinary people like you.”
Wonokay, who is contesting as an independent candidate, spoke Saturday, August 26, when he officially launched his campaign activities on the Henry Reeves Campus field along the Pipeline side of the Parker’s Paint Road.
Tee, as he is affectionately called, reminded his audience, who had gathered from all the 52 communities in the district, that the ballot that they go and cast every six years is what is responsible for how state institutions function.
“And, when you go out there to cast your ballot, you must cast your ballot on the basis of [the candidate’s] qualification and love for nation,” he admonished. He even cautioned that there are boys and girls who depend on the decisions of those of them who will be voting to make the right choice so that every action from the state will affect them (boys and girls) positively.
“For the last 18 years, we have disappointed so many young people; this institutional republic has turned its back on so many young people. I want to tell you that we can’t continue to blame the government alone for all of Liberia’s problems. We have to begin to take some personal and professional responsibilities.
“Six years ago, we voted a man; and now we have another opportunity to vote. And, I can tell you in all unequivocal terms that six years of development doesn’t look like what we see around here.”
Tee, who wants to represent District #3 in the House of Representatives stressed that inasmuch as there are still more hungry boys and girls roaming about, no representative should be proud to take home US$30,000 a month. He emphasized: “In my mind this is a national shame which MUST come to an end on October 10.” Most of his poignant statements were greeted by loud battle cries and applauds from the audience, who were predominantly young Liberians.
He promised his constituents when he is elected their lawmaker, he will be the first lawmaker in Liberia’s history to not take salary or benefits. He promised to give everything back to the District Development Council (DDC) for worthy projects in the entire district.
He also informed his audience that when he becomes their representative, he won’t be there to fight the government. “When I become your representative, I am not going to confront the government; I am not going to fight the government. I am going to dialogue; I am going to lobby; I am to talk to the leader of our nation so that we can work together and bring about economy developments for our nation.”
Among other things, he extended thanks to God for the blessing that He has bestowed upon him; adding: “I am not a hungry man. God has blessed me. I am not rich but I am not hungry. Two weeks from today, I am going to organize a bus ride for everyone who will want to go and see what I have before you can decide to vote for me. By the grace of God, I have US$3.5 million worth of investments in hotel (US$1.8M) and 100 housing units. I am not a representative that will steal from you,” he assured.
Earlier, speeches were made by members of the DDC, the religious communities and representatives from some of the communities in the district. Everyone pledged their support and their votes for Candidate Torbor Tee Wonokay, who might be #16 on the ballot paper.
