By Linus Aleke

The former Chair of the
Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and President of Ghana, Mr. Nana Akufo-Addo, has urged Liberian electorates to shun ethnic politics, as they go to the poll in October to elect new set of leaders that will take mantle over the mantle of leadership from the current crops of leaders in the country.

“As you go to the polls, look beyond where you come from, deepen cohesion for peace and prosperity. You are Liberians first and foremost. If there must be a flight, it must be a fight to work together for the advancement of the country, political and economic gain,” he said in Monrovia, while addressing audience at the 176th Independence anniversary celebration of Liberia.

This is even as Liberian President George Weah tasked politicians contesting for various positions to shun violence, to ensure peaceful polls in their various counties, while putting the interest of the people first before theirs.

Akufo-Addo congratulated the government and people of Liberia on the occasion of their independence and their adherence to the Accra commitment.

He noted that it gives him great excitement to see the fruition of the Accra Agreement which was a commitment to the peace in Liberia by all factions after the brutal civil war.

Court strikes out application by DSS to further detain Emefiele

He urged Liberians to hold on to the tenets of the agreement and again, preserve its democracy to a peaceful transition.

“The successful implementation of the Accra agreement twenty years after has seen to peaceful transition of power and this must be maintained,” he said.

Akufo-Addo pledged the commitment of ECOWAS to supporting Liberia to achieving peaceful, credible and transparent elections.

President Adama Barrow of the Gambia also greeted the country on their independence celebration, urging them to remain unity to achieve another mark for a peaceful democratic transition.

Earlier in his remarks, Liberian President, Mr. George Weah, promised to deliver a violent free, credible, transparent and inclusive elections, in October.

Weah said that the theme for this year’s celebration is with a special significance as it comes on the heels of the nation’s elections reiterating his commitments to uphold and preserve the peaceful democracy of Liberia.

“Today, we have a collective duty to uphold and defend our constitution and I pledge to do that with all my ability. The theme of this year’s celebration is also a reminder to do our duty to country and to God. And I reiterate my commitments to preserving the peace of the country which has been sustained since the singing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) on Aug. 18, 2003 in Accra, Ghana. The Presidential and general elections will be credible, reflect the voice of the people of Liberia, and will meet international and national standards,” Weah said.

He thanked Liberian citizens for their resilience and commitment to the sustained peace in the country.

He said: “We have proven that what unites us is bigger than what divides us and we are grateful to the people of Liberia for their tenacity and commitment to preserving the peace of the country since the end of the civil war. We should know the value of peace now and must do all we can to sustain it”.

The theme of the anniversary celebration is “Giving our People Hope for a Violence Free, Fair, Transparent, Inclusive and credible elections”.

The Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Sidie Tunis, representative of the ECOWAS President, Omar Touray, the Foreign Minister of Ukraine Dmtyro Kuleba among other dignitaries, were also present during the anniversary celebration.