Lofa Citizens Endorse Weah As CDC Storms ‘Boika’ Stronghold’

Thousands of citizens across Lofa County, the presumed stronghold and home of Vice President Joseph NyumaBoakai, last week welcomed Senator George M. Weah, leader of the Coalition for Democratic Change and his entourage including Sen. Jewel Howard-Taylor, Vice Standard Bearer of the CDC into the county.

The CDC leader and his entourage stormed the county visiting some of the majortowns and villages during a campaign tour in Lofa.

Their visit also extended to Zorzor, Kolahun and Voinjama City where the two CDC leaders were gowned by traditional chiefs and elders for their roles in bringing peace in the country.

Earlier, citizenswho assembled at the bridge connecting Lofa and Bong in Salayea, told Sen. Weah and his entourage that they strongly believe that he can better lead Liberia after President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf leaves office.

Joseph Kollie, speaking on behalf of the citizens in Salayea District, said:"For more than twelve years, this Unity Party-led government fooled us. They promised us on many days that they will fix our roads and we in turn, voted them into office hoping that they could fulfill those promises. But what did they do? They failed to give us better roads or better life for twelve years despite the fulfillment of our commitment to continuously vote for them.”

"Some have said that this is their stronghold. But today, this huge gathering of people, some of whom have been here since this morning, can attest to you that we love you. We have followed your records for years and we can say here today, that you are the most qualified candidate to succeed President Sirleaf in this election," added Kollie.

The citizens in Salayea, also named Senator George M. Weahthe "Human Magnet" and ‘Kolubah’ for his ability to command a huge following wherever he goes. Political pundits described the separate gatherings that greeted the CDC leader as ‘unprecedented’ and a "show of strength" by the party in Lofa, stressing that it will also help to debunk mythsthat the CDC is "only popular" in Monrovia.

Before arriving in the county, Senator Weah and his running mate Senator Jewel Howard-Taylor held several community engagements with motorcyclists and marketeers in Gbarnga and other villages in Bong County where he reiterated his commitment to better the lives of his people if elected to the Presidency of Liberia.

While in Lofa, Senator Weah continued his message of reconciliation and a lasting peace in every village and town that he visited stressing that he is the only candidate that has the charisma to unite "this country" and better the lives of her citizens.

"I have repeatedly said to my supporters across this country and the media that my singular aim of joining politics is to transform the lives of my people and unite my country. For twelve years, they held you in captivity. Under my leadership as the President of Liberia, you will no longer be starved. You will live a better life with abundant opportunities," he said.

Senator Weah further noted that if elected, he will prioritize the issue of road connection in the county stressing that only a better road connection can restore the county's record of being "the food basket" in Liberia. He also told the citizens of Lofa that his administration will embark on rigorous reforms in the healthcare and education sectors across the country.

"This is the time that we must stop the Unity Party (UP)”!;under our administration, we will promote better education across Liberia. We will pay the WAEC fees for all students across Liberia. My administration will also ensure that our Healthcare services are accessible and affordable to every citizen across this country."I want to see a Liberia where our people will be treated after they fall sick with the government footing most of the bills; a Liberia where our people will no longer die as a result of their inability to receive better healthcare service for curable diseases. Under my administration, we will do everything to empower you and make this country a better place for you and your children,” he said amidst thunderous applause.

The CDC leader also used the occasion to educate the voters on how they should cast their votes stressing that they must turn out in their numbers to vote for him at the 17th spot on the ballot paper, in order to stop the UP-led government from succeeding herself in the impending elections.