The Political Leader of the opposition Liberia People’s Party (LPP) Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe has promised free and compulsory education for all Liberian children in the country if he elected as president of Liberia in the October 10, 2023 Legislative and Presidential elections.
Cllr. Gongloe, a renowned human rights lawyer, former solicitor general, former minister of labor, and former Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA) president, also said when elected President of he will ensure that vocational and technical education be free and compulsory throughout the country.
Speaking yesterday at the Movement for Intellectual Exchange intellectual forum, on the Buchrod Island Cllr. Gongloe said education is also a right that every citizen is entitled to under the universal declaration of human rights, he argued.
According to him, “Article 6 of the constitution provides, the Republic shall, because of the vital role assigned to the individual citizen under this Constitution for the social, economic and political well-being of Liberia, provide equal access to educational opportunities and facilities for all citizens to the extent of available resources.
Torching on the rule of law, Cllr. Gongloe said, though Liberia was founded to promote and protect the rights of those who were abused in the United States, disrespect for the rule of law in the post-conflict nation remains the order of the day.
Cllr. Gongloe observed that the situation which varies from one generation to another is an aged-old problem confronting the nation.
He emphasized that though the laws are in the book, past and present governments have to ensure their impartial application.
He observed that the rule of law in Liberia is being selectively applied to benefit those in power and their close associates.
“In Liberia today, some people will violate the law and go free and others will violate the same law but actions will be taken. That is not the country that was expected to be built in 1847. It was a country that was supposed to take everyone to be equal irrespective of religion, sex, or tribe. So, Cllr. Gongloe wants to take us to a country where our rights will be respected. Governance by the rule of law is the only thing that can make everything straight”.
Reckless stealing in government
He pledged to promote and protect and rule of law and help eradicate what he called “reckless stealing in government” when given the chance to serve Liberia and its citizens at the level of the presidency.
He observed that “reckless stealing in government” continues to deny the country and its citizens the needed benefits and transformation.
Cllr. Gongloe claimed that this is one of the main reasons why many supporters of President Weah continue to depart the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) on a regular basis.
“If the President of Liberia does not steal, the people there will not steal because if they do it, the President will put them to check”.
He promised to declare and publish his assets in the media, along with his salaries and other benefits when elected President.
Cllr. Gongloe threatened that regardless of having the requisite expertise to perform in government, he would not hesitate to fire public officials who failed or refused to declare their assets and have it published.
“I will put the salaries and benefits of the President down to the janitor that works in government on the internet and in the newspaper. We will do a lifestyle audit after every three months”.
He further stressed the need for those seeking the highest office in Liberia to clearly spell out “what they want to do with power” before being given the chance to lead the country.
He is known as the “Poor Man Lawyer.” His party, the Liberian People’s Party (LPP) played an important role in the struggle for social justice and democracy in Liberia but has been in the wilderness for a while, but Cllr. Gongloe has rebirthed the LPP on the national stage
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