177th Independence Day Orator Rally For Reforms; Want Justice and Transparency Restore in Liberia

By: Feeme Wantee

Liberia- In a stirring speech marking Liberian’s 177th Independence Day, Dr. Robtel Neajal Pailey, Orator of the 177th Independence Day, has issued a powerful call for sweeping reforms to bolster judicial and integrity institutions.

Addressing the Independence Day ceremony on Friday, July 26, 2024, at the Centennial Pavilion in Monrovia, Dr. Pailey said there is a need for Liberians to uphold fair justice and transparency as pillars of the country.

She emphasized the importance of tackling corruption by exposing and punishing individuals involved in corruption, describing them as enemies of the state.

DR. Pailey further stated that individuals involved in corrupt practices must be publicly made ashamed, noting that it will help strengthen the judicial system and integrity of institutions.

“Those found guilty of evading public trust should be sent to jail and we must strengthen the judicial bodies and integrity institutions by populating them with impartial patriots”

Dr. Paisley’s statement comes at a time when Liberia is grappling with issues of corruption and inefficiency within government institutions.

The 177th Independence Day Orator strongly criticized corruption in both the public and private sectors, urging reforms to the minimum wage, social security, and better policies of the nation.

“Dignity must define us, challenging Liberians to reimagine their identity and forge a new path that embraces the historical aspect,” she said.

The National Orator declared a radical agenda for change, urging Liberians to ” Build Better ” and ” Build Black Differently.

She lamented that the Liberian nation had lost sight of its founding principles, disclosing that division and inequalities have emerged over the years and also citizenship tiers have been based on ethnicity, class, gender, religion, and race,

Dr. Pailey called for a reassessment of how Liberians treat each other and urged for the restoration of the dignity that once defined the country.

She rallied for the integration of citizenship education into national curriculum at the same time encouraging a sense of responsibility among citizens, stating that the birth of Liberia was not just an assertion of freedom but a bold statement of black self-rule long before the wave of African independence movements in the mid – 20th century.

“Liberia ‘s Independence Day should be referred to as ” In Defiance Day,” the courage and determination of Liberia’s foremothers and fathers who proved that black self-rule was both possible and undeniable,” she proposed.

“We must sharpen our minds, silence and suppress dissent, and mortgage our resources to the highest bidder to protect the cultural and scholarly traditions that fill our hearts as a nation”.

The Orator’s speech resonated with many who believe that reform is essential for restoring public confidence and ensuring that justice prevails.