Two prominent Liberian Christian and Muslim clerics have warned the over 2 million registered voters not to vote on tribal line and engage in violence during next Tuesday’s presidential and legislative elections.
The President of the Liberia Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention, Rev. Olu Menjay and the country’s Chief Iman, Sheik Ali Krayee advised their compatriots at a recent forum in Monrovia not to heed to such rehetoric which would fuel instability.
Rev. Olu Menjay, President of the Liberia Baptist Mission said some of the politicians have cultivated the habit of tricking young people to instigate violence in the country. And he challenge young people to vote their consciences and “not to be fooled by fake politicians.”
According to him the Baptist preacher, most of the so-called politicians care about seeking their own interests rather than addressing the basic needs of people (electorates) that elected to state power.
Their warning comes in the wake attempts by some candidates and political parties to play the ethnic card by spewing the “country-congur” rhetorics that it’s time for the native people to rule Liberia as a means of attracting votes.
“I am not voting on tribal line, based on friendship line, association but I am voting based on my conscious and commitment to this country,” Menjay said.
As preacher of the Gospel, the Baptist cleric also admonished Liberians to seek the peace of God and not the peace that is common around here.
‘’We can’t go back to the dark days of war in this country where lives and properties were destroyed due to power struggle among politicians. Work with the church, your community and be an agent of change,’’ the Christian cleric said.
For his part, the Chief Iman of Liberia’s Muslims Sheik Ali Krayee called on all Liberians, especially registered voters to remain peaceful and conduct themselves proper to prevent violence.
He noted that message of peace is the only word to spread among mankind.
‘’Some time ago, knowledgeable and wise people used religion to make peace but ignorant and foolish people used religion to bring war,” Iman Krayee asserted.
The Muslim cleric observed that Islam is a religion that is misunderstood by many people, especially those who claimed to be Muslims.
“When Muslims say as Salam Alaykum we are saying peace be unto you,’’ he explained.
African politicians, including President Sirleaf, have always made fight against corruption a priority, but do little in the fight after taking power, the Liberian Muslim leader noted.
Krayee observed that fight against corruption is as important as the maintenance of peace and stability.
He said politicians talk much about corruption, but are not yet prepared to fight this menaece.
Meanwhile, the All African Baptist Youth Fellowship and the Liberia Baptist Youth Assembly in partnership with Global Prosperity and Peace Initiative have honored Liberia’s Chief Iman Ali Krayee and others. Report by Kaipee Luther Newray