New LP Chair, Rep. Rugie Barry Says: “Nobody Was Right And Nobody Was Wrong”
By Alfred Kollie, alfredkolliejr92@gmail.com
In a significant move to resolve a long-standing internal conflict, the Liberty Party (LP) has announced a plan for reconciliation following years of division.
The party, one of Liberia’s major political entities, seeks to mend its fractured leadership ahead of a Special National Convention (SNC) scheduled for December 13-15, 2024, in Ganta City, Nimba County.
The decision comes after a series of consultative meetings between two factions that emerged after the party’s Special National Convention in January 2021.
This earlier gathering, held in Gbarnga City, marked the election of Senator Nyonblee Kangar-Lawrence as Political Leader.
However, internal disagreements regarding constitutional provisions and election procedures quickly developed, resulting in a split that saw both factions aligning with different presidential candidates during the 2023 elections.
The internal crisis not only weakened the party’s unity but also inflicted damage on its reputation, once celebrated as a leading political force in Liberia.
The National Executive Committee and county leadership of the LP, represented by their chairpersons, have resolved to work towards a united front by emphasizing the importance of reconciling differences within the next 30 to 60 days.
Key resolutions include the establishment of a joint working group to review the party’s constitution and propose amendments for adoption at the SNC.
The amended constitution will outline a new leadership structure that emphasizes proportional representation from both factions.
The resolution also anticipates mutual agreements on several transitional clauses concerning leadership tenures and the restructuring of county leadership.
Each faction will nominate members, including a religious leader, to form a committee for the SNC, which will be tasked with overseeing the final transition.
As part of the reconciliation process, both parties aim to sign a joint resolution at a retreat on November 2, 2024, paving the way for the unification of the party.
Pending legal disputes between the factions will also be withdrawn in a bid to foster a cooperative environment leading up to the SNC.
In a further commitment to unity, the current Political Leader is set to remain in their position until a new Standard Bearer is elected, with all county chairpersons maintaining their roles during the restructuring process.
Speaking Saturday, November 2, 2024, at a one-day Reconciliation Retreat in Paynesville, Liberty Party Political leader, Senator Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence urged members of the party both at home and abroad to reawaken their mind and spirit and get back to its value as a Liberty Party.
The Grand Bassa County Senator said the past crisis within the Liberty party has made the party and its supporters stronger by standing all trials nothing that now is the time to move the party forward.
According to Senator Lawrence, the Liberty Party is a party of integrity and high standards and a party that respects the rule of law that must be sustained.
Senator Lawrence said it is time to be stronger as a party and work together to maintain Peace, Love, and Unity.
“There is a time and season for everything, a time to be tested, and in every test, it is a time to be stronger. The test in the party makes all of us strong.”
She, however, used the occasion to thank the joint recollection committee and all members for the steps taken in making the Liberty Party great again.
In remakes, Liberty Party Chairperson Representative Rugie Yatu Barry noted that the party has agreed to put the past behind them and move as a united party.
The Montserrado County district # one Representative said now is the time for all members of the party to come together and work in unity.
In the retreat, it was discussed, agreed, and accepted that nobody was right and nobody was wrong and that the past should be put behind.
Senator Dillon maintained that what happened in the past has happened, that it is time to move on to nothing, and that there are many currently in the queue waiting to join the Liberty Party, only waiting for the crisis to be resolved.
“Let go and do it together,” Senator Dillon said.
This planned reconciliation is seen as a pivotal step for the Liberty Party as it seeks to restore its standing and prepare for the upcoming electoral challenges in Liberia, demonstrating a commitment to unity and effective governance.