But Opposition Liberty Party Chairman Bility hits back
PHOTO: Samuel Jackson
By Our Staff Writer
An outstanding critic of the George Weah-led government and opposition frontline supporter, Samuel Jackson has made a surprise U-turn to not only support the policies of President Weah and his CDC government but his 2nd term bid for the presidency in 2023.
Just months ago, Mr. Jackson was one of the fiercest critics of current the government using the Social Media and local radio stations, lambasting many of its economic and political policies as well as its track record since its came to power in Janauary 2018.
Speaking with the state radio, ELBC early this week, the Liberian economist said his decision followed a long period of discussion with family and friends and “in analysis of the current political circumstances of our country” that the hopes and aspirations of millions of Liberians are pinned on the success of this government, and since I don’t see anything substantial coming from the other side, it’s best to deal with reforms of the current system instead of going for disruption in 2023”.
Jackson’s intention was first announced Tuesday June 7, 2021. He is currently resident in the U.S.
Further justifying his unexpected move, the tough-talking Jackson said he has in recent time seen positive changes in the government such as “going to the United States and trying to repair relationship with that country and trying to repair relationship with the Liberian diaspora. I see them undertaking county [citizens’ engagement] tours which is a good way of relating to the people of the country”.
Jackson also explained that his opinion has nothing absolutely to do with his contribution to his country and people.
“I opposed Charles Taylor for the first five years but worked for him in the last 18 months of his administration; I opposed Samuel Doe and worked for Samuel Doe and I opposed the Tolbert regime and I worked for the Tolbert regime”, Jackson recalled.
Commenting on the opposition, the largest bloc of which is the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP), Jackson said “their mission is ambiguous and their organization is disheveled and I don’t see a platform put together to overcome the development challenges the country is faced with today.
Opposition Liberty Party Chairman Bility hits back
Meanwhile Liberty Party Chairman Musa Hassan Bility has taken serious exception to what he sees as negative comments made against the opposition by Samuel Jackson as some of his justification for crossing carpet.
Bility said he didn’t necessarily have to bath mouth them (opposition) in order to give concrete justification. “He could have cited thousands of reasons without attacking us over his resignation”, adding that criticizing the CPP should not be the basis for his justification.
Musa Bility
“It is Mr. Jackson’s right to make any political decision that is best for him or how he sees the country. I don’t think anyone should be intolerant enough to criticize that. My only problem is, why is he picking fuss on the CPP? He was not a member of the CPP and he did not resign from the CPP. So I don’t think joining the CDC and criticizing the CPP was the right way to go about doing that.