PHOTO: UP Sec. General Mo Ali
At long last, the embattled Secretary General of the former ruling Unity Party (UP), Mr. Mo Ali has publicly come to terms with the recent sex scandal, days following a leaked audio in which he was heard pressuring a 20-year-lold intern at the private run OK Fm radio in Monrovia.
In a statement published on his Social Media page, Mr. Ali admitted having an affair with the young woman that led to the pregnancy and said he respects womanhood. He also announced that he’sgiving himself “leave of absence”.
But although he has expressed remorse for his behaviour, the UP Secretary General has come under serious criticism in the media including from women.
Below Mo Ali’s statement and reactions on the Social Media:
SPECIAL STATEMENT (Mo Ali)
“As a key political/public figure, I am fully aware that the public holds me at a very different and high moral standard and expects that my behavior, public engagements and dealings would always serve as a good example for the upcoming generation. I am also aware of the gravity of any action and statements that I made either in the public space or even in my private life. It is in this vein that I take full responsibility of the incident involving Ms. Augustina Gray. I have met with the family and had a very good discussion.
It was not and has never been my intention to cause harm to anyone or to exhibit an attitude that disrespects our daughters, sisters or mothers. As a father of three girls, I respect womanhood and know the importance of protecting women. I truly regret the embarrassment that this has caused my children, loved ones, friends, supporters, and the Unity Party.
I am always committed to helping to protect the image of my family and political institution. I am renewing and again avowing this commitment. I call on our supporters and others to address this issue with a high level of respect for everyone’s privacy. I also call on the public to refrain from the trading of accusations and attacks against all involved.
In the wake of this unfortunate incident, I am hereby taking a leave of absence for the rest of April 2021 in order to enable me fully recover from the shocks of the past one week. My sincere appreciation to everyone for the moral support and pieces of advice during these trying times.
I remain committed to my political values and will always pursue such with the same vigor that I have come to be known for.
Signed: Mo Ali”
Maureen Sieh’s reaction:
“I have just read Mo Ali’s press statement on the abortion allegation. Well, he spent more time apologizing, which is good. I think if Augustina Gray had not done the recording, he wasn’t going to be here saying sorry. In as much as he took long to put out a press statement, I respect him for releasing it now. So many Liberians are parading without their fathers because their dads denied the pregnancies. Some don’t even have the means for their dads to return or put out a press statement, I’m glad Gray’s child will have a father.
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and others who wanted authentication before everyone including the CPP can speak against Mo’s action, find the press statement and read it. He didn’t deny the pregnancy, he said he has met with the parents and have had a good discussion. Shame on (everyone), who knew the facts and still decided to throw insults on a lady who decided to save a life. I understand the victim’s pain, and I stand with her! I can’t believe Mo said he has three daughters, and still felt it was appropriate to ask a lady to commit a murder. What if this happens to one of his daughters in the future? Let’s hope for the best……..’haters and the perpetrators’, repent! sin no more!”