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Land Reform in Monrovia, A Compulsion
Aug 17, 2007
Varfley A. Dolleh
Introduction:
When President “Timbo Imbeki” of South Africa and President “Robert Mugabe” of Zimbabwe respectively, initiated their acclaimed land reform, many thought that it was intended to abort the developmental progression of the affluent to the pleasure of the downtrodden poor people. It was marked by major out-cries by the Regional groupings and the International Community, mainly, the “US and Great Britain”. Nevertheless, taking stock from the positive aftermath of the laudable stance of these leaders, we are cognizant of the fact that infusing same, in Liberia could be a mammoth achievement, in that, those land usurped by the Americo-Liberian over the century through dubious means could be reverted to the appropriate and rightful owners. How did the entire areas of “Mamba Point, and most of central Monrovia became legal properties of the few? How did they own major building like the commerce Ministry, Education among others? These are the unanswered question we intend to unearth in this intellectual master- piece.
South Africa and Zimbabwe Experiences:
One of the hallmarks of a leader is the ability to persevere and develop the political will in taking decisive decision even, if it may appear unpopular to the populace at the initial stage. It must be noted, that what matters is the end result for the nation which must take precedence over every other consideration. Using the experiences of the two nations mentioned supra, it was with utmost protest and denunciation when they embarked upon the exercise. Today, it is pleasing to note that many farm lands of the blacks have been returned to them in spite of remonstration, on the part of the “White owners who usurped those lands during the hey days of apathered. The long -term feed back is positive, although President Robert Mugabe is paying a high price. In short, these leaders had developed the will power to effect critical and risky decision for the interest of the nation. Although, critics will accuse these leaders for instituting and implementing unfavorable decisions that have affected the nation economically, leading to the mass exodus of the population as a result of economic and political effects of their action. But what matters is the long-term effect to the poor people decades from now.
Liberia land Fiasco:
It is a mockery of the legal system and sheer institutional stabilization of the criminal empire through the usurpation of most of the ideal lands in Monrovia. It is a moral violation the usurpation of all of the strategic areas of the capital by few untouchables who claim ownership to those areas. How did they own these areas if not through fraud? They claim ownership by virtue of the fact that their parents were in the helm of power and controlled those elements of power illegally. It is un- fair that this issue is not addressed in the wake of the present reform we have been pinpointing. Over hauling of corruption shouldn’t be limited on governmental institutions only, but must transcend at other levels. There is the need to put the legal mechanism in place so that the burning land issue is addressed. We need to revisit the ownership of those lands on Mamba Point and other areas. This is the reality.
It is a corruption for few people to claim ownership to the “Education, Commerce, Justice Ministries and few others buildings”. Even if it is not said, but the reality is they took government money and surreptitiously claim ownership to these properties. How was this made possible? How much were they being paid allowing them to generate such an amount to build those building? Let no one play on the sentiment of the Liberians.
LPRC Ownership:
Another example of the broad day criminal transgression is the shameless statement by the Mr. Harry Grieves Jr. that the corporation is a private entity belonging to few of his close associates. In short, he maintains some time ago that this government subsidiary belongs to President “Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Senator Cletus Watterson and he the boss” of the corporation. This is one of the reasons why he operates at will with out any accountability. What a shame? How did they own the corporation? This is another example of institutionalization of the “criminal empire”. At the corporation, the Director against all corporate norms has failed to have any principal deputy. Who is he amenable to, in that he does every thing at will? This is one of the reasons why we are yet to see the contractual agreement being sought by concern citizens and our partners. Where is the check and balance in the system? Apart, it is naïve to maintain that by virtue of the opportunity to be one of the incorporators of the entity made you one of the sole owners. Capitalizing on same as fact could probably give every one the latitude to ask for portion of loan or agreement consummated on behalf of government. This is a joke. Let no one try to fool any one. Our eyes are opened. Don’t waist your time to harbor that on mind when eventually it will be taken away from you in the future. Either you accept the fact today or face the wrath of the poor masses tomorrow. The choice is your.
Unsolved Problem:
Being mindful of our unyielding quest in the maintenance of untainted peace in Liberia, we once again want to re-echo our previous call to the leader ship of the Country to do every thing with in its power to solve this great injustice against our people that has to do with the usurpation of their land in Nimba County, Liberia. The seed of disunity is being germinated once again with every one either afraid or doesn’t want to be seen as a supporter of the Mandingo cause. Why the selective treatment of this particular group of people? How long will this continue? We have been able to resolve the long awaited land disputes with our brothers in “Lofa, Bong, Margibi, Bomi, and other counties”, where our people are living in harmony. This is the dream envisage by all Liberians in post war Liberia.
It is unrealistic for one to think that those who have been vocal over the years for peace are really committed to the process, especially, those organization that are considered as arbiters of peace and conflict resolution. We are perturbed that up to now the various human right organizations in Liberia are silent over the plight of our people. What are the roles being played by “Council of Churches, the Press Union of Liberia, the Liberia Bar Association, the University of Liberia Student Union, (ULSU), the Student Integration Movement of the University of Liberia, and the Student Democratic Alliance among others”? What are they waiting for before it becomes a melting pot.
I read with interest recently, an article of a diligent, farsighted, thoughtful, unpolarised, and patriotic young lady in the person of Ms. Meapea Gono, who was concerned about the lack of interest on the part of United Nimba Congess in intervening as a way reconciling with the feuding parties involving the hanging conflict that has the propensity to undermine the fragile peace we now enjoy in Nimba, and Liberia as a whole. We want to commend M. Gono for her positive endeavor in this direction. There is a need to heed to her admonition in calling for a “Round Table Conference” so that all of the facts could be put on the table.
Ultimatum:
Based on popular demand, we want to send the caveat that we will not hesitate to institute legal proceeding against the present government and those who claim to own these properties for criminal mischief against the state. We are consulting opinion leaders in this regard in ensuring that the litigation process is a success.
I thank you.
As usual, we want to hear your thought on the various subjects- (215)-666-2506 or Varfley1@yahoo.com
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