Liberty Party In Turmoil

-Political Officer Reacts To Executive Committee's Statement

Liberty Party's Political Officer, Isaac Jackson, Jr. says his attention has been drawn to a reaction quoted in the May 7, 2008 edition of the Inquirer Newspaper purported to have been issued by some members of the party, rejecting comments made by him on matters of national concern.

The party's Political Officer, in a release, said he totally disagree with the content of the Press Release on its merits.

For example, the so-called Liberty party executives' release asserts that “ Liberty party disassociates itself from statement attributed to him on the Truth FM, to the effect that the Party was opposed to the enforcement of Traffic Regulation relative to carrying more than one person in the front seat of commercial vehicles.

Liberty party informed the public that it has neither discussed nor issued any position statement on the latest action of the police…”

Mr. Jackson said that the argument put forward by the Party for dissociating from his comments is absurd, pointless and preposterous for several reasons. The first being that there was no reason to discuss such crucial national matters, it goes without saying that there has been no meeting to disagree with him.

Secondly, Jackson said, he did not speak in his official capacity as Political Officer of the Party. And for obvious reasons some elements in the party have decided to deliberately quote him out of context.

Jackson clarified that he was asked by, a reporter of Truth FM, how he saw the police regulation, and replied that he thought the police action was disturbing and insensitive, owing to the prevailing situation in the country.

He also argued that the police action was untimely, owing to the fact that large numbers of people are always seen awaiting the small number of commercial vehicles that are available and thus called on the police to relax its regulation until government makes available public transportation.

Jackson reminded elements within the Liberty Party who are drumming the disassociation argument that it is exceedingly important to know a politician's personal position on issues.

As a matter of fact, he pointed out, it is a well established phenomenon in a democratically friendly political party that what individuals believe on particular issues may be crucially important than the party to which they belong.

Jackson noted that for the Liberty Party to be seen silencing one of its executives, clearly indicates the fact it is seriously lacking in internal democracy and thus needs to be reformed.

He stated that another reason for which he thinks the statement against him is unnecessary is because the party does not seem to be disagreeing with his position but is rather stating a shameless subterfuge such as “they have not met to decide”.

Regrettably, according to Jackson , the Liberty Party's release demonstrates a lack of political leadership and a complete public-relations disaster.

Jackson explained that the role of Political Officer of the party is for such individual to be on top of unfolding political developments, and to respond in a tactical political manner when issues arise.

This role he indicated, he has continuously performed with an unparallel distinction, something that leads him to believe that his position as reported violates no internal party rules or social norm to warrant such a reaction.

Mr. Jackson said that this development have led him to believe that his disagreement with the party leader, Cllr. Charles Brumskine is the root cause of the party's reaction against him.

Jackson recalled how on several occasions he raised critical issues with Cllr. Brumskine concerning internal party democracy especially as it relates to the protracted caretaker role been played by the counselor's cousin Israel Akinsanya as acting Chairman of the Party since 2006 in sharp contrast to the arrangement that brought him on board.

Mr. Jackson also said he drew the attention of Cllr. Brumskine to the dangers associated with ethicizing the Party, coupled with the level of insensitivity that the counselor allegedly exuded against what he called, “the known warriors of the Party”.

The Liberty Party's Political Officer said his call for the police to relax its regulation was geared toward easing the daily struggle of the poor masses and as such to have the Political Leader and few elements in the party disagreeing with him because of internal problems, clearly points to their insensitivity to the plight of the Liberian people.

Mr. Jackson therefore warns that any attempt by Cllr. Brumskine to use elements in the party to send subliminal signals to the public will be openly deplored. He maintained that his position is wise and until the entire executive committee can meet to put forward a different view from what he has articulated, he will not balk from said position.

The Political Officer then emphasizes that Liberty Party cannot continue to behave like a shapeless jellyfish or an iguana. He warned colleagues in the party who he said have decided to transform the party's primary political currency from commitment to the common values of the institution to uncritical loyalty to the leader, to desist as their action will be resisted decisively.